Gut Dysbiosis: A Root of Chronic Disease
It is becoming increasingly understood that much of our modern-day chronic disease begins with compromised gut health. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine concluded this more than two thousand years ago. The more we learn with our modern scientific tools the more we realize just how correct he was. Contemporary research continues to unravel the profound impact of gut health on our overall well-being and what factors in our modern world contribute to compromised gut health.
The gut is now largely recognized as a complex ecosystem housing a diverse population of microorganisms. Our human microbiome hosts bacteria, fungi, viruses, worms, and protozoa that are essential to our well-being. Similar to soil, that is crucial for the health of plants and animals in nature, the intricate web of ecology in our intestines, or the “soil” inside us, plays a critical role for many physiologic processes required for a healthy human life. When the soil inside us is damaged, it causes an imbalance of microbes leading to the development of “dysbiosis”. This imbalance of the gut microbiome reduces the human bodies resilience to pathogens and environmental stressors.
A primary function of the microbiome is to create a protective barrier within the lining of the gut. This barrier serves to protect the internal environment of our delicate physiology from the external world. The gut lining, with its tightly regulated permeability, allows nutrients to pass through while preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. A compromised gut barrier, often referred to as “leaky gut” or intestinal permeability, can have far-reaching consequences. It can lead to the passage of toxins, pathogens, and undigested food into the bloodstream, which triggers a cascade of immune responses and inflammation.
This chronic low-grade inflammation has been linked to the development of various chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, hashimotos thyroiditis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative conditions. Many other symptoms can manifest from a “leaky gut” and include painful/stiff joints, hay fever, asthma, allergies and food intolerances, body aches/pains, headaches, lethargy, fatigue, skin rashes/eczema, hormonal abnormalities, neurological symptoms, diarrhea, constipation, acid reflux, abdominal pain/bloating, and many other physical and mental symptoms.
In recent years, there has been growing evidence regarding the connection of dysbiosis to metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of fatal illness in the US, today. Metabolic and cardiovascular conditions linked to dysbiosis include diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gout, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Dysbiosis is not limited to physical disease and symptoms but is also largely associated with mental health conditions.
As mental health disorders become more prevalent, it is important to understand the role our gut microbiome plays on mood and cognition. A bidirectional communication pathway called the gut brain axis is bolstered by a healthy microbiome. The gut microbiome produces an array of bioactive compounds, including neurotransmitters and metabolites, that impact brain function and behavior. Research suggests a strong correlation between gut health and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even neurodevelopmental disorders. This insight has helped cultivate understanding and efforts towards integrative therapies that target gut health to mitigate mental health conditions.
The consequences of a compromised microbiome continue to reveal links to the development of chronic disease. Re-establishing a healthy microbiome can be complex. Firstly, it requires awareness of how our gut health is impacted from our environment and lifestyle. Secondly, it may require a individualized holistic intervention.
Environmental factors, ranging from pollutants and pesticides to dietary choices and stress, play a significant role in triggering and perpetuating dysbiosis. Our environment is overburdened with chemicals and compounds that find their way into our bodies through air, water, and food. Pesticides used in agriculture can have unintended consequences for the gut microbiome. Exposure to these chemicals may alter the composition of the gut microbiome, which can lead to dysbiosis. Common household items, including cleaning products and plastic containers, often contain chemicals that can leach into our surroundings.
The modern western diet, notably recognized for its high consumption of processed foods and low intake of fiber-rich whole foods, has been shown to negatively impact gut health. These foods provide little nourishment to beneficial gut bacteria while promoting the growth of harmful microbes, contributing to dysbiosis. Chronic stress is known to influence the microbiome. Stress can alter gut motility, increase intestinal permeability, and also affect the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. These changes can contribute to inflammation. Furthermore, stronger reliance and overuse of pharmaceuticals and antibiotics has led to disruptions to the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. Antibiotics, for instance, can indiscriminately target both harmful and beneficial bacteria, leading to dysbiosis.
Understanding the role of environmental factors in dysbiosis underscores the need for a holistic approach to health. Embracing a whole foods and organic diet, exercise and spending time outside, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, managing stress, using herbal/plant medicines and reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals can all contribute to maintaining a healthy gut ecosystem. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it's imperative that we recognize the profound impact of our environment on our gut health. By taking proactive steps to minimize the negative influences and nurture our gut microbiome, we can pave the way for improved overall health and well-being.