Gut dysbiosis - part 1: what is it?

The strong connection between the gut microbiome and our physical and mental health is becoming widely appreciated. Over a thousand different species of gut bacteria are in constant communication with the rest of the body, including the brain, the skin, and the immune system.

What happens in the gut doesn’t stay in the gut, so to speak.

In addition, a wealth of research is emerging showing how disturbances within the gut microbiome can contribute to a number of health conditions including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular and neurological disorders¹²

Gut dysbiosis is something you may hear about a lot so let’s look into it in more detail –

Gut dysbiosis vs a balanced microbiome

First, let’s consider what a healthy and balanced gut microbiome looks like. A diverse and abundant community of gut microbes provides a wealth of health-giving substances (postbiotics) to its host; it nourishes the gut lining and maintains a protective mucus layer along the gut wall whilst preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and keeping inflammation at bay. It’s a tall order but gut bacteria have the genetic capabilities to do it. However, this ecosystem can be disturbed by environmental factors, including diet, stress, and antibiotics, resulting in dysbiosis.

The definition of gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome which can lead to negative health outcomes. Gut dysbiosis is characterised by all or a combination of the following:

Reduced microbial diversity
A loss of beneficial bacteria
An overgrowth of harmful bacteria

Consequences of gut dysbiosis:-

Disruption to the gut lining and protective mucus layer.
Disturbance to the immune system and increased inflammation.³
Changes to metabolism such as nutrient absorption, appetite control, and insulin function.⁴

How does gut dysbiosis come about?

Your genes contribute to the composition of your gut bacteria, which in turn can influence the development of gut dysbiosis. However, environmental factors, including diet, lifestyle, and exposure to antibiotics, play a more crucial role in shaping the gut microbiome.⁵ Thankfully, these factors are also the ones you have some control over – so let’s look at these in more detail:-