Dysbiosis

Your body is full of harmless bacteria colonies known as microbiota. Most of these bacteria have beneficial health effects, and contribute to the normal processes of your body.

But it can result in dysbiosis when one of these bacterial colonies is out of control. Usually, dysbiosis happens when the bacteria in the stomach and intestines are unbalanced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Some of the symptoms of dysbiosis, such as stomach upset, are temporary and mild. In certain cases, the imbalance can be resolved by your body without medication. But if your symptoms become more severe, you will need to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Dysbiosis is not only associated with the gut microbiome, it can also affect the other microbiomes of the body, including the skin, mouth and nose.

Causes of Dysbiosis

Any interruption in microbiota balance can lead to dysbiosis.

When you experience dysbiosis in your GI tract, this is usually the result of:

• a change in your diet/unhealthy diet

• accidental chemical consumption

• too much alcohol

• new medications/antibiotic use

• poor dental hygiene

• high levels of stress and anxiety

On your skin, dysbiosis is also common. Exposure to harmful bacteria or overgrowth of a single form of bacteria may cause this.

Symptoms of Dysbiosis

Common symptoms of dysbiosis include:

• Anxiety

• Bloating

• Chest pain

• Constipation

• Depression

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty urinating

• Fatigue

• Halitosis

• Nausea

• Rash

• Trouble concentrating

• Upset stomach

Who is at risk of Dysbiosis?

Predisposition, lifestyle and the environment can all place a person at a higher risk of dysbiosis. Children born in the C-section are at higher risk, as are children who are exposed to disinfectants and antibiotics early in life. This is attributed to the high malleability of the microbiome in childhood developmental stages.

Risk can contribute to those who are older environment and health status. Again, antibiotic use increases the risk, as well as high stress and weakened immune systems. Those in hospital or long-term health facilities are at a higher risk of dysbiosis than those living alone with less bacterial and viral exposures.

To Sum It Up

Dysbiosis is typically mild, and can be treated with improvements in medicine and lifestyle. But dysbiosis can lead to chronic conditions, including IBS, if left untreated.

If you are feeling some unusual or persistent stomach pain or skin irritation see your doctor right away. The earlier your illness is diagnosed by your doctor, the less likely you are to experience any more complications.