Dysbiosis
A lasting, pathological imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiome, marked by reduced bacterial diversity and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Dysbiosis creates fertile ground for chronic inflammation, intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and many conditions: digestive disorders (IBS, SIBO), metabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes), autoimmune diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety), weakened immunity and chronic fatigue.
The causes are varied: antibiotics, chronic stress, a diet rich in ultra-processed foods and low in fibre, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation and exposure to endocrine disruptors.
A fresh angle: conventional probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) have important limits. Only certain strains truly adhere to the gut barrier and colonise durably. A 2022 study (Zmora et al., Cell) showed that the “effectiveness” of probiotics is highly personalised: what works for one person may be ineffective for another because of genetic and microbial variations.
A new approach (2024-2026): bacteriophages (viruses that specifically target pathogenic bacteria) are emerging as a more targeted and natural solution. Combining bacteriophages with probiotics is becoming groundbreaking. But note that probiotics do not replace a consistent lifestyle (a diet rich in prebiotic fibre, stress management, regular exercise, sleep). They support it over the long term.