Also called dysbacteriosis, it refers to an imbalance of microbial colonies, either in number or type, that have colonized the human body. This is most common in the digestive tract, but it can happen in any exposed surface or mucous membrane. Dysbiosis can affect digestion, absorption of nutrients, production of vitamins and controlling the growth of harmful microorganisms. A wide range of factors, such as changes in dietary habits or antibiotic use, can influence the delicate microbial balance and thus, lead to dysbiosis. Researchers believe that it may have a role in disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), chronic fatigue, obesity or even certain cancers.
