The use of beneficial bacteria in the treatment of digestive complaints and supplementation after antibiotic courses is becoming more widespread and acceptable throughout many realms in both the public and medical thought. However, the role of bacteria in sustaining enhanced immune performance and good adaptability in the face of dietary, emotional and environmental toxins is less well known and accepted.
Even the term "dysbiosis" is not fully understood by many working in the field of immunology, naturopathy and nutritional based therapies. Yet, dysbiosis is very common and seemingly increasing in incidence and severity. It is often the root cause or trigger for numerous conditions, amazingly though, it remains undiagnosed.
Dysbiosis basically refers to a "bacterial imbalance", a shift away from the normal symbiosis in the intestinal tract. We should have approx eight-five percent beneficial bacteria or ‘friendly flora’ in a healthy colon; and fifteen percent putrefactive, coliform bacteria, which are negative bacteria.
Unfortunately, due to modern lifestyles and diets, many of us are lucky to have a "fifty: fifty" ratio. This tipping of the balance can have a dramatic and detrimental impact on our immune system, digestive system and overall level of health.
Beneficial bacteria are responsible for the production and absorption of vital vitamins such as the B vitamin complex: riboflavin, biotin, niacin, B12, folic acid, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, plus bioflavonoids like quercetin and rutin (which help maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall), minerals such as zinc, magnesium and selenium, plus vitamin K (which also helps stop micro haemorrhages of the intestinal lining causing leaky gut).
An abnormal intestinal flora is not in a position to produce or assimilate the above-mentioned vitamins and minerals. Large percentages of vitamins and minerals are utilised by degenerated flora to meet their own demand; resulting in hypovitaminosis, then fatigue and immunodeficiency.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed now, particularly in the UK, by the bucket load, without the patient seeing any discernible change in the symptoms or increase in energy levels. From the outset, the vast majority of these supplements cannot be absorbed by the human body due to their synthetic or non-organic basis.
Additional dysbiosis (dysbacteria) compounds the problem. Rationally, the balancing of the dysbiosis would be the first step in evaluating any short or long-term condition (see the list below) and any deficiencies of the above mentioned essential nutrients.
Stress is now recognised in “official” circles as having an impact on intestinal health. Studies have shown that emotional stress and even noise can severely inhibit the number and or the effectiveness of beneficial bacteria within the large intestine, this having an impact on the effect of digestion, the immune system, moods and energy levels.
The quality of food we eat can have a great influence on the quality and quantity of our friendly flora. Possibly the worst offenders are all saturated fats (meat and dairy products), refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol and heavily processed food.
Sugar has been shown to inhibit the reactivity, and quantity, as well as decrease levels of immune chemicals, T-cells and beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus acidophilus, bifidobacteria, bifidum, streptococcus thermophilus and lactobacillus bulgaricus.
Some tests have shown that the ingestion of refined sugar can inhibit these bacteria within half an hour, and they can remain inhibited or “neutralised” for up to five hours, as long as, no more sugar is ingested. Other tests have shown white sugar to inhibit or destroy twenty-five percent of T cell activity within two hours of ingestion, and that is with only one teaspoon's worth of sugar!
Sugar also reduces the body’s production of antibodies, interferes with the electrical transportation of vitamin C, reduces the absorption of essential minerals like zinc and trace minerals such as chromium, and neutralises essential fatty acids (EFAs). All of these nutrients are imperative for immunological performance.
In iridology, there are several signs in the eye that show sugar allergy or intolerance.
Global research has revealed that indigenous intestinal flora such as certain strains of E.coli, also streptococcus thermophilus, lactobacillus, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacteria infantis and lactobacillus bulgaricus, help to boost when required and generally modulate the immune system, not only within the colon but systemically.
They also aid in the digestion of proteins, essential fatty acids and carbohydrates, balance cholesterol levels, as well as contribute to endocrine equilibrium. Intestinal flora assists with maintaining a healthy liver, and healthy skin, and prevents the formation of carcinogenic substances as well as keeping infections such as fungal and viral bacteria at bay.
From assumed intestinal dysbiosis we may discover immune-compromised and or inflammatory conditions in connection to the liver function, pancreas, epithelium of the respiratory tree and the epithelial aspects of the thyroid gland, parathyroids, pharynx and tonsils.
Susceptibility to infection may take hold, these organ and gland locations need to be checked on the iris for prominent signs.
Due to the acute or more often than not, chronic lowered resistance we may have recurrent and spiralling antibiotic usage present for recurrent and chronic conditions such as:
tonsillitis, cystitis, bronchitis or pleurisy, within the patient's medical history.
Symptoms and Conditions associated with Dysbiosis are:
Leaky gut syndrome
Autoimmune conditions
Allergic asthma, Hay fever and Rhinitis
Constipation or Diarrhoea
Mineral and Vitaminosis
Flatulence
Abdominal bloating
Chronically foul-smelling stools
Fatigue, depression and mood swings
Fungal infections (Candida)
Hypo/dysglycemia
Dyspepsia or oesophageal acid reflux
Liver disease congestion including hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia
Acne
Anaemia
Immunodeficiency
Eczema
Headaches
Pancreatitis
Hyperphagia
Excessive sweating
Recurrent (inflammatory) infections (tonsillitis, bronchitis, nephritis, otitis media, sinusitis and interstitial cystitis)
Herpes simplex infection (cold sores)
Insomnia
Cholecystitis
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP)
Mouth ulcers
Glossitis
Possible causes of Dysbiosis are:
Antibiotic usage
Radiation
NSAIDS
Contraceptive pill and Depo-provera injections
Parasites
Diverticulosis
High saturated fat based-diet
Refined sugar
Caffeine
Dairy products
Meat
Emotional stress (unresolved issues)
Constant exposure to loud noises
Vaccination stress
Long term aspirin usage
Steroids misuse
Geopathic stress
Artificial sweeteners
Vitamin C & bioflavonoids deficiency
Digestive enzyme deficiency,
Magnesium deficiency
Gastritis
Mercury amalgam dental fillings and root canals
Lead toxicity
Treatment protocols for Dysbiosis are:
Probiotic supplementation (therapy may take up to 3 months or more)
Digestive enzymes (from pineapple, papaya, beetroot and sprouted seeds and beans)
Cultivate blood sugar balance
Raw garlic, onion, asparagus, red cabbage, and Jerusalem artichoke
Eat as much raw food as possible
Organic, freshly pressed plant juices, (nettle, beet, carrot, apple)
Chew food well
Algae supplementation or grasses to help with vitamins and minerals
Adequate sleep
Manual lymphatic drainage
Flaxseed oil (organic and cold pressed) 1 tablespoon daily
The Reduction or withdrawal from certain pharmaceutical agents
The avoidance of dairy products
The avoidance of refined sugar and artificial sweeteners
Appropriate testing and the removal of problem dental fillings and toxic materials (root canals, gum infections)
Working with the above naturopathic health care principles to restore the correct bacterial balance is a vital and worthwhile personal investment for your wellbeing.
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