Gut Dysbiosis & Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS): My Current Exploration
Hey everyone — I’ve been revisiting the connection between gut dysbiosis and Chronic Rhinosinusitis. It's something I’ve looked into before, but despite experimenting with various diets and supplements, nothing had really moved the needle—until now (hopefully!). Here’s an updated overview of what I’ve learned and what I’m currently trialling, based on protocols from Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, along with some personal observations. 🧬 Overview: What Is Gut Dysbiosis? Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiome—where “bad” or opportunistic microorganisms outnumber the beneficial ones. This can cause systemic immune dysregulation, which is highly relevant in conditions like CRS. When dysbiosis is present, the immune system is essentially in a constant state of alert, treating the imbalance like a low-grade infection. This chronic inflammation may contribute to the ongoing sinus inflammation seen in CRS. Research connection: Several studies have shown that patients with chronic inflammatory conditions—including CRS—often have measurable alterations in their gut microbiota. One study found that CRS patients had significantly reduced microbial diversity and increased markers of intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut), which often coexists with dysbiosis. 🔍 Clinical Signs & Symptoms of Gut Dysbiosis - Bloating - Gas - Diarrhea or constipation - Abdominal pain or cramping - Heartburn or reflux - Undigested food in the stool - Brain fog - Fatigue - Mild food sensitivities - Skin issues (eczema, acne, rosacea) 🧪 Personal Signs I’ve Noticed: These are subtle and took time to observe: - Teeth discoloration and plaque buildup increases the more FODMAPs I eat (fermentable carbs). When my diet is simpler, my teeth and gums feel noticeably cleaner. - Lower-right abdominal pain, particularly near the ileocecal valve. - Mild sensitivities to foods like eggs, wheat, and caffeine—symptoms I initially ignored or didn’t link to gut health.