According to statistics, about 30% of the population suffers from dysbiosis in various organs, from the intestines to the oral cavity, and according to some sources, this figure is even higher, exceeding 50%. Children are most often affected by dysbiosis, with newborns sometimes diagnosed and treated over many years. However, despite the prevalence of this condition, not all affected individuals can clearly define dysbiosis, understand its health risks, or know how it should be treated.
Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the ratio of various bacteria normally inhabiting mucous surfaces like those in the intestines, mouth, genital organs, or other parts of the body. Dysbiosis is not a disease but rather a functional disorder that leads to a microbial imbalance in the body.
Intestinal Dysbiosis
The most common form of dysbiosis affects the intestines. In this case, beneficial bacteria required for normal digestive function cannot perform their roles, while pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms take over, occupying more space and destroying healthy flora.
Symptoms of Dysbiosis:
- Stage 1: No clinical symptoms. Dysbiosis can only be detected through stool analysis, showing a decrease in bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
- Stage 2: Changes in stool patterns, tendencies toward constipation, bloating, and gas production. Analysis shows an increase in opportunistic bacteria and a further decrease in beneficial bacteria.
- Stage 3: Digestive disruptions affect the patient’s general health, causing lethargy, apathy, pale skin, poor appetite, and frequent colds.
- Stage 4: A severe stage marked by complications, gastrointestinal infections, and disorders of other organs due to malnutrition and exhaustion.
Dysbiosis in Children
At birth, an infant’s intestines are sterile and become colonized by bacteria from the moment of birth. The health of the mother, proper hygiene during childbirth, and the immediate bonding and breastfeeding are crucial. In the first three months, bacterial colonization in the intestines and other mucous membranes is particularly active, with hygiene and proper feeding playing vital roles.
Children with dysbiosis may become irritable, cry frequently, and experience colic and gas. Such children often eat poorly, grow less, and gain weight more slowly. A primary symptom of dysbiosis is altered stool: it may be loose with undigested particles, have a greenish color, and a foul smell. Constipation with dry, hard stools may also occur. Dysbiosis in children often results from decreased immunity, antibiotics, prolonged illness, stress, and many other factors.
Treatment of Dysbiosis
There is no cure for dysbiosis itself. Treatments aim to increase beneficial bacteria and, in severe cases, eliminate harmful ones, but this can also disrupt microbial balance, leading to recurring dysbiosis. Thus, traditional methods are gaining popularity.
Proper nutrition is essential for any treatment approach. For dysbiosis, meals should be regular, small portions, 5-6 times a day, including hot food.
- Avoid spicy, fatty, fried, salty, and smoked foods, which stimulate excess gastric acid and impede digestion.
- Reduce consumption of sugary foods like candy and cakes, as sugar can lead to fermentation in the intestines.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Consume more boiled meats, dairy products, cereals, stewed or boiled vegetables, dried fruits, and stale bread.
Traditional Remedies for Intestinal Dysbiosis:
- Whey Therapy: Made by placing kefir in hot water until curds and whey form. Drink 1-2 glasses of warm whey on an empty stomach each morning.
- Seed Treatment: Grind sunflower or pumpkin seeds, adding walnuts if desired. Mix one tablespoon of this powder in 100 ml of warm water and drink morning and evening for three weeks.
- Honey Brew: Combine one tablespoon of honey, sugar, and 500 ml of warm boiled water with 2 g of yeast. Let it stand in a warm place for 2 hours (do not over-ferment). Drink a few hours before meals.
- Figs: Eat one teaspoon of ground figs each morning.
- Garlic Treatment: Eat a clove of garlic on an empty stomach, 2 hours before meals, with water for two weeks.
- Herbal Remedies:
- Make an infusion of St. John’s wort, chamomile, plantain, mint, and agrimony. Mix in equal proportions, take one tablespoon, add 500 ml of boiling water, and steep for one hour. Drink as tea.
- Combine birch leaves, Iceland moss, mulberry, valerian root, etc., in equal parts. Steep one tablespoon in 500 ml of boiling water for 2-3 hours and drink a third of a glass three times daily, 20 minutes before meals, for 2-3 months.
- Oak Bark or Cinquefoil Infusion: Boil one tablespoon of plant material in a cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, steep overnight, and drink a third of a glass three times daily before meals.
- Aloe Mixture: Mix half a cup of crushed aloe leaves with one cup of sugar and let it stand for three days, then add one cup of wine and infuse for another day. Take one tablespoon twice daily, 30 minutes before meals.
Treating Dysbiosis in Children
Dysbiosis in children is common and should be addressed early since digestive issues prevent children from receiving all necessary nutrients, affecting growth, health, and increasing susceptibility to allergies. Treatment with traditional remedies is effective and safe but requires consultation with a pediatrician and careful monitoring.
The best approach for infants is to improve the mother’s health, which increases beneficial bacteria in breast milk. Giving the child an infusion of succession (string) herb is also recommended: add two tablespoons of dry herb to boiling water and give one to two tablespoons three times daily for one week.
Such infusions can be used from one month of age. Additionally, yogurt, whey, and other fermented dairy products can be used in treatment.