Dysbiosis
When the ecosystem is out of balance. Dysbiosis is an imbalance in gut bacteria—too many harmful species, too few beneficial ones, or reduced diversity. This microbial disruption contributes to inflammation, autoimmunity, obesity, depression, and most chronic diseases.
Types of Dysbiosis
Loss of Beneficial Species
Reduced Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus. Fewer butyrate producers. Loss of protective species.
Overgrowth of Harmful Species
Too much E. coli, Klebsiella, Clostridia. LPS producers. Inflammatory species dominate.
Loss of Diversity
Fewer total species. Western lifestyle reduces variety. Hunter-gatherers have more diversity.
Causes of Dysbiosis
Antibiotics
Kill indiscriminately. Can take months to recover. Repeated courses compound damage.
Poor Diet
Low fiber, high sugar. Processed foods. Limited variety. Starves beneficial bacteria.
Stress
Cortisol changes gut environment. Reduces motility. Affects mucus layer. Gut-brain axis.
Medications
PPIs, NSAIDs, metformin. Birth control. Many drugs alter microbiome. Often overlooked.
Infections
Food poisoning, parasites. Can permanently shift balance. Post-infectious IBS common.
C-Section/Formula
Early life colonization matters. Vaginal birth seeds microbiome. Breastmilk feeds it.
Health Consequences
Inflammation
LPS triggers immune response. Systemic inflammation. Elevated CRP. Root of many diseases.
Autoimmunity
Molecular mimicry. Leaky gut + dysbiosis. Immune system attacks self.
Obesity
Altered energy harvest. Inflammation. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Weight resistant to diet.
Mental Health
Gut-brain axis. Neurotransmitter production. Depression, anxiety link. "Psychobiome."
Nutrient Deficiencies
Bacteria make vitamins. B vitamins, K2 affected. Absorption impaired.
IBS/IBD
Dysbiosis central to GI disorders. Both cause and effect. Vicious cycle.
Restoring Balance
Fiber Diversity
30+ plants per week. Different fibers feed different bacteria. Variety is key.
Fermented Foods
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi. Live cultures. Daily consumption. Better than supplements alone.
Probiotics
Multi-strain, high quality. Strain-specific benefits. May need to try different ones.
Prebiotics
Inulin, FOS, GOS. Feed beneficial bacteria. Resistant starch. Polyphenols.
Reduce Processed Foods
Additives harm microbiome. Emulsifiers especially. Artificial sweeteners. Eat whole foods.
Stress Management
Gut-brain axis bidirectional. Stress changes bacteria. Meditation helps gut.