Bacterial dysbiosis can be divided into 4 types:
Putrefaction dysbiosis results from diets high in fat and animal flesh and low in insoluble fiber which increases transit time and allows ingested material to putrify in the colon. This results in an increased concentration of Bacteroides species and a decreased concentration of Bifidobacteria species (friendly bacteria) in the stool. The change in composition of the gut flora leads to an increase in bacterial enzymes which to name a few, increase cancer causing substances and interfere with the bodies hormones. As there is a decrease in friendly bacteria, the production of short chain fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients is decreased. There is also an increase in ammonia which can have negative effects on numerous bodily functions. Research has implicated this type of dysbiosis in contributing to colon cancer and breast cancer.
Fermentation/Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth(SBBO)
This type of dysbiosis is commonly referred to as Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth or SBBO. This is due to the fact that it involves overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract i.e. stomach, small intestine, caecum This is the same type of problem as with yeast overgrowth (also predominantly in the small intestine) whereby the sufferer develops an intolerance to carbohydrate. Any carbohydrate ingested is fermented by the bacteria and results in production of toxic waste products. The symptoms may be the intolerance of carbohydrate alone or any of those also attributed to Candida/yeast overgrowth. In fact, it is likely that both yeast and bacterial overgrowth commonly occur together and overgrowth of either can lead to Leaky Gut Syndrome. The risk factors for SBBO include those for yeast overgrowth and also:
- Insufficient stomach acid
- Abnormal motility
- Immune deficiency
SBBO has been implicated in gastric cancer and can cause acidosis (where the body becomes too acidic) due to increased production of lactic acid.
Deficiency of probiotics or gut flora.
Use antibiotics or a diet low in soluble fiber may create an absolute deficiency of normal gut flora, including Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus and E. Coli. . As a result of deficiency the human host will be deprived of the nutrients usually supplied by the gut flora and deficiencies may result. There will also be weakening of the immune system and hence a reduced resistance to infection. Deficiency has been linked to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and food intolerance. Deficiency and putrefaction dysbiosis often occur simultaneously.
Sensitization dysbiosis refers to a condition where there is an increased immune response to the normal gut flora.This situation may be associated with the development of inflammatory bowel disease, spondyloarthropathies, other connective tissue disease and skin disorders like psoriasis or acne. The immune system may be overreacting to the bacteria themselves, or substances produced by them. Intestinal bacteria may play a part in autoimmune diseases as the immune system first reacts to bacterial antigens and then cross reacts with the body's own cells with a similar structure. Sensitization and fermentation types of dysbiosis may go hand in hand, just as deficiency and putrefaction do.
Clinical research has implicated bacterial dysbiosis in a number of diseases of inflammation within the bowel or involving skin or connective tissue.
A current list of diseases with a gut dysbiosis element:
- Atopic Eczema
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
The study of gut flora is still very young but the amount of research is now increasing rapidly so the list of diseases above is likely to grow. As research continues to provide interesting results the recognition of the link between the gut flora and health can only increase.