Imbalanced Microbiome | Dysbiosis

The gut microbiota supports a healthy immune system, metabolizes and synthesizes vitamins, supports healthy serotonin levels, protects the body from inflammation by producing SCFA (short chain fatty acids) along with supporting other metabolic functions … it does so much more than simply help us digest and utilize our food.

It is vitally important that our microbiome be healthy, robust and correctly balanced. When the gut microbiome gets out of balance, symptoms will occur and persist throughout the body. This can lead to something called Dysbiosis or even cause Leaky Gut, also called Increased Intestinal Permeability.

Our intestinal lining normally has a tight barrier with a mucosal lining between what is going through the intestine and what is inside the body.  When this barrier becomes impaired, it starts to have holes or cracks in the lining, which allows for partially digested food, toxins or pathogens to penetrate the lining and leak into the body.  Once inside the body, it can travel anywhere and cause inflammation and a wide variety of symptoms.  

Some common symptoms of an unbalanced microbiome: bloating, digestive issues, IBS, food sensitivities, itching skin, rashes, skin conditions, inflammation, headaches, chronic congestion, histamine issues, allergies, autoimmune issues, aches and pains, sugar cravings, anxiety, and depression.

There are many ways the microbiome can get out of balance.  A few of the most common causes are poor dietary habits, antibiotics, birth control pills, medications, stress, Ultra-processed food, lack of sleep, or chemicals, just to name a few.