Intestinal dysbiosis is an imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora that reduces the absorption capacity of nutrients and causes vitamin deficiency. This imbalance is caused by the decrease in the number of good bacteria in the intestine and the increase of bacteria capable of causing disease.
Dysbiosis usually causes symptoms such as nausea, gas, diarrhea, or constipation, and can be cured, which can be achieved through a nutritionist-directed re-education. However, when dysbiosis is not treated, bad bacteria can migrate into the blood and can cause an infection in the whole organism that, in the most severe cases, can lead to death.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis are:
- Nausea;
- Gas and belching;
- Loss of hair;
- Weak nails;
- Abdominal distension;
- Alternate periods of diarrhea and constipation;
- Malformed faeces;
- Headaches;
- Tiredness;
- Recurrent candidiasis.
In case of suspected dysbiosis, the gastroenterologist may request a stool test or a specific urine test to identify the dysbiosis, the Indican exam.
How the Indican exam is done
The Indican exam is made from a urine sample, which should be the first urine in the morning or the urine concentrated for 4 hours. In this examination the amount of Indican in the urine, which is a product of the metabolism of tryptophan, an amino acid present in foods, such as bitter chocolate and nuts, is evaluated.
Under normal conditions, tryptophan is converted to indole and Indigo is induced by the action of intestinal bacteria, and traces of this compound in the urine are normal. However, when there is imbalance of the intestinal flora, there may be a lot of Indican production, being its concentration high in the urine and confirming the diagnosis of intestinal dysbiosis.
Causes of intestinal dysbiosis
The causes of intestinal dysbiosis may be related to the use of antibiotics, cortisone or laxatives and also due to alcohol abuse. Stress, inadequate diet with excess sugar, refined and industrialized foods and low fiber, as well as some intestinal diseases, such as diverticulosis, intestinal inflammation and constipation, also favor the imbalance of the intestinal flora and, consequently, of the installation of dysbiosis.
People with dysbiosis can develop hives and acne, which are caused by the poisoning brought on by the bad bacteria entering the blood and so it is important to carry out the treatment properly.
How is the treatment done?
To treat dysbiosis it is necessary to be accompanied by a nutritionist because the treatment consists in restoring the bacterial flora with an adequate diet. The person should consume foods rich in fiber and probiotics, which stimulate the growth of good gut bacteria, helping to establish the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. Find out what the probiotics are and what they are for.
