1) Pathogenic Infestation – In approximately 90% of
the tests we do, there is at least one nasty inhabitant
in the gut. If you have suffered from digestive upset for
an extended period of time, it could be that you have
grown an infection that shouldn’t be there. The most common
symptoms of a bad parasite or bacterial infection include
loose stools, smelly stools, bad smelling gas, bloating
(especially after eating), and sugar / carbohydrate cravings.
You don’t need to have traveled overseas to pick up one of
these hitchhikers. You can pick up these guys from the soil,
water (tank, rain and spring especially), unwashed fruit and
vegetables (organic too), from your partner or flatmates. Of
course you could also get these traveling, especially if you
suffer from a case of travelers’ diarrhoea.
2) Low Good Bacterial Levels – In almost everyone who
has come back with a bad parasite or bacterial colony, levels
of the good guys are also low. Good bacteria are important for
healthy digestion, and low levels can often cause some of
your most common digestive complains such as constipation,
loose stools, smelly gas, and bloating. Low levels of good
bacteria most commonly occur from using antibiotics, or
having a bad parasite or bacteria. Antibiotics used for
acne or other long term courses are especially detrimental
to the good bacteria. Even if you haven’t had antibiotics
for years, your levels may still be low because of a history
of use.
3) Short Chain Fatty Acid Imbalance – These will likely be
imbalanced if you have problems in the above mentioned areas.
Short chian fatty acids are produced through a combination
of prebiotics (fermentable dietary fibre) and probiotics
(good bacteria). Some SCFA create fuel for the cells of the
gut, others increase the mucosal lining of the intestines,
reduce leaky gut, and may prevent colon cancer.
no measure as such for hydrochloric acid, a number of results
show us just how effective your hydrochloric acid has been
in preparing your food for digestion. Low hydrochloric acid
levels can set you up for poor digestion all round. It makes
infection from bad bugs more likely, it increases the chances
of fermentation, bloating, and leaky gut. It reduces our
ability to assimilate our food and get all the vital nutrients
from it. Without healthy hydrochloric acid levels, it is
impossible to have healthy digestion.
dysbiosis factor is given to every report based on a cumulative
score of ‘bad’ points and ‘good’ point. Although it is not
diagnostic in itself, it is a great way to see a rating for
overall gut health. The higher the score, the more work you
need to do on bringing your gut health back into balance.
Have a great week!
By Leisa Wheeler
