Researchers have been seeing an association among intestinal dysbiosis and a variety of chronic illnesses. Of course, as you look at the following list, you may not think it surprising to see two bowel disorders. What may come as a surprise is the links to other chronic, system-wide health problems. The current thinking is that the dysbiosis is contributing to an abnormal immune system response which is playing a part in the chronic symptoms of these disorders. Cutting edge research is looking at the role that the health of the gut flora plays in intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and how that relates to autoimmune disease.