Intestinal Dysbiosis
The microbiome imbalance that triggers systemic inflammation
Definition
Intestinal dysbiosis is the qualitative and quantitative alteration of the gut microbiome: loss of bacterial diversity, overgrowth of pro-inflammatory species, deficit of butyrate-producing bacteria (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia), and growth of opportunistic pathobionts. It is an established co-factor of virtually all chronic pathologies: inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, depression, autoimmune diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even colorectal cancer.
Detailed explanation
Modern causes of dysbiosis are ubiquitous: repeated antibiotics (especially in childhood), ultra-processed Western diet low in fibre, excess of simple sugars and artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame), chronic stress, alcohol, caesarean delivery, formula feeding, agrochemicals, and environmental pollution.
Modern diagnostics: 16S rRNA massive sequencing or shotgun metagenomics (resolution at the species and functional level). Tests available in Spain: GA-map (Genova Diagnostics), Microba, Atlas, Biome. Key interpretation: alpha-diversity index (Shannon, Simpson), Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, presence of Akkermansia muciniphila (associated with metabolic health), Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (main anti-inflammatory), and pathobionts (expanded Enterobacteriaceae).
Interventions to restore diversity: diet rich in polyphenols and fermentable fibre (30+ g/day, 30 different plants/week), fermented foods (kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, natural yogurt), specific prebiotics (inulin, FOS, GOS), strain-specific probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium longum), spermidine (intestinal autophagy), and, in severe cases, faecal microbiota transplant (FMT).
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