Dys-Whatever-Osis!

I have been wondering lately about something called dysbiosis.

This blogger (http://intestinaldysbiosis.com/) calls it: "Dysbiosis is the opposite of symbiosis,  which basically means “living in harmony.” Intestinal,  or gut dysbiosis is a state that occurs when the intestinal flora has been disturbed or is out of balance."

I keep reading that if the flora in your body is out of balance, it has a profound effect on your health and immune system.

The reason I have been thinking about this at all is that, as everyone probably knows, after a C-Section they pump you full of all sorts of anti-biotics because it's a major surgery. I don't know what they gave me because when someone changes that damn bag they don't even feel the need to inform you what it is or what the side-effects might be. I asked once and the nurse just said 'anti-biotics', as if there were only one kind.

After the surgery (right away) I puked and had lots of discomfort, but I suppose that's normal for a C-section. Periodally over the next eight or nine months, I would have bouts of puking and the Big D. One time everyone else got sick too, so I'm sure it was a stomach bug. But the other times...? I just wonder if the anti-biotics caused a major imbalance.

Dysbiosis Symptoms

• Fatigue and Tiredness
• Dandruff and Skin Problems
• Acid Reflux Disease
• Constipation and Diarrhea
• Anxiety and Depression
• Oral Thrush
• Bloating and Weight Gain
• Vaginal Yeast Infections
• Trouble Concentrating
• Diabetes and Prediabetes
• Low Immunity
• Autoimmune Diseases

Huffington Post has a great article on this written by an M.D. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/5-steps-to-kill-hidden-ba_b_739213.html): "In the West our increased use of vaccinations and antibiotics and enhancements in hygiene have lead to health improvements for many. Yet these same factors have dramatically changed the ecosystem of bugs in our gut, and this has a broad impact on health that is still largely unrecognized." Near the end of this article the Doc links autism with gut imbalances. Autism. !

And then what really applies to me: "Autoimmune diseases are also linked to changes in gut flora. A recent study showed that children who use antibiotics for acne may alter normal flora, and this, in turn, can trigger changes that lead to autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease or colitis."

The recommended diet to help guard against dysbiosis just matches up with everyone else's version of a healthy diet--nuts, beans, veggies, fruits, whole grains. Something to think about.