Back to Basics: Gut Health Definitions

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We're not even going to talk about eating well to live well on this post for now.  Let's back up to the basics of understanding important definitions. The two words we will look at are eubiosis and dysbiosis.


We all have a wonderful community that lives in our gut. This community consists of both beneficial bacteria and pathogenic bacteria. Beneficial bacteria helps us digest food that we eat and aids in absorption of nutrients.  Excessive amounts of pathogenic bacteria can lead to illness.

Eubiosis is our goal for optimum health. Eubiosis is a state when there are more beneficial bacteria to pathogenic bacteria residing in our gut.  In addition, there is a good variety of different beneficial bacteria present. This balance helps keep the lining of our gut stay intact, which in turn helps us from getting sick.  

Dysbiosis is the opposite of eubiosis. In dysbiosis, there is either more pathogenic bacteria present, less beneficial bacteria present, or there is a decrease in diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. These imbalances allow the lining of the gut to weaken and loosen up. As a result, toxic material can seep through the gut lining into the bloodstream  and chronic inflammation can take place causing unwanted medical issues or diseases.

So, just sit and stew in these definitions for a while.  Let it really sink in.  Stay tuned for more information on achieving eubiosis.

References:

1. Iebba, V. et al, (2016). Eubiosis and dysbiosis: The two sides of the microbiota. New Microbiologica ,39, 1-12.

2. Vighi, G., Marcucci, F., Sensi, L., Di Cara, G., & Frati, F. (2008). Allergy and the gastrointestinal system. Clinical and experimental immunology, 153 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), 3–6. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2249.2008.03713.x

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