From Digestion to Disease: The Alarming Effects of Dysbiosis<br/><br/>

How Gut Imbalances Trigger Systemic Illness—

And What You Can Do About It

Did you know that an estimated 70% of the immune system resides in the gut? The human microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mental health. (1)

However, when this delicate balance is disrupted—a condition known as dysbiosis—it can contribute to chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues. Studies have linked gut imbalances to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (2), obesity (3), anxiety and depression (4), and cardiovascular disease (5), making gut health a cornerstone of overall wellness (6).

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we take a functional medicine approach to healing, focusing on restoring gut health as a key step toward achieving optimal well-being.

Understanding dysbiosis and how it affects the body is essential for making informed decisions about diet, lifestyle, and holistic treatments.

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis refers to a disruption in the normal composition and function of the gut microbiome. It can result from various factors, including:

Diet: A poor diet is one of the most significant contributors to dysbiosis. High sugar intake feeds harmful bacteria and yeast, such as Candida, leading to overgrowth and inflammation.
Gluten-containing foods can contribute to gut permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut," which allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses.
Processed foods often contain artificial ingredients, preservatives, added sugars, and pro-inflammatory seed oils that can disrupt the gut microbiome, reducing the diversity of beneficial bacteria. Additionally, a lack of fiber in processed foods deprives gut bacteria of the nutrients they need to thrive, further exacerbating gut imbalances.

Eating Hygiene: How you eat is just as important as what you eat when it comes to gut health.
Poor eating habits, such as constant snacking, grazing throughout the day, eating too quickly, or not chewing food thoroughly, can impair digestion and contribute to dysbiosis.
Eating too fast can lead to inadequate digestion and bloating, while frequent snacking can disrupt the natural fasting periods that allow the gut to rest and repair.
Practicing mindful eating—chewing food thoroughly, eating at regular intervals, and avoiding distractions during meals—can support optimal digestion and microbiome balance.

Stress: Chronic stress can profoundly affect gut health by altering gut motility, increasing intestinal permeability, and disrupting the gut-brain axis.
When the body is in a prolonged state of stress, it releases higher levels of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can reduce the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid, leading to poor digestion and nutrient malabsorption.
Stress can also trigger inflammation and dysregulate the immune system, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can flourish while beneficial microbes decline.
Additionally, stress-related behaviors such as emotional eating, poor sleep, and reliance on processed foods can further exacerbate gut imbalances.

Alcohol is a hidden trigger for dysbiosis and leaky gut. Alcohol consumption can significantly impact gut health by disrupting the balance of the microbiome and increasing intestinal permeability. Excessive or frequent alcohol intake:

Kills beneficial bacteria, allowing harmful microbes to flourish.
Increases gut permeability (leaky gut), enabling toxins and inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses.
Irritates the gut lining, leading to inflammation and digestive discomfort.
Disrupts digestion and nutrient absorption, further contributing to gut imbalances.

Even moderate alcohol consumption can negatively affect gut health, especially when combined with other gut stressors like processed foods, high sugar intake, or chronic stress.

Environmental Factors: Toxins from pesticides, pollution, and household cleaning and personal hygiene products can significantly disrupt gut health by altering the delicate balance of the gut microbiome.
Pesticides and herbicides, such as glyphosate, have been shown to negatively impact beneficial gut bacteria while allowing harmful bacteria to thrive, potentially leading to enhanced intestinal permeability, commonly known as "leaky gut."
Air and water pollution introduce harmful chemicals and heavy metals into the body, which can trigger oxidative stress and inflammation, further compromising gut health.
Additionally, many conventional cleaning and personal care products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals, artificial fragrances, and preservatives that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled, indirectly affecting the gut microbiota and immune system.

Antibiotic Use: While antibiotics can be used treating life-threatening bacterial infections, their common overuse or misuse can have significant consequences for gut health. These medications do not discriminate between harmful and beneficial bacteria, often wiping out entire populations of gut microbes.
This disruption can create an environment where opportunistic pathogens, such as Clostridium difficile or yeast like Candida, thrive, leading to further gut imbalances and inflammation. Additionally, repeated antibiotic use can reduce microbial diversity, weakening the gut’s ability to support digestion, immunity, and overall health.
Read about how to heal your gut from antibiotic use.

Other Medications That Contribute to Dysbiosis
While antibiotics are widely recognized for their role in disrupting gut health, they are not the only medications that can contribute to dysbiosis.
Many commonly prescribed drugs can also alter the balance of the gut microbiome, exacerbating or triggering gut imbalances.
Here are some other medications that may contribute to dysbiosis:

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs, often used to treat acid reflux or stomach ulcers, work by reducing stomach acid production.

While they provide temporary symptomatic relief from acid-reflux conditions, in the long-term they impair digestion, nutrient absorption, and affect the diversity of gut bacteria. A reduction in stomach acid provides a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, not only leading to dysbiosis but an increased risk of gut infections like Clostridium difficile. (7)

Laxatives

Laxatives are commonly used to relieve constipation, but frequent or long-term use can negatively impact gut health and contribute to dysbiosis.

Stimulant laxatives, such as senna and bisacodyl, work by irritating the intestinal lining to induce bowel movements, which can lead to dependency and disrupt normal gut motility over time.

Osmotic and saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or polyethylene glycol, draw water into the intestines, which can alter the gut microbiome by flushing out beneficial bacteria along with waste.

Additionally, overuse of laxatives can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and impaired digestion, further exacerbating gut health issues. (8)

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation, NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

They may also disrupt the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing the diversity of beneficial microbes. (9)

Opioids

Opioid medications, commonly prescribed for pain management, can significantly impact gut health and contribute to dysbiosis. These drugs slow gut motility, often leading to opioid-induced constipation (OIC), which disrupts the natural movement of the digestive system and can allow harmful bacteria to proliferate.

Additionally, opioids can alter the gut microbiome by reducing microbial diversity and increasing inflammation in the gut lining. Chronic opioid use has been linked to leaky gut syndrome, increased susceptibility to infections, and impaired immune function. (10)

Antidepressants and Antianxiety Medications

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications used to manage depression and anxiety can significantly impact gut health by altering gut motility and microbial composition. These medications influence the gut-brain axis, as a large portion of serotonin—the neurotransmitter they regulate—is produced in the gut. (11)

Changes in Gut Motility: Some anxiety medications can slow down or speed up digestion, leading to constipation, diarrhea, or bloating, all of which can affect the gut microbiome.
Microbiome Disruptions: Long-term use of SSRIs and benzodiazepines has been associated with reduced microbial diversity and an imbalance in beneficial versus harmful bacteria.
Increased Gut Permeability: Some studies suggest that certain antidepressants may contribute to leaky gut, allowing inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream and triggering systemic inflammation.
Impact on Nutrient Absorption: Medications that alter digestion can also affect nutrient absorption, potentially leading to deficiencies that further compromise gut health.

Hormonal Birth Control and the Gut Microbiome

Hormonal birth control pills can disrupt the gut microbiome by altering estrogen metabolism, increasing intestinal permeability, and promoting inflammation.

Research suggests that synthetic hormones in birth control can reduce microbial diversity, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive while beneficial bacteria decline.

This imbalance has been linked to conditions such as leaky gut, increased risk of yeast overgrowth (like Candida), and chronic inflammation.

Additionally, birth control pills may influence the gut-liver axis, affecting how the body detoxifies hormones and other substances.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Chemotherapy can be a life-saving treatment for some cancers, but it can have profound effects on the gut microbiome.

These drugs can alter the gut's microbial diversity and impair immune function, leading to dysbiosis and increased susceptibility to infections and gastrointestinal issues. (12)

When the balance of beneficial bacteria is compromised, harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses can flourish. This imbalance can lead to a range of health issues, impacting not just digestive health but systemic functions throughout the body.

The Gut-Health Connection: How Dysbiosis Affects Systemic Illness

Research increasingly shows that gut health is intertwined with overall health. Here are some key connections between dysbiosis and systemic illnesses:

Autoimmune Disorders and Enhanced Intestinal Permiability

The immune system relies on a healthy gut microbiome to function optimally. Dysbiosis can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as "leaky gut."

This condition allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. Over time, this can contribute to autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and multiple sclerosis. Functional medicine approaches, including dietary modifications, such as the Autoimmune Protocol and gut healing protocols, can help restore gut balance and support immune health.(13)

Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance

Dysbiosis is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, characterized by obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance.

Studies have shown that an imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to inflammation and the dysregulation of metabolic hormones.

A healthy gut microbiome is essential for maintaining normal insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. By restoring gut health through nutrition and lifestyle changes, we can significantly impact metabolic syndrome and its associated risks. (14,15)

Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain connection is a significant area of study, with research showing that the gut microbiome can influence mental health outcomes.

Dysbiosis has been associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression, likely due to its impact on neurotransmitter production and inflammation.

The gut produces over 90% of the body’s serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood. By improving gut health, we can also support better mental health. (16,17)

Skin Issues – How Dysbiosis Contributes to Eczema, Acne, and Rosacea

Your skin is often a reflection of your gut health. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—it can trigger inflammation, immune dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances that manifest as eczema, acne, and rosacea.

Eczema & Leaky Gut

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is linked to increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut. When the gut barrier is compromised, toxins, undigested food particles, and inflammatory compounds enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can contribute to chronic skin inflammation. Studies suggest that individuals with eczema often have a disrupted gut microbiome, lower microbial diversity, and an increased presence of pathogenic bacteria.

Acne & Gut Dysbiosis

Acne isn’t just a hormonal issue—it’s also an inflammatory condition influenced by gut health. Gut imbalances can lead to systemic inflammation, poor detoxification, and altered sebum production, all of which contribute to breakouts. Research has shown that certain strains of gut bacteria influence the skin’s oil production and immune response, making gut dysbiosis a major driver of persistent acne. Additionally, gut imbalances can affect insulin regulation, leading to blood sugar spikes that fuel acne breakouts.

Rosacea & the Gut-Skin Connection

Rosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, has been strongly linked to gut health issues, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and dysbiosis. Studies have found that individuals with rosacea are more likely to have an imbalance of gut bacteria and an overgrowth of harmful microbes. Additionally, gut inflammation can trigger immune system hyperactivity, leading to the characteristic facial redness, irritation, and flare-ups associated with rosacea.

Cardiovascular Disease and the Oral-Gut Microbiome Connection

The gut begins in the mouth, making oral health a crucial yet often overlooked factor in gut and cardiovascular health. The oral and gut microbiomes are interconnected, and disruptions in either can contribute to systemic inflammation and heart disease.

Poor oral hygiene, including use of harsh anti-bacterial mouthwash, high-sugar diets, smoking, and alcohol consumption can lead to oral dysbiosis, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Research links oral pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, to atherosclerosis and hypertension, as these bacteria have been found in arterial plaque. Similarly, gut dysbiosis can contribute to chronic inflammation, altered lipid metabolism and cholesterol, and insulin resistance, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

By maintaining a healthy oral-gut microbiome through proper hygiene, nutrition, and lifestyle choices, we can support heart health and overall well-being.

Strategies for Restoring Gut Health

Restoring a healthy gut microbiome is essential for promoting overall health. Here are some effective strategies:

Nutritional Interventions

Prioritizing a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods is essential for maintaining a healthy microbiome and preventing dysbiosis.

Incorporate Whole Foods: A diet rich in organic fruits, vegetables, grass-fed/finished meat, wild-caught fish, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients and fiber that support gut health.

Consume Probiotics and Prebiotics: Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi can introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut. Prebiotics, found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus, feed these beneficial bacteria and help them thrive.

Eliminate Processed Foods: Reducing sugar, artificial sweeteners, seed oils, and processed pre-packaged foods can help decrease the growth of harmful bacteria. Understand what’s in your food by reading food labels.

Gluten Elimination: Eliminating gluten and gluten cross-reactive foods oftne helps reduce inflammation, improve gut barrier function (i.e. leaky gut), and support microbiome diversity. Many individuals report relief from digestive issues such as bloating and irregular bowel movements after removing gluten from their diet. (18)

Lifestyle Modifications

Stress Management: Chronic stress can have a profound effect on gut health. (19) Mindfulness practices, yoga, meditation, journaling, and breathwork can help reduce stress and improve gut function.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity supports a healthy gut by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and improving digestive function. (20)
Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome. (21) Aim for 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night.

Intermittent Fasting: Intermittent fasting (IF) has become an increasingly popular dietary approach, and research shows it may have significant benefits for gut health. IF involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, which can help promote gut healing and reduce inflammation.
Studies suggest that fasting can positively affect the gut microbiome by enhancing the diversity of beneficial bacteria and encouraging the growth of microbes that support a healthy gut. (22)
Additionally, fasting helps regulate metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, (23) and promote the gut's natural repair processes, which can contribute to overall digestive health.
Reduce alcohol consumption: Reducing alcohol intake or opting for gut-friendly choices, such as fermented beverages like kombucha, can help support a balanced microbiome and overall digestive wellness.

Reduce Toxins: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins by investing in a high-quality water and air filter, using natural cleaning products, and opting for non-toxic personal care items can help support a healthier gut and your overall health.

Acupuncture as a Powerful Supportive Therapy

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we incorporate acupuncture as a powerful tool to enhance gut health. Here’s how acupuncture can support the restoration of gut balance:

Reducing Stress: Acupuncture is known for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. By addressing the physiological responses to stress, acupuncture can help improve gut motility and digestive function.

Enhancing Digestion: Acupuncture can stimulate digestive organs, improving their function and increasing nutrient absorption. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, or bloating. (24, 25)

Balancing the Immune System: Acupuncture can help regulate the immune system, supporting a healthy inflammatory response and reducing the risk of autoimmune conditions linked to dysbiosis. (26)

Promoting Overall Wellness: Acupuncture can enhance overall wellness, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance.

Take Charge of Your Gut Health Today

Dysbiosis is more than just a digestive issue—it’s a root cause of many chronic health conditions. By addressing gut imbalances through nutrition, stress management, targeted supplementation, and holistic therapies like acupuncture, you can restore your microbiome and improve your overall well-being.

At Denver Sports and Holistic Medicine, we specialize in personalized health solutions that help you heal from the inside out. If you're experiencing digestive issues, fatigue, brain fog, or unexplained inflammation, now is the time to take action.

Request a free consultation with Dr. Martina Sturm today and start your journey toward better gut health and lasting wellness.

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