Your microbiome is the collection of microbes (bacteria and yeast) within your body. It is a large and varied collection which has connections to an ever-growing list of bodily functions: digestive function and bowel regularity, immune function, mood regulation, hormone balance, skin health, etc. As it’s composed of living organisms, your microbiome is dynamic. It can fall out of balance for many reasons including infection, lack of microbial diversity, and lack of beneficial bacteria, as sometimes occurs following antibiotic use. (Note: Antibiotics can be immensely effective and are often indicated. We just need to mitigate risk of complications by using them appropriately and supporting microbiome health after antibiotic treatment.)

A microbiome imbalance is called dysbiosis, and is often related to numerous health conditions, including: IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, recurrent infections (respiratory, urinary, digestive, skin), and metabolic conditions.

Clues you may have a microbiome imbalance include (but are not limited to):

• IBS-like symptoms (bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or alternating between the two)

• A variety of food sensitivities without clearly identifiable food triggers

• Improvement with antibiotics 

• Worsening with probiotics or fibre-rich foods/supplements 

• A history of significant travel illness (eg. traveller’s diarrhea), repeated antibiotic use, or gastrointestinal surgeries

Several lab tests are available to confirm dysbiosis, identify problematic organisms, and help guide treatment. These can include stool, blood, and breath tests.

SIBO

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is one type of microbiome imbalance. It occurs when bacteria from the large intestine accumulate excessively in the small intestine. We are meant to have plenty of bacteria in the large intestine, and even require these “bugs” to make certain vitamins and keep bowel movements regular. But, when bacteria accumulate in the small intestine, they gain access to your food before you’re done digesting it and can cause bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, or acid reflux. Many people diagnosed with IBS test positively for SIBO.