Therapeutics 1 - Dysbiosis and stool testing Flashcards
Q: What is dysbiosis?
A: Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria, often leading to various gastrointestinal and systemic issues.
Q: What are some contributing factors to dysbiosis?
A: Contributing factors include sanitation of water and food, widespread use of antibiotics, chemical toxins, and a Western diet rich in refined carbohydrates and low in prebiotics.
Q: What health conditions can dysbiosis contribute to?
A: Dysbiosis can contribute to leaky gut syndrome and various gastrointestinal (GI) issues.
Q: What is the ideal bacterial ratio in the gut for optimal health?
A: The ideal ratio is approximately 85% ‘good’ bacteria to 15% ‘pathogenic’ bacteria.
Q: List some functions of good bacteria in the gut.
A: Good bacteria assist with digestion, support the immune system, maintain the gastrointestinal barrier, regulate appetite, synthesize vitamins, and regulate mood.
Q: How do pathogenic bacteria affect gut health?
A: If pathogenic bacteria flourish, they can produce toxins that disrupt gut integrity and cause systemic harm.
Q: What does the “Weed, Seed, and Feed” protocol involve?
A:
Weed: Use anti-parasitic herbs like barberry, garlic, oregano, and neem.
Seed: Use probiotic supplements and living foods like raw goat/sheep yogurt and kefir.
Feed: Use prebiotics to nourish good bacteria, such as chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, onions, asparagus, leeks, and fennel.
Q: What hydrotherapy methods can help with dysbiosis?
A: Enemas, colon hydrotherapy, and bentonite and psyllium cleanses can help clear bowel waste and imbalanced bacterial colonies.
Q: How quickly can good bacteria repopulate the gut?
A: Good bacteria can repopulate the gut within approximately 18 hours, especially with effective seeding and feeding programs.
Q: What can a comprehensive stool analysis reveal regarding dysbiosis?
A: A comprehensive stool analysis can reveal evidence of dysbiosis, including fungal overgrowth and the presence of parasites.
Q: What gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate dysbiosis?
A: Symptoms include bloating, gas, flatulence, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain or cramping, and nausea.
Q: What systemic symptoms can dysbiosis cause?
A: Systemic symptoms may include fatigue, mood swings, food intolerances, allergies, and skin issues like rashes or eczema.
Q: How can dysbiosis impact the immune system?
A: Dysbiosis can increase susceptibility to infections, leading to frequent colds or illnesses.
Q: Why is recognizing symptoms of dysbiosis important for clinicians?
A: Recognizing symptoms helps guide clinicians in addressing dysbiosis and implementing appropriate treatment protocols.
