Gut dysbiosis is a condition of microbial imbalance in the intestines. Generally, a healthy person will have an optimal amount of good bacteria and microorganisms to fight off any unhealthy bacteria, parasites, and yeast in the lower digestive tract. A person who has intestinal dysbiosis has a condition in which one or more harmful microorganisms have upset this balance, which is usually maintained by good bacteria.
Gut dysbiosis has many possible causes. Often when a person takes antibiotics, these drugs destroy the beneficial bacteria along with the harmful ones. If the good guys are slow to replenish, Candida, a harmful yeast, or other harmful organisms can quickly grow. This can cause an imbalance and symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis.
One of the other causes of this condition can be stress. When people feel anxious, they often experience an upset stomach. If a person's body is weakened due to prolonged stress and has no chance to heal, intestinal dysbiosis can occur.
Parasitic infections can also cause intestinal dysbiosis. Giardia Y cryptosporidium are two parasites that can cause symptoms of dysbiosis. Others include both the tapeworm and roundworm.
Symptoms of this condition can include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acne, chronic fatigue, food intolerance, and allergies. In general, all of this arises because the digestive system cannot function efficiently without the proper balance of intestinal microorganisms. Other symptoms that indicate an imbalance in the intestine can be weak or cracked nails, rectal itching and dilated capillaries, among others.
If gut dysbiosis persists over time in a person's body, it can lead to leaky gut syndrome and inhibit the proper absorption of nutrients from food. Leaky gut can occur as a result of damage to the intestinal walls caused by harmful microbes and the toxins they produce. Some of these harmful substances reduce the effectiveness of the intestine's ability to absorb nutrients from food. They also prevent the production of substances that are useful for digestion, which normally produce good microbes. This can lead to malnutrition and a number of other unpleasant consequences.
Other conditions that have been linked to prolonged intestinal imbalance include muscle and joint pain and muscle fatigue. Certain types of arthritis and psoriasis have also been linked to gut dysbiosis. Many people who have been diagnosed with idiopathic IBS may also be suffering from the effects of gut dysbiosis.
Tests for the presence of harmful intestinal microorganisms may be helpful in diagnosing intestinal dysbiosis. Treatment often consists of removing any harmful parasites, rebuilding good intestinal flora and fauna, and changing the affected person's diet. Sometimes food allergies need to be addressed to help a person achieve a healthier digestive system.