Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 4/19/2011

Question
Dr.
My I.B.S. issues and my inability to lose weight are resolving since I began taking a good quality enteric coated probiotic capsule, and I add inulin to my tea which is a prebiotic food for the probiotic.
If my theory is correct that my issues with I.B.S. and obesity were caused by a lack of beneficial bacteria, then what happened to cause this?
I was a 'normal' kid until I was struck with a host of infectious diseases in the years before adolescence. Mumps, measles, numerous ear infections, even scarlett fever. I started to get chubby as a teenager and remained that way, but my eating habits and physical activity were the same or better than my friends.
I wonder if these diseases compromised my ability to produce good bacteria? And now that I have this good bacteria my system is normalising?
Also, now with the prevalence of childhood obesity in the western world, although most of these disesases have been eliminated, could the widespread use of anti biotics be to blame?
My daughter is also chubby. Every time she gets sick with any type of infection she goes on antibiotics. Could there be a connecttion?
Thanks for your thoughts!

Answer
Hello Bud,
There are many theories about what causes GI flora imbalances, but nothing is definitive.  For most people, it seems to be a combination of causes, and although antibiotics are often the "nail in the coffin" for dysbiosis we can't attribute it to just that.  We never know for sure but we can make some educated guesses based on current symptoms and history, and target these areas to make treatment more specific. Because a large action fo the immune system takes place in the GI tract, recurrent or chronic infections can both contribute to GI issues and become worse from GI imbalances.  This sounds like it may be partially what occured for you.  Diet often plays a large role--what seems to be most damaging is low fiber, high sugar and high protein diets without good sources of probiotics (fermented and sprouted foods).  Other issues (sleep, stress, medications, movement/ rest, structural abnormalities, genetics) can play minor to large roles as well in determining GI health, which is central to overall health.   
If you are interested in investigating this on an individual basis, or finding alternative care for your daughter, I'd recommend you seek out a naturopathic doctor near you.  You can find one at http://www.naturopathicassoc.ca
In health,
Dr Conner