How does dysbiosis in the human microbiome contribute to the development of certain diseases in a business context, considering the economic implications of healthcare costs?

Dysbiosis is when the balance of microbes in the body shifts, often causing inflammation that can trigger chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or inflammatory bowel disease. When these diseases develop, patients need more frequent doctor visits, expensive medications, and sometimes surgery, all of which raise healthcare costs for insurers and employers alike. For a business, higher medical expenses mean higher insurance premiums and more employee absences, which reduce productivity and increase overall operational costs. For example, a company that sees a rise in employee sick days due to gut‑related illnesses may find its payroll and productivity losses exceed the savings from routine wellness programs. Therefore, investing in preventive measures like diet counseling or probiotic supplements can help maintain a healthy microbiome, lower disease risk, and ultimately reduce costly medical claims for both patients and businesses.