Gut dysbiosis

Gut microbiota = all the bacteria, viruses and other micro-organisms living inside the gut. Balance of the microbiota is important for our health. Dysbiosis (bad changes) of the gut microbiota may be causing symptoms in IBS.

Our body is covered with microbes and especially our gut (large intestine) is teeming with these micro-organisms, collectively called the microbiota. Our microbiota plays a great role in the health of our digestion and really, in the health of our entire body – healthy microbiota is connected to a healthy body and mind, whereas an unhealthy microbiota is connected to many (if not all) chronic diseases.

What is interesting, is that even though you would think that the microbiota must be messed up in IBS, in only some cases has there been clear differences in microbiota composition between healthy people and people with IBS. (21) It has been seen, however, that dysbiosis of the microbiota can be associated with more severe symptoms. Evidence is now emerging in which changes in Clostridiales species have been noticed, as well as increased Firmicutes and decreased Bacterioides.

Animal studies are beginning to show that the microbiota could be part of the cause of IBS, but the data from other studies don’t support this well. (19) For example, fecal transplants attempt to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, but studies on fecal transplants have been conflicting (22). Also, fermentation in the colon is typically similar in healthy people and people with IBS, which means that the amount of gas in the colon is similar, too, and bloating can’t be blamed on gas necessarily. Furthermore, it is not clear which came first, IBS, or the change in microbiota. Probiotic supplementation is also not definitely helpful, although the results are promising (32). I discuss the microbiota and probiotics further in a later chapter.

In sum, it seems that changes in the gut microbial composition have something to do with IBS, but research hasn’t yet been able to fully clarify this idea, nor has it found concrete evidence that the use of probiotics could help. In any case, our lifestyle and diet can be very helpful in keeping our beneficial microbes happy, which supports gut health and general health. Especially fiber and polyphenols are connected to a healthy microbiome.

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