The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is one of the largest interfaces between the outside world and the human internal environment.
Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora.
The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis. If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful. These factors result in alterations in bacterial metabolism, as well as the overgrowth of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. It is believed the growth of these bacteria in the intestines results in the release of potentially toxic products that play a role in many chronic and degenerative diseases.
(Altern Med Rev 2004;9(2):180-197)
