07/17/2025
What Is Dysbiosis?
Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome—when the ratio of beneficial to harmful microbes becomes skewed. This can mean:
• Too many opportunistic bacteria, yeast, or pathogens
• Too few beneficial species (like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium)
• Microbial overgrowth in the wrong place (like SIBO, in the small intestine)
Your gut contains trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that help regulate digestion, immunity, metabolism, hormone balance, and even mood. When this ecosystem is disrupted, it sets the stage for inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and chronic health issues.
Common Causes of Dysbiosis
1. Antibiotics or medications (PPI’s, steroids, NSAIDs)
2. Standard American diet (high sugar, low fiber, processed foods)
3. Chronic stress (alters gut motility and immune balance)
4. Infections or parasites
5. Alcohol or environmental toxins
6. Low stomach acid or poor bile flow
Symptoms of Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis doesn’t always cause obvious GI symptoms. Many people feel symptoms systemically:
Digestive:
• Gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Food intolerances
• Reflux or burping
Systemic:
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• Anxiety or depression
• Skin conditions (acne, eczema, rosacea)
• Joint pain or inflammation
• Frequent infections
• Hormonal imbalances (PMS, estrogen dominance)
Why It Matters: Whole-Body Impact
How We Test at Bloomberg Chiropractic Center & Fortify IV
We use the GI-MAP stool test to assess:
• Pathogenic overgrowths (e.g. Klebsiella, Clostridium, Candida)
• Low beneficial flora (e.g. Lactobacillus, Akkermansia)
• Inflammation markers (secretory IgA, calprotectin)
• Zonulin (leaky gut marker)
• Beta-glucuronidase (linked to estrogen recirculation)
• Fat and protein breakdown markers
This allows us to customize a plan to rebalance your microbiome.
How We Treat Dysbiosis at Bloomberg Chiropractic Center & Fortify IV
1. Remove triggers:
• Identify food sensitivities (e.g., gluten, dairy, processed sugar)
• Use targeted antimicrobials if needed (e.g., berberine, oregano, neem)
2. Replace:
• Support stomach acid, bile flow, and digestive enzymes
• MIC + Carnitine injections can help support liver-gut detox
3. Reinoculate:
• Use strain-specific probiotics based on test findings
• Restore diversity with prebiotics and fiber (as tolerated)
4. Repair:
• IV nutrients like glutathione, vitamin C, zinc, and B-vitamins
• Oral gut lining support: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, quercetin
Functional Bonus: Dysbiosis and Mental Health
Your gut microbes help regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Dysbiosis can lead to:
• Increased anxiety or depression
• Poor stress tolerance
• Sleep issues
A healthier gut often results in a calmer mind and clearer thinking.
Summary: Is Dysbiosis the Missing Link?
If you’re struggling with symptoms that feel disconnected—gut issues, fatigue, skin flares, mood swings—dysbiosis may be the root. The good news? It’s fixable.
At Bloomberg Chiropractic Center & Fortify IV, we use GI-MAP testing and targeted therapies to restore your microbiome, reduce inflammation, and help you feel like yourself again.
