Discover how a healthy gut microbiome not only promotes digestion but also plays a crucial role in relieving abdominal complaints. Learn more about the impact of dysbiosis and how an osteopath can address it.
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our bodies, being involved in various functions such as digestion, the immune system, and the production of vitamins and short-chain fatty acids. Although there is no exact definition of a healthy microbiome, research shows that an imbalance in the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, is associated with various conditions, depending on which microbiome-organ axis is affected. Dysbiosis has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders, skin conditions, and, notably, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Dysbiosis can lead to various symptoms depending on which specific microbiome-organ axis is disrupted. For example, when the gut-brain axis is affected, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation may occur. IBS is now considered a disorder of the brain-gut-microbiota interaction. This concept highlights that IBS is not just a local intestinal condition but a complex disorder where the interaction between the brain, gut microbiome, and the enteric nervous system plays a central role.
Visceral hypersensitivity, an increased sensitivity to pain stimuli, plays a role in the abdominal pain experienced by people with IBS. This hypersensitivity can cause normal bowel movements or mild distension of the intestines to be perceived as painful, contributing to the chronic abdominal pain often reported by IBS patients. The interaction between the gut microbiome and the nervous system can amplify this hypersensitivity, lowering the threshold for pain perception.
Several techniques now exist to map the gut microbiome through stool analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing is the most common method used in both scientific research and clinical applications to analyze the bacterial composition in gut microbiome studies. This research can provide insight into the composition of the gut flora and help identify bacteria that are over- or underrepresented, thus contributing to the development of dysbiosis. The interpretation of these results is essential for developing targeted treatments, such as probiotics or dietary interventions, that can help restore a healthy microbiome.
Recent studies have shown that using prebiotics and probiotics can alleviate abdominal pain symptoms in IBS patients. This underscores the importance of the microbiome in the pathophysiology of abdominal complaints and the need for further research into the role of specific bacterial species in the development of these conditions, allowing for targeted interventions.
In conclusion, understanding the relationship between the gut microbiome and abdominal complaints is crucial for improving therapeutic strategies. In osteopathy, visceral and craniosacral techniques are particularly recommended for abdominal complaints. By further optimizing the brain-gut-microbiota axis, abdominal complaints can potentially be addressed more effectively. Microbiome analysis through stool testing, when properly interpreted, can provide insights into the presence of dysbiosis and offer additional therapeutic options.
Would you like to take advantage of this collaboration between Amsterdam Osteo Osteopathy and Mind Your Gut Orthomolecular Medicine? Schedule your first appointment here with Dr. Sophie Kuizenga-Wessel at Mind Your Gut, or book an appointment with Amsterdam Osteo Osteopathy.
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