Dysbiosis
Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic can help relieve the symptoms and side effects of dysbiosis. Find out more by reading on.
What is Dysbiosis?
Each and every one of us has trillions of microbes in our bodies, particularly in our gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. These microbes can include everything from good bacteria to fungi, viruses and other organisms. The vast majority of these microbes are good and have a positive impact on our general health and wellness. But just as weeds can overtake a harmonious and beautifully kept garden, so too can a well organised and functioning system of microbes experience a major shift and experience an imbalance, leading to a condition called dysbiosis.
What Causes Dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis in the GI tract can be caused by a number of different potential factors, most of them controllable by the person themselves. They might include:
- Increase in sugar, protein or food additive intake
- Unintentional consumption of trace chemicals (e.g. remnants of pesticides on unwashed fruit)
- Alcohol intake of more than 2 drinks per day
- Unwanted bacteria thriving in your mouth due to poor dental hygiene
- Weakening of the immune system due to increased levels of stress or anxiety
- Exposure to harmful bacteria through unprotected sex
Dysbiosis can also appear on the skin, usually as a result of exposure to harmful bacteria.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Dysbiosis?
Symptoms can typically vary from mild to severe, and can include:
- Anxiety
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Chest pain
- Low moods
- Difficulty urinating
- Fatigue
- Having trouble thinking or concentrating
- Nausea
- Rash or redness
- Upset stomach
- Vaginal or rectal itching
If diet or particular medications are fundamental to the imbalance of bacteria in your system, then making the appropriate changes should help to bring symptoms under control.
Diagnosis of Dysbiosis
There are a number of tests we can administer to determine whether you might have dysbiosis. These tests include:
Test for Organic Acids
Involves taking a urine sample and having it laboratory tested for abnormal levels of acids commonly produced by bacteria. If levels are noticeably high, it could indicate a bacterial imbalance that could point to dysbiosis.
Stool Analysis
You will provide your doctor with a faecal sample for laboratory testing. The technician will analyse your stool and determine the presence of bacteria, yeasts or fungi. Once these levels have been determined, your doctor will be able to determine if there’s an imbalance.
Hydrogen Breath Test
The hydrogen breath test involves breathing into a special balloon or tube immediately after drinking a sugar-based solution. A specialising analyst can ascertain whether or not there are certain gases produced by bacteria that would indicate the presence of dysbiosis.
Is Dysbiosis a Potential Risk Factor for Other Conditions?
It seems that dysbiosis is becoming increasingly linked to a vast range of illnesses and health conditions. While research hasn’t always been conclusive, there are nevertheless a growing number of associations between dysbiosis and:
- Candida, a type of yeast infection
- Caeliac disease
- Gut diseases
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- late-onset dementia
- Leaky gut syndrome
- polycystic ovary syndrome
- Skin conditions, such as eczema
Organise Dysbiosis Testing with Us Today
If you suspect you may have dysbiosis and want to arrange testing, book an appointment with Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic today. In addition to testing and treating dysbiosis, we also offer a wide variety of natural therapies in Melbourne, including acupuncture for labour induction. Providing trusted and reliable TCM Melbourne wide, book an appointment with us today for safe acupuncture treatment and more.