Your Microbiome Explained
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Dysbiosis: When Balance is Lost
Dysbiosis = microbial imbalance. This can mean:
- Loss of beneficial species
- Overgrowth of harmful species
- Reduced overall diversity
- Altered bacterial ratios
What causes dysbiosis:
1. Antibiotics (biggest disruptor)
- Kill beneficial bacteria along with pathogens
- Effects can last months to years
- Repeated courses = cumulative damage
2. Poor diet
- Low fiber starves beneficial bacteria
- High sugar feeds inflammatory bacteria
- Processed foods lack microbial fuel
3. Stress
- Alters gut environment
- Reduces beneficial Lactobacillus
- Increases inflammatory species
4. Medications
- PPIs, NSAIDs, metformin
- Alter gut pH and environment
5. Infections
- Can permanently shift microbiome
- Post-infectious IBS common
Symptoms of dysbiosis:
- Bloating and gas
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Food intolerances
- Fatigue
- Skin issues
- Brain fog
Dysbiosis is implicated in IBS, IBD, obesity, diabetes, allergies, and even depression.
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