Dysbiosis

How Does Dysbiosis Relate to IBS?

Studies have shown reduced bacterial abundance and diversity among people with IBS. Dysbiosis may contribute to 1) Increased permeability of your intestine, and possibly nutrient malabsorption and less protection against pathogens; 2) Altered gut motility, which refers to the way your intestines move waste through; 3) Increased sensitivity; as pain threshold decreases, you experience more pain with excess gas and water in intestines; 4) Immune changes; 5) Change in the link between the gut microbiota and the brain. These changes may intensify your IBS symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits. Talk to your doctor to find out if any treatment plans are available to help relieve your symptoms.

#flushingoutIBS

IBS and Dysbiosis Causing Bacteria

IBS is a common GI disorder with an estimated prevalence of 6 to 12% in Canada. A dysbiosis frequency of 73% was observed among IBS patients. Dysbiosis is a condition of having an imbalance in the microbial community in your gut and is sometimes known as impaired microbiota. The predominant bacteria contributing to dysbiosis in IBS include Firmicutes (Bacillus, Ruminococcus gnavus), Proteobacteria (Shigella, Escherichia) and Actinobacteria (Bifidobacterium). If you are suffering from dysbiosis-like symptoms such as alterations in gut mobility, malabsorption, changes in mood, bloating, excess gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits, talk to your doctor to find the right treatment plan that will work best for you.

#flushingoutIBS

Suffering from Dysbiosis? Talk to Your Doctor 

Recent studies have linked dysbiosis to gut disorders, with IBS being one of them. Dysbiosis refers to a bacterial (sometimes fungal) imbalance in your gut microbiota composition, resulting in various symptoms and complications. Healthy gut microbes are involved in digestion, immune function, disease prevention, and tissue repair, among many other roles. But when these gut microbes are distorted, harmful bacteria or yeast begins to colonize, causing chronic inflammation, depression, or even immune system dysfunction. If you are suffering from dysbiosis, talk to your doctor to find out if any treatment plans are available to help relieve your symptoms.

#flushingoutIBS

What Causes Dysbiosis? 

When it comes to the gut, the one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, so the answer to this question is complex and varies among individuals. Dysbiosis occurs when there is a disturbance in the natural balance of the gut microbiota, leading to other pathophysiological changes affecting both physical and mental health. Dysbiosis has been associated with several diseases and conditions, IBS being one of them. Dysbiosis could be a result of changes in diet and eating behaviour, heavy alcohol consumption, use of antibiotics on a regular basis, poor dental hygiene, stress, anxiety, depression, or other gastrointestinal infections. IBS is a multifactorial disease, and the root causes may vary from one individual to another, and therefore no single treatment might work for everyone. Talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Are IBS and Dysbiosis Linked? 

Dysbiosis has been shown to be associated with several diseases and conditions, with IBS being one of them. Recent studies have demonstrated that IBS has microbiomes that exist in a state of dysbiosis. Although the question as to how dysbiosis evolves into IBS and what microbial strains cause dysbiosis remains; it’s clear that people who live with IBS have a less diverse and more unstable bacterial community in their guts than people who do not suffer from the condition. If you’re suffering from dysbiosis-like symptoms, such as alterations in gut motility, malabsorption, changes in mood, bloating, excess gas, abdominal pain, and altered bowel habits, talk to your doctor to find the right treatment plan that will work best for you.

Dysbiosis and Treatment Options 

Good bacteria in our gut include Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and even some yeasts. However, when bad microbes override these beneficial ones, it can cause dysbiosis. Symptoms of dysbiosis are strongly dependent on where bacterial imbalance develops and on the types of bacteria that are out of balance.

Symptoms may include diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, frequent indigestion, bad breath, foul-smelling stools, and undigested food in the stool. Dysbiosis can also affect your mental focus and mood, these symptoms vary in severity and may include anxiety, stress and depression.

If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut and talk to your doctor. There are several treatment options available, including medications.

Dysbiosis and Speaking to a Doctor 

Symptoms of dysbiosis strongly depend on where the bacterial imbalance develops, and the types of bacteria that are out of balance. 

Symptoms may include diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, bloating, belching, abdominal pain, frequent indigestion, bad breath, foul-smelling stools, and undigested food in the stool. Dysbiosis can also affect your mental focus and mood, with symptoms varying in severity and may include anxiety, stress, and depression. 

There is no cure for IBS, but many different treatment options are available, including medications. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut, and talk to your doctor. Remember, many doctors are now are seeing patients virtually — via telemedicine. Meeting online with your physician via your home computer or smartphone can be convenient, safe, and, in many ways, similar to an in-person visit. 

Gut-brain Axis  

Did you know our gut can be thought of as our second brain? This is because digestion in our gut sends signals to our brain, and directly influences a multitude of factors such as weight gain. Studies show that an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria (called dysbiosis) is correlated with obesity. Dysbiosis in the gut has been found to cause weight gain, even when calories and activity are controlled. 

Also, if you are having trouble managing your weight with IBS, it’s important to speak to a doctor or a gastroenterologist.

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in disease

There is growing evidence that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is associated with the pathogenesis of IBS. It is believed that the microbiome of an IBS patient consists of less beneficial bacterial and larger amounts of fermentation products.

Several factors can cause dysbiosis, such as a diet high in carbohydrates, alcohol misuse, mental and physical stress, and GI infections.

Dysbiosis and speaking to a doctor

Dysbiosis occurs when changes in bacterial community (i.e., microbiota) structure contribute to the development of disease. Signs and symptoms often include bloating, burping, burning, excessive gas, nausea, or diarrhea. If you suspect that dysbiosis is the cause of your suffering or discomfort, speak to a medical professional right away. Currently, most doctors are talking to patients on the phone by video conference or through email.

Tips to engage with your physician

We know that IBS, and other gut disorders such as dysbiosis, can be frustrating, discouraging, and even debilitating – but it is treatable.

If you think you have a gut disorder and are planning on talking to your doctor, here is a helpful checklist. Many doctors recommend that people who think they have a type of gut disorder come prepared for their visit.

To make the most of your visit:

• Bring a symptom diary with you. Many people have trouble remembering or even noticing their symptoms. This is especially difficult for IBS and gut dysbiosis, given that they are multi-faceted diseases, affected by lifestyle, diet, stress, and behaviour. Keeping a symptom diary is a great way to track food, drinks, bowel movements, and any symptoms you may have.

• Bring a list of your current and past medications, making sure to note their dosage and frequency of use. Your gut disorder could be related to the drugs and supplements you take.

• Make sure to share your medical history with your doctor. Your gut disorder could also be related to your past health issues.

• Bring a list of questions and concerns. Be proactive, ask your doctor all the questions and concerns you have. As mentioned previously, remember, you can also get a second opinion, if needed.

Dysbiosis as the Root Cause of Seemingly Unrelated Disorders

We have been discussing dysbiosis for some time now – dysbiosis is the medical term for an unbalanced or damaged microbiome, which has been closely linked with the development of a myriad of health conditions like IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Did you know that several other seemingly unrelated disorders may impact our gut microbiome? Evidence is mounting on the causal role of an altered gut microbiome in inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, obesity and diabetes, and psychiatric diseases like anxiety and depression. Several types of gut bacteria are also known to cause hormonal disruption.

If you want to talk to your doctor about dysbiosis, many healthcare providers are making telemedicine available to their patients, allowing you to video chat or talk on the phone with your doctor.

What does Dysbiosis have to do with IBS?

Recent studies have linked reduced and unstable bacterial abundance and diversity to IBS and even chronic bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease. Leading to the following problems:

1. Alterations in gut mobility

2. Malabsorption

3. Changes in mood

4. Bloating, excess gas, abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.

For more information, visit https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/dysbiosis-ibs/