Dysbiosis vs. Leaky Gut: Key Differences Explained

Written By Dr. Prathibha .

Have you ever heard of dysbiosis and wondered what it has to do with a leaky gut? While they both involve gut health, they are two distinct conditions. Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut. In contrast, a leaky gut is a condition where the lining of the gut becomes permeable, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. Let's dive deeper into these two conditions and understand their differences.

Knowing about the gut barrier helps us to differentiate between dysbiosis and a leaky gut better.

Consider our intestinal cells to be a barrier. They let tiny nutrients enter the bloodstream while protecting us from infections and other harmful things. However, as the space between our cells expands, they lose their protective function. Our immune system is triggered, resulting in inflammation.

The barrier function of the gut

The gut mucosa is the lining of cells that covers and protects the intestines from the environment. The secretion of several molecules inside the gut lumen (space inside the cells in the lining) and several immune cells strengthens the barrier function. It works against microbes and other toxins while also absorbing essential nutrients for the body.

Tight junctions (TJs) are highly lively structures that play multiple vital roles in the intestinal wall under healthy and pathological conditions. Over 150 proteins are involved in these structures. However, a protein called zonulin plays a significant role in their regulation by increasing gut permeability (the ability to pass through the intestinal barrier).

Gut microbiome

The microbiome indicates the collection of all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that exist naturally on and within our bodies. Our small and large intestine contains the majority of the body's microorganisms. 

The gut microbiota is vital for digestion as well as immune system function. Disruptions in the gut microbiota can lead to illness.

What is gut dysbiosis?

"Dysbiosis" is a term used to indicate a lack of adaptation or imbalance inside the body, and "gut dysbiosis" happens when there is an imbalance in the amount and variety of your gut microbiota. (Overgrowth of bad bacteria and less good bacteria)

Gut dysbiosis produces increased zonulin with a significant loss in gut barrier function. It causes the release of inflammatory agents into the intestine, resulting in increased permeability of dietary and microbial agents.

Potential triggers 

  • Unbalanced diet

  • Excess of sugar, protein, fat

  • Industrial foods

  • Insufficient plant foods

  • Usage of hydrogenated fats 

  • Omega3 & omega6 fatty acids ratio imbalance

  • Bad eating habits

  • Improper chewing

  • Excessive alcohol drinking

  • Frequent food outlets

  • Medications

  • Antibiotics

  • Antacids

  • Contraceptive pills

  • Constipation

  • Unregulated stress

  • Highly intense physical activities

Consequences of dysbiosis

They are numerous and not limited to the digestive tract. They can induce ENT problems, skin problems, allergies, weight gain or obesity, and depression.

How does the gut get leaky?

Immune response arises from the interplay of genes and the environment. The gut has most of the immune cells.

When the gut microbiome becomes unbalanced, with more bad bacteria than good bacteria, our immune system gets activated. Bacteria and toxins in the intestines may sometimes pass through the walls and reach the bloodstream.

A leaky gut is due to a decline in the barrier function of the gut mucosa, which leads to huge holes in the lining.

As a result, restricted materials (for example, proteins, gluten, bacteria, and food antigens) can now flow through tissue and the bloodstream. 

Leaky gut symptoms

  • Bloating, discomfort, and other digestive issues.

  • Pain in the abdomen

  • Many people have dietary intolerances, sensitivities, or allergies.

Consequences of leaky gut: 

Chronic inflammation results in an imbalance of the following systems.

Endocrine system. Disturbed hormonal secretions. 

Immune system. Our immune cells are responsible for recognizing ourselves and eliminating anything that is foreign bodies. Our microbiota is our body's first line of defense. We are more prone to become infected since it lose the ability to defend our bodies.

Nervous system. Our intestines contain more neurons than our brains! Toxins produced by opportunistic bacteria (often dangerous) paralyze the muscular nerve cells in our intestines and cause pain, abdominal distension, and difficulty in passing stools. Furthermore, when these opportunistic bacteria encounter one another, they create a shell where minerals and metals accumulate.

Combined effects of dysbiosis and leaky gut

Passage of harmful bacteria and inflammation-causing chemicals links to the development of many chronic illnesses, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological disorders, and cancers.

How the Alternate Medicine approach can help to restore gut health

Although this is an oversimplification, testing for nutritional deficiencies, dysbiosis, food allergies, infections, and toxins is generally the first step in treatment. Consult with a functional medicine professional before following the list below.

  • Avoid all fried, processed food, eggs, allergies, and wheat for two to four weeks. 

  • Probiotics (ingestible beneficial bacteria) reintroduce healthy bacteria. 

  • Deficient nutrients are restored by eating optimal meals and taking supplements. 

  • Slowly include other foods and closely watch if any symptoms re-appear. 

  • Stress management, diet change, exercise, and detoxification also help. 


References




Dr. Prathibha . https://www.al-tru-well.com
Previous

Managing the Dawn Effect: Tips for Controlling Morning Sugar Levels
Next

HOW TO STOP LEAKY GUT AND REVERSE AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES