For any discomfort in the abdomen, a person likes to attribute "dysbiosis" to himself. In fact, many myths have already formed around this concept. They were dispelled by a nutritionist
But the funny thing is that all of the above problems are symptoms of the same condition - dysbiosis. Or, as it is also called, intestinal dysbiosis. And therefore, it is necessary to treat not a single indigestion or flatulence, but the entire gastrointestinal tract. How to do it best, what tests to take and in general - is there a chance to get rid of dysbiosis forever, - we asked Ph.D., gastroenterologist, nutritionist of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Nutrition Natalia Mikhnev. The expert helped us dispel the myths floating around this problem.
Antibiotics are to blame for dysbiosis
Really. One of the most common reasons for the development of dysbiosis is considered to be the uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs (especially the penicillin and cephalosporin groups). They have a detrimental effect on a significant part of the representatives of the normal intestinal microflora, which are sensitive to this drug. Thus, an environment is created for the reproduction of conditionally pathogenic microflora, which by antibiotics more stable.
As practice shows, on the third day of taking killer drugs, dysbiosis develops in the human intestine. That is why a competent doctor, when prescribing antibiotics, must definitely take care of the destructive microflora therapy was carried out under the guise of probiotics (drugs that contribute to the revival of normal microflora) and a certain diet.
Taking antibiotics can really cause dysbiosis / istockphoto.com
The main symptom of dysbiosis is intestinal discomfort
Myth. The symptoms of dysbiosis directly depend on those microorganisms that come to power. So, in a healthy intestine, for the time being, everything goes smoothly. But as soon as there is even a slight disruption of the balance of forces between the beneficial microflora and the conditionally pathogenic one, a war begins at the “bacteriological factory”.
Well-being depends on who exactly takes possession of the scepter and crown of the inner empire of a person, that is, whose army will be the most numerous. In one case, the imbalance of the intestinal microflora causes constipation, in the other - relaxation, in the third - gas formation, in the fourth - sharp abdominal pain. And sometimes all these manifestations alternate, replacing each other and delivering a lot of inconvenience to their owner.
Bioyogurts should not be taken all the time.
Truth. Like any prophylactic drug, fermented milk products with a bio-prefix cannot be taken constantly. Indeed, for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, a person must ensure that his diet is varied. It is important to get a certain amount of complete protein (and not only from dairy products, but also from meat, fish, eggs), fiber (fresh vegetables, fruits), and carbohydrates (cereals).
Therefore, gastroenterologists do not advise to get too carried away with bioyogurts and biokefirs. It is best to use them in courses (once every 2-3 months), the duration of which should not exceed 10-14 days. This will maintain a normal microflora - of course, provided that you do not take antibiotics and do not have any chronic diseases. How to make homemade bioyogurt, read here.
Bioyogurts are not allowed all the time / istockphoto.com
Dysbacteriosis is not a disease, but a symptom
Truth. In the international classifier of human diseases, accepted throughout the world, there is no such disease as intestinal dysbiosis. Violation of the balance of power between beneficial microflora and opportunistic physicians is regarded as a complex of symptoms. If the dysbiosis is primary, that is, caused by the intake of antibiotics and immunosuppressants, it is regarded as a side effect of taking medications. And if we are talking about secondary dysbiosis that has arisen as a result of the development of the underlying disease of internal organs, then it is classified as a complication. But despite the fact that it is not considered a disease, it must be treated. How exactly is up to the doctor.
Dysbacteriosis is caused by "bad" fungi and microbes
Not always. The human gastrointestinal tract is a bacteriological factory. About 500 different types of microorganisms from 17 families grow and very successfully coexist here. These are bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and various enterococci, and Escherichia coli. Some microorganisms are involved in the synthesis of vitamins, others produce components of the immune system, others break down food, and still others fight against foreign microflora. So in our intestines there are both absolutely positive characters and conditionally pathogenic ones, who, if the opportunity arises, can always go over to the side of the disease.
As long as a person is healthy, all this bacteriological fraternity is quietly doing their job, not making themselves felt in any way. But very often the real enmity in the intestines is kindled:
- pathogenic microbes
- (fungi of the genus Candida, staphylococcus, Proteus), penetrating into the intestine from the outside,
- stress,
- fasting,
- unhealthy
- nutrition,
- chronic diseases of internal organs (especially the liver,
- gallbladder, stomach and reproductive system).
Before diagnosing "dysbiosis", the doctor must prescribe tests / istockphoto.com
Organic products will help solve the problem
Myth. Despite the abundance of beneficial bacteria contained in fortified dairy products, they are not able to cure a person of dysbiosis. Especially if this condition is caused by the prevalence of a fungal infection of the genus Candida and Geotrichum, for which fermented milk and carbohydrate foods are an excellent breeding ground. That is why it is impossible to treat dysbiosis without examining the intestinal microflora, during which the specialist needs determine the type or association of microorganisms prevailing in the body and their sensitivity to antibiotics.
So, deciding to start treatment of dysbiosis, be mentally and financially prepared for what you have to do:
- coprogram (general analysis of feces - from 120 UAH),
- general blood test (from 90 UAH),
- urine (from 100 UAH),
- to carry out an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity (350 UAH),
- and, if necessary, carry out other analyzes.
Only after that, the doctor will be able to identify the cause of the dysbiosis, its stage and prescribe adequate treatment.
It will also be interesting for you to read:
8 causes of dysbiosis in babies: how to help a baby's tummy
Dysbacteriosis in children: why and what to do
