Bacteria and humans. What is the intestinal microbiota?

Intestinal Microbiota

Therefore, there is a large number of bacteria that coexist in our body. In fact, it could be said that they form their own organism with a number of genes that make up more than 99% of the organism compared to the human genome.

This coexistence between the microbiota and the human organism is symbiotic. Bacteria protect us from diseases and help us metabolize food in exchange for a place to live.

What is the intestinal microbiota?

A large part of the microbiota is found in the digestive system, mainly in the intestines. It is known as intestinal flora, microflora or human flora.

The intestinal microbiota is made up of millions of bacteria that are acquired at birth from the mother and represent between 150 and 200 more genes than the total number of cells. It develops throughout life, so that its composition is different in childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Functions of the intestinal microbiota

• It develops and strengthens the immune system, preventing intestinal infections, defending us against harmful microorganisms and degrading toxins

• It participates in the production of vitamins such as vitamin K and some of the B complex.

• It influences the regulation of metabolism and the energy balance.

• It allows digestion of some components of food that the body cannot metabolize, as well as the absorption of minerals.

• It regulates the secretion of Intestinal neurotransmitters, insulin and peptides that are essential for processes vital to mood and behavior.

Pathologies in the intestinal microbiota

The intestinal microbiota is also related to the development of different diseases that originate from an alteration in the flora.

The main intestinal diseases directly related to the microbiota are:

• Celiac disease.

• Inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• Acute diarrhea.

• Entercolitis

How to improve the microbiota?

The alteration of the microbiota can be caused by a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, environmental pollution, or the excess and misuse of antibiotics.

In general, these factors can be counteracted with a healthy and balanced diet, physical activity and adequate sleep hygiene.

One of the most common actions to improve the intestinal microbiota is the intake of foods that contain a large amount of prebiotics and probiotics that help balance the intestinal flora.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a complement of beneficial bacteria for the intestinal microbiota and add greater diversity.

Prebiotics serve as food for our bacterial flora. Fiber is the best-known prebiotic.

Other ways to improve intestinal health and improve more severe pathologies are low FODMAP diets and fecal transplants.

In summary

The intestinal microbiota is considered an organ of the human body composed of millions of bacteria that play a decisive role in our health.

Here are some actions that we can easily carry out to improve our bacterial flora:

• Eat a healthy diet and do physical activity.

• Do not abuse drugs.

• Surround ourselves with a natural environment possible.

• In addition, the intake of prebiotics and probiotics will improve the diversity and functioning of the intestinal microbiota.

So add vegetables, fruit, nuts and lactic ferments to your diet and your health will thank you!