Dysbiosis: What it is, Causes and Symptoms

; for this reason it is normally followed by an adjective that specifies the body district concerned (vaginal dysbiosis, cutaneous dysbiosis, oral dysbiosis, etc.).

Shutterstock

On the other hand, when we speak simply of dysbiosis, we generally refer to an "alteration of the microflora, mainly bacterial, which resides in the human intestine, especially in the large one (intestinal dysbiosis).

In fact, at this level there is an extraordinary quantity and variety of microorganisms; Suffice it to say that about 100 billion bacteria are found in one gram of feces.

Intestinal bacterial flora

Every day, advertising reminds us how important is the normal balance of this bacterial flora, in which the so-called symbionts should prevail, friendly bacteria of the organism that hinder the proliferation of pathogens, improving the functionality of the intestinal mucosa and, consequently, the health of the whole organism.

Despite the importance of the intestinal bacterial flora, dysbiosis is often not considered a real disease, at least by official medicine; on the other hand, among the proponents of alternative approaches to human health, there is an obsessive attention towards it, given which is often called into question as a trigger for various disorders and pathologies.

Among these, a leading role is played by food intolerances, imbalances of the immune system and related consequences (increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, etc.), fungal diseases (especially candida), disorders of the " alvo (diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence, abdominal cramps, etc.), genital and urinary infections, nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamins and minerals), predisposition to colorectal cancer, and low physical efficiency with a sense of weakness.

For further information: Lactobacilli: What They Are and Functions , since it varies more or less sensitively from individual to individual. We ourselves, in fact, unknowingly select the bacterial species housed in the intestine, based above all on the characteristics of our diet.

The intestinal bacterial flora, in fact, mostly lives on unabsorbed food residues, and each bacterial strain has specific nutritional needs. In the "healthy individual," the origin of a possible dysbiosis must therefore be sought above all in the diet: single-issue diets, food excesses, such as sugar, alcohol or meat, together with the lack of plant foods, are undoubtedly the most common causes. .

Often, some food additives and hormonal or pesticide residues are also called into question, which can be found, respectively, in meat or vegetable foods. Official medicine, however, gives little importance to the alimentary etiopathogenesis of dysbiosis, attributing to it causes of origin which are mostly iatrogenic (drugs), or pathological.

Other possible causes of dysbiosis must therefore be sought in drugs, especially in the case of antibiotic therapies, antacids with proton pump inhibitors, abuse of laxatives or hormonal treatments. Finally, among the possible pathological components, which negatively affect the functionality of the digestive system, we remember liver, pancreatic, gastric (hypochlorhydria) and biliary tract diseases, malabsorption disorders (celiac disease, various intolerances such as those to lactose) and various enteric pathologies (infections, parasites, diverticula, fistulas, etc.).

However, the possible contribution of neurogenic causes (stress, depression, anxiety, etc.) should not be underestimated, given the close and well-documented connection between the brain and the intestine.

, maldigestion, bloating, nausea, vomiting, flatulence (excessive production of intestinal gas), and alvo disorders (constipation alternating with diarrhea, steatorrhea, etc.).

Especially in women, dysbiosis can also be responsible for recurrent genital infections, such as vaginal candidiasis.

Those listed are the most evident and common symptoms, but theoretically - due to the protective role of a friendly bacterial flora already mentioned - non-specific symptoms may also arise, such as sleep disturbances, mood changes, greater susceptibility to infections and reduced efficiency. physics.

For further information: Dysbiosis: Care, Supplements, Treatment