Ayurvedic Treatment for Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis)

Introduction

• Are you experiencing persistent bloating, gas, or irregular bowel movements? 
• Do you often struggle with concentration, and fatigue, or notice unexplained mood changes? 
• Have you observed skin issues, frequent headaches, or a weakened immune system?
• Is your child frequently falling sick?
• Is your child a picky eater, often craving sugary or junk foods?
• Does your child struggle with irritability,  mood swings, or difficulty in concentration?
• Is your child suffering from frequent digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, or bloating?
• Does your child experience frequent stomach pain, excessive gas, nausea, etc.?
• Have you noticed unexplained skin problems in your children such as allergies, rashes, eczema, etc.?
• Has an unbalanced diet or use of antibiotics affected your child’s gut health?

These diverse symptoms may be indicative of Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis) a condition characterized by an imbalance in the complex community of microorganisms residing in our intestines – Gut Microbiota.

Dysbacteriosis, also well known as gut dysbiosis, is a condition that occurs when beneficial bacteria are overwhelmed by harmful microorganisms or diminished from the gut leading to various systemic or digestive issues.

As per recent research, these types of imbalances are linked with various health issues, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), obesity, and even various mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

As per Ayurvedic classical texts, dysbiosis is not merely viewed as a microbial imbalance but aligns with the concept of toxins (Ama) due to impaired digestion. This accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body interferes with the absorption of nutrients and alters the natural ecosystem of the gut.

Here, you will get complete information on gut dysbiosis and its Ayurvedic treatment which includes detoxification therapies, the use of herbs such as Triphala, Guduchi, and Neem, Yoga therapy, Gem therapy along with dietary and lifestyle modification.  Addressing gut dysbiosis through both traditional Ayurvedic practices can lead to improved digestive health and help to get rid of these diseases.

What is Gut Microbiota?

In the human digestive system, a vast community of microorganisms resides including bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, etc., particularly in the intestine these are referred to as gut microbiota.

When it is balanced it supports healthy digestion, prevents pathogens from colonizing in the gut, synthesizes vitamins, modulates the immune system, and even influences the gut-brain axis or brain functions. But when imbalanced dysbiosis occurs it results in various conditions like IBS, IBD, diabetes, obesity, allergies, mood disorders, etc.

What is Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis)?

The condition characterized by an imbalance in the natural microbial community of the gastrointestinal tract is known as Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis). Due to poor diet, overuse of antibiotics, chronic stress, and environmental toxins beneficial bacteria decline in our body and harmful bacteria grow resulting in dysbiosis which exhibits various systemic and digestive health issues.

What is Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis) – As Per Ayurveda?

As per Ayurveda, the gut microbiota can be seen as an integral part of digestive transformation (Pachaka Pitta) and mucosal protection (Kledaka Kapha) which maintain balance in the gastrointestinal system and also modulate immunity. When this balance is disturbed due to weak digestive fire (Manda Agni) and due to the formation of toxins (Ama) it results in the overgrowth of harmful microbes which results in dysbiosis which exhibits symptoms like IBS (Grahani Roga), diarrhea (Atisara), anemia due to malabsorption (Pandu Roga), mental health disorders (Manas Roga), etc.

Who Gets Affected by Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis)?

Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis) can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Here is the list of who gets affected by Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis):-

In Infants and Children

• C- C-section-born babies are more affected by dysbiosis as they have no exposure to maternal microbiota as initial microbial contact occurs during birth.
• Formula milk-fed babies are more affected as they miss the bacteria from the breast milk.
• High sugar or low fiber diet leads to an imbalance of healthy bacteria in the babies which ultimately increases the chances of having dysbiosis.
• Developing gut flora is greatly disrupted by the frequent use of antibiotics. So, it is the most important reason for dysbiosis.

In Adults

• The individuals take unhealthy diets and have sedentary lifestyles.
• Individual lacking sleep
• Individuals suffer from chronic stress.
• Frequent use of antibiotics.
• Individuals who frequently use proton pump inhibitors.
• Frequent use of NSAIDs and steroids.
• People with autoimmune conditions like RA and lupus, allergic conditions like asthma, food allergies, digestive issues like gluten or lactose intolerance, etc.
• People undergoing chemotherapy.

How Common is Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis)?

The global prevalence of dysbiosis is not in figure readily available but as per a recent survey using the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, this condition is quite common throughout the world and approximately 40% of individuals throughout the world suffer from dysbiosis. As per the well-documented survey, 10% of IBS patients had gastroenteritis followed by gut microbiota dysbiosis.

As per the survey, the use of antibiotics is the major cause of disruption of gut microbiota. Approximately 5-35% of individuals suffer from Antibiotic-associated diarrhea and this condition is caused by a disruption of gut microbiota or by dysbiosis.

Types of Dysbacteriosis (Dysbiosis)

There are different types of dysbiosis based on the nature of duration in the gut microbiota. Here you will find out the types of Dysbiosis:-

1) Putrefactive Dysbiosis

This type of dysbiosis occurs when individuals have less fiber intake, excessive protein consumption, and low digestion which results in protein fermentation in the colon which leads to harmful bacteria like Bacteroides and clostridium, etc. formation in the gut and exhibits symptoms like foul-smelling gas, constipation, etc.

2) Fermentative Dysbiosis

This type of dysbiosis occurs when excessive fermentation of undigested carbohydrates results in overgrowth of fermenting bacteria in the gut due to high intake of sugars and carbohydrates and results in symptoms like excessive gas, diarrhea, etc.

3) Deficiency Dysbiosis

When digestion and immunity are weakened beneficial bacteria like bifidobacterium or lactobacillus decrease in our body due to poor diet, overuse of antibiotics, etc. which results in symptoms like frequent infection, fatigue, etc. 

4) Immune-Mediated Dysbiosis (Sensitization Dysbiosis)

This dysbiosis is the result of an autoimmune response or allergies which increase gut permeability and lead to chronic inflammation, food intolerances, skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, etc.

5) Candida Overgrowth Dysbiosis (Fungal Dysbiosis)

Fungal dysbiosis occurs when overgrowth of fungi like Candida albicans occurs in the gut due to frequent antibiotics use, high sugar intake, etc. which results in sugar craving, skin rashes, brain fog, oral thrush, etc.

6) Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs due to the overgrowth of bacteria. It is the small intestine that results in fermentation in SI and causes bloating, weight loss, etc. symptoms.

7) Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)

Due to prolonged use of antibiotics, immune dysfunction, and poor diet excessive fungal growth occurs in the small intestine which results in symptoms similar to SIBO diseases with additional symptoms like itchy skin, oral thrush, etc.