Dysbiosis - The Microscopic Enemy Behind Poor Health

What is Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis is an imbalance between the body's beneficial microorganisms and the invading harmful and opportunistic organisms. These harmful microorganisms include; gram-negative bacteria, parasites, worms, viruses, fungi, protozoa and amoebae. Whereas the beneficial organisms comprise mainly of bacteria with small amounts of useful viruses and fungi.

Dysbiosis can potentially occur anywhere in the body, where beneficial bacteria are present. Different areas in the body respond differently to Dysbiosis, for example;

• Dysbiosis of the skin can lead to eczema or dermatitis.
• Dysbiosis of the sinus can lead to sinusitis.
• Dysbiosis of the vagina can lead to thrush.
• Dysbiosis of the urethra can lead to urinary tract infections.
• By far, the most significant area that is affected by dysbiosis is the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, the intestines.

The intestines not only absorb nutrients from our food and remove waste, but are home to 70% of the body's immune system. The intestines also have the second-largest amount of nerves outside the brain, contains the body's microbiome and stores up to 90% of the body's happy brain chemical serotonin. Intestinal Dysbiosis not only leads to digestive problems such as flatulence, bloating and diarrhoea, but digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. The effects of intestinal Dysbiosis are not limited to the gastrointestinal tract. It can suppress or alter immune function, weaken the nervous system and is often overlooked as a cause for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

Symbiosis is the complete opposite of Dysbiosis. Its translation means companionship. It occurs when the beneficial organisms residing in the body live together, for each other's mutual benefit. Symbiosis creates the seeds of exceptional health and benefits are far-reaching with positive effects on all organs and cells within the body. Symbiosis is something we all should try and achieve for long-term health and longevity.

What Causes Dysbiosis?

The causes of Dysbiosis are many and can vary from one person to the next. Below is a list of the common causative factors associated with Dysbiosis.

Harmful Organisms Causing Dysbiosis

There are potentially thousands of harmful or opportunistic organisms that can cause or contribute to Dysbiosis. The list below highlights some of the more common varieties.

Symptoms Of Dysbiosis

Not everybody suffering from Dysbiosis presents with the same symptoms. One person may have multiple symptoms, while others may only have a few. When dysbiotic organisms suppress or alter the function of the immune system, enteric nervous or digestive systems, any number of health conditions can and generally occur.

Below are some of the more common conditions associated with Dysbiosis.

Why Is Dysbiosis Bad For Health?

Over 2000 years ago, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously stated: "all disease begins in the gut, heal thy gut". Little did he know that 2000 years later, science would validate his statement.

The gut is home to the Enteric Nervous System, the biggest conglomeration of nerves outside the brain. These nerves are continually providing the brain with information as to what is going on in the digestive tract. If the diet is proper and symbiosis is occurring, then the messages sent through the Enteric Nervous System to the brain are that of calm, relaxed and happy. Conversely, if Dysbiosis is prevalent in the large and small intestines, then the messages sent to the brain are irritating, stressed, angry and depressed. When these emotions are received by the brain, then we feel those emotions.

The digestive system is home for 70% of the immune system and comprises mainly of beneficial bacteria, also known as the microbiota. Like the Enteric Nervous System if the diet and symbiosis are healthy, then the messages sent to the immune system is that there's no danger, so maintain surveillance. If Dysbiosis is prevalent, then the messages sent to the immune system is that we're under attack, marshal the troops and prepare for battle. This constant state of being under attack can confuse the immune system resulting in a weakened immune system prone to infections and allergies. For some, their immune systems can become hypervigilant, resulting in the immune system turning on the host, resulting in any number of autoimmune diseases.

When the state of symbiosis is upset in the digestive tract and Dysbiosis takes hold, the health of the digestive system begins to falter. Initially, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhoea are common. As Dysbiosis takes hold in the gastrointestinal tract, then health conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, SIBO, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Ulcerative Colitis become common.

Dysbiosis is the underpinning of poor health and a common condition found in many health conditions and diseases. Symbiosis on the other hand, provides healthy, beneficial gut organisms which have a fantastic relationship with us and are an integral part of our microbiome. They are what keeps us healthy and conversely when they are weak, in poor health or reduced in numbers, our health deteriorates. These beneficial gut organisms are so good they act as a constant supply of easily absorbed vitamins including; B2, B5, B6, B12, K2, folate, biotin, choline, inositol and PABA.

Ruling out Dysbiosis as a cause of a disease is paramount to any successful long-term, health strategy. No wonder why they called Hippocrates the 'Father of Medicine'.

Dysbiosis Treatment

The first and most straightforward strategy to reduce Dysbiosis is to improve the diet and increase more fibre rich foods such as; fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, legumes and beans. Improving the diet provides nourishment for the beneficial bacteria and helps to strengthen symbiosis. To effectively eradicate Dysbiosis herbs play a vital role, in particular, anti-microbial herbs such as barberry, sweet wormwood, black walnut hulls, garlic and rosemary. These herbs target the bacteria, parasites, fungal spores and worms that drive Dysbiosis. Also probiotics are helpful to strengthen the numbers of beneficial bacteria and assist the herbs in eradicating Dysbiosis. 

NatroVital has some great nutritional tools to help eradicate Dysbiosis. Intestinal Cleanse is an alcohol-free, anti-microbial blend of herbs designed to fight Dysbiosis and alleviate symptoms of poor digestion. Probiotics provide additional support, in particular SacchroBiotic, a fast-acting, yeast-based probiotic that seeks out and suffocates harmful organisms while providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria. Additionally Multibac 10, a potent multi-strain beneficial bacteria probiotic, improves symbiosis by improving the health and numbers of all beneficial bacteria. These probiotics work well together with Intestinal Cleanse to spring clean the digestive tract, reduce intestinal inflammation, reduce intestinal toxicity and importantly reduce Dysbiosis. 

The information provided here on Dysbiosis is of a general nature intended for educational purposes only. We make no claims to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate or cure illnesses or diseases with any information or product stated. With any health issue, including Dysbiosis, we suggest you consult your healthcare professional before undertaking any health treatment.

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