What dysbiosis is?

Our body is colonized with harmless bacteria making up the so-called microbiota. Most of the bacteria that are part of the microbiota bring benefits to our health and contribute to the development of natural processes in our body. However, when one of the bacterial colonies suffers from one or more imbalances, dysbiosis may occur.

Dysbiosis can manifest itself in the form of temporary stomach pain. In such cases, our body can usually correct this imbalance on its own, without the need for drug treatment. However, when symptoms persist and become bothersome, specialist consultation and appropriate treatment are required.

What are the factors that trigger dysbiosis?

Any change in the balance of the intestinal flora (microbiota) can cause dysbiosis. Often, the occurrence of dysbiosis in the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) is caused by factors such as:

- Dietary changes: increased intake of protein, sugars and / or food additives

- Accidental consumption of chemicals (pesticides or unwashed fruits or vegetables)

- Consumption of more than 2 alcoholic drinks / day

- Administration of drug treatment that affects the intestinal flora (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.)

- Improper dental hygiene (which promotes the growth of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity)

- High stress and / or anxiety (which affects the immune system, weakening it)

- Unprotected sexual intercourse (by spreading harmful bacteria, if any)

What are the symptoms of dysbiosis?

• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty urinating
• Vaginal or rectal itching
• Ballooning
• Chest pain
• Redness, rash, itching
• Fatigue
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Anxiety
• Depression

How can I identify and treat dysbiosis?

Only on a stool test we can establish the diagnosis of dysbiosis. The test result involves a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the composition of the intestinal flora and contributes significantly to determining the causes of various diseases and to setting up personalized treatments, including the correct dosage in probiotic and prebiotic treatments. The name of the stool tests are FlorInScan and FlorInScan Plus.

The basic test for the quantitative evaluation of the microflora (FlorinScan) involves:

-          identification of the 24 groups / species of clinically relevant bacteria in the aerobic and anaerobic flora, fungi and yeasts;

-          a digestion test;

-          determination of pH;

-          determination of pancreatic elastase;

-          occult bleeding test.

In addition to the above, FlorinScan Plus includes the dosage of immunological and inflammatory markers:

• IgA secretory to assess the immunity of the intestinal mucosa;
• calprotectin - marker for assessing inflammation and important marker for the differential diagnosis between inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and functional intestinal diseases (such as irritable bowel syndrome);
• alpha-1-antitrypsin - marker for determining inflammation and intestinal permeability.

However, both FlorinScan and FlorinScan Plus may have the option of determining zonulin (a relevant biomarker for bowel permeability) and histamine.

Where can you make the test for dysbiosis?

We are waiting for you in Bucharest at VERONIKI Life - Integrative Medicine Clinic to get the kit needed for sample (stool) collection. For appointments and additional details, we invite you to contact us at 021.232.98.41 or write to us at office@veronikilife.ro.