Microbiota: How it protects the intestine

Better known as the "intestinal flora." Billions of organisms are crucial for good digestion. The diseases that arise when it alters, and the foods that are beneficial.

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Microbiota protects the intestine

The microbiota comprises the billions of organisms that populate our gut, and is better known by the unscientific term "gut flora." It performs several essential functions, but the most important is its role as the body's sentinel: we must know how to listen to it when it warns us of certain diseases and when it asks us to prevent them.

What is the microbiota for?

Bacteria, viruses, yeasts, fungi, and parasites: these are the main components of the microbiota. We ingest them through a healthy diet, and their presence provides two health benefits. On the one hand, we strengthen our body's balance regarding all intestinal functions , and on the other, we receive the right signals about our health.

Among the fundamental functions of the microbiota, some are worth taking into serious consideration.

  • It contributes to the production of enzymes necessary for good health. digestion
  • It breaks down food and this also aids digestion
  • Strengthen the immune system since a good part of the body's defense cells reside in the intestine
  • The human microbiota is also a “multi-endocrine gland”
  • Produces and secretes hormones
  • Regulates appetite and evacuation
  • It produces energy, protein and vitamins
  • Neutralizes toxic substances
  • It responds to hormones produced by the woman's or man's body and to hormone therapies, such as contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapies, but also to insulin or thyroid hormones.
  • Regulates the levels of hormones that travel in the blood.

What happens when it gets altered

Altered microbiota, as some recent studies demonstrate, leads to a greater risk of developing diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes . But also intestinal inflammation, cardiovascular problems, allergies, mood swings and even neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer 's.

Other effects of the alteration of the intestinal flora can be:

Causes of alteration

The primary cause of microbiota disruption is diet. An unhealthy diet, with few fruits and vegetables and lots of processed foods, can significantly deplete the intestinal flora. There are other causes that need to be considered.

  • A frequent state of stress. and anxiety
  • Eating too much in a hurry and in a disorderly manner
  • Excessive exposure to chemical dyes and pesticides
  • Too sedentary a lifestyle and too little physical activity
  • Intestinal diseases poorly treated or neglected
  • Excessive use of certain drugs, starting from antibiotics

How to take care of your microbiota

On the contrary, to care for the microbiota and thus strengthen the intestinal flora, there is a combination of diet and lifestyle.

  • Prefer plant-based foods (especially fruit and vegetables), including vegetable
  • Contain the consumption of refined sugar and red meat
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and aim for two litres a day.
  • Do physical activity, even for half an hour walk per day
  • Choosing to move outdoors

Foods that are good for the microbiota

Without spending money on postbiotics, which are often prescribed to improve the bacterial flora, there are some foods that are beneficial to the microbiota and strengthen it naturally.

  • Yogurt
  • Orzo
  • Mile
  • Farro
  • Lentils
  • Peppers, carrots and courgettes
  • Eggs and fish

Microbiota examination

A microbiota test, to provide effective prevention for intestinal flora, can be easily performed through a stool sample. A doctor should always recommend it if certain symptoms indicate an altered microbiota: stool that lacks the proper consistency and shape; dull, lackluster skin; small pimples; dull , brittle hair.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR INTESTINES AND LIVER

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