Which term describes an imbalance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria?

The term that describes an imbalance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria is dysbiosis. This condition occurs when the normal, healthy balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, leading to a predominance of pathogenic bacteria or a reduction in beneficial microbial populations. Dysbiosis can result from various factors, including diet, stress, illness, and the use of antibiotics, and it has been associated with a variety of health issues such as digestive disorders, obesity, and even mental health conditions. Recognizing dysbiosis is crucial for understanding how gut health influences overall well-being and guides potential interventions to restore the balance of gut microbiota.

Other terms in the context of digestive health, such as maldigestion, refer to the inability to properly digest food; hypochlorhydria indicates low stomach acid production, affecting digestion; and hepatic-biliary stasis refers to the stagnation of bile flow from the liver, which can impact digestion but does not specifically describe a bacterial imbalance. Thus, dysbiosis is the most accurate term in this context.