What happens when the gut microbiome is out of balance?

Authors: Sharon Jang , Vanessa Mok , Dominik Zbogar | Reviewer: Phillip Popovich | Published: 5 May 2020 | Updated: ~

Illustration accompanying What happens when the gut microbiome is out of balance?

Dysbiosis occurs when disease-causing organisms become more dominant than beneficial organisms.6

The microbiota is comprised of both good and bad bacteria, as well as bacteria that may be good or bad depending on the environment and circumstances. When your body is healthy, the good bacteria are able to keep pathogens in check, thus preventing illness. However, there are certain situations when disease-causing organisms become more prevalent than the beneficial bacteria.  Known as dysbiosis, this state in which the microbiota is not in balance may be caused by stress, antibiotic use, and dysfunction of the intestines. Traumatic SCI can cause neurological and psychological complications which require care that may predispose these individuals to dysbiosis. These include:

  • Psychological stress after injury and during adaptation
  • Having a neurogenic bowel/bladder
  • A weakened immune system, which creates a greater need for antibiotics

Dysbiosis can also lead to short-term negative effects such as food intolerances, stomach upset, and an increased risk of developing infections. It is also linked to chronic conditions such as:

  • Allergies
  • Psychiatric conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety)
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
  • Metabolic disorders (e.g. obesity, diabetes)
  • Neurologic conditions (e.g. pain, Alzheimer’s, neurogenic bowel dysfunction)
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Many of these conditions are already common in people living with SCI. Hence, a healthy microbiome may be important in maintaining the regular functions of the microbiome and preventing the consequences of dysbiosis following SCI.