The Gut Microbiome: Balancing Dysbiosis to Enjoy Improved Health

It’s no secret that a healthy gut microbiome is essential for continued well-being. When the gut microbiome is balanced, it can help regulate inflammation, improve digestion, and support overall wellness.

Unfortunately, certain lifestyle factors can lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance of microorganisms in the gut that can cause inflammation and lead to various chronic illnesses. Fortunately, there are many ways of restoring balance to the gut with functional medicine techniques.

Let’s look at the components of a balanced gut microbiome and how functional medicine can help address dysbiosis.

The Human Gut Microbiome: What Is It?

The human gut microbiome is composed of beneficial bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms that play an essential role in the body’s functioning.

A healthy balance between commensal (beneficial) and pathogenic (disease-causing) species is essential to maintain good health. When dysbiosis occurs, the ratio of beneficial bacteria to pathogenic species becomes unbalanced and can lead to inflammation along with a variety of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and other autoimmune conditions

What is Dysbiosis?

Dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the body. Various factors, such as antibiotic use, poor diet choices, a lack of sleep, or stress can cause this.

Symptoms associated with dysbiosis include:

Chronic illness is also associated with dysbiosis. Studies suggest that inflammation caused by dysbiosis may be linked to inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even obesity.

Functional Medicine for Dysbiosis: Dietary & Lifestyle Changes

Fortunately, functional medicine can help address dysbiosis through dietary and lifestyle changes.

Functional medicine focuses on restoring balance to the body through dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and supplement use. Rather than focusing on the symptoms of a condition, functional medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying causes of disease.

By restoring balance to the gut microbiome, inflammation can be reduced, and many illnesses can be prevented or managed. Lifestyle changes may include:

1. Eating a mostly plant-based diet that emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

2. Limiting processed foods and sugar.

3. Incorporating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, and tempeh.

4. Managing stress through activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

5. Getting enough sleep and exercise.

6. Avoiding antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

In addition to lifestyle modifications, probiotic and prebiotic supplements can be beneficial in restoring balance to the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. Supplements can be tailored to the individual’s needs, taking into account allergies, sensitivities, and any health conditions that may be present.

By following functional medicine protocols, many people have experienced improved symptoms related to dysbioses, such as bloating, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, and digestive difficulties.

Additionally, many have seen reduced inflammation and a decrease in symptoms associated with chronic disease.

Rebalance Your Gut with Internal Healing & Wellness in The Woodlands

Functional medicine is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather an individualized approach to restoring balance to the body. Through dietary, lifestyle, and supplement modifications, dysbiosis can be effectively managed, and many illnesses can be prevented or improved.

By restoring balance to the gut microbiome, inflammation can be reduced, and overall health improved. With the right guidance and support, functional medicine can help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

At Internal Healing & Wellness, we have helped individuals in The Woodlands, Houston, and beyond find relief from dysbiosis and other chronic illnesses. If you would like to learn more, please contact us today. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that can help you experience improved health and wellness.

Ready to learn more? Contact our Dr. Khan today and experience the difference that functional medicine can make in your life.