Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiota (the vast population of microbes that live in the digestive tract, especially in the intestine), disrupting the diverse community of microorganisms in the digestive tract of a person. The gut microbiome encompasses the collective population of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, residing in the gut.
In a healthy state, these microbes contribute to digestion and immunity in a person and maintain a delicate balance among different bacterial species. However, problems arise when this balance is disrupted, resulting in dysbiosis.
One crucial indicator of gut microbiome dysbiosis is a decrease in diversity. A healthy microbiome typically consists of over 1,000 different bacterial species.
“Healthy microbiomes produce something called as short chain fatty acids. These short chain fatty acids are responsible for reducing inflammation and fighting against pathogens that enter the body,” says Srilakshmi Desiraju, CEO & co-founder AA Probics, a nutraceutical company focusing on improving health and wellness through management of the gut microbiome.
Since good gut bacteria are responsible for the release of short chain fatty acids in the intestine, a decrease in their numbers can make one prone to digestive and inflammatory disorders.
Common causes of gut dysbiosis include antibiotic use, a poor diet high in processed foods and low in fibre, chronic stress, certain infections, chronic diseases, environmental factors, medications, and even the mode of birth (C-section vs. vaginal birth).
Also read: Can taking probiotics improve your mental health?
Recognizing and addressing gut dysbiosis is important for maintaining overall health. By promoting a healthy gut microbiota through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and targeted interventions, it may be possible to restore balance and improve overall well-being.
