Intestinal microbiome: the bacterial flora and all the species of bacteria that determine its composition
The intestinal microbiome is the patrimony of microorganisms that live in our organism. When the flora is in equilibrium, our intestine is also fine when, on the other hand, this heritage undergoes alterations, the problems begin. Even candida (in addition to many other intestinal diseases) can result in an "alteration of this type of microorganisms: watch our video and get ready to discover the most suitable foods to combat it, even at the table! Enjoy!
Intestinal microbiome or intestinal bacterial flora
The microbiome acts on many functions of our body. The body is helped to keep itself in good health by the state of well-being of the microbiota, which is located in the oral cavity, ear, nose, lungs, stomach, small intestine, colon, bladder, vagina and on the skin. The microbiota is a protection against pathogens, synthesizes vitamins necessary for the organism and is important for the immune system, for digestion, for the absorption of fibers and minerals, for detoxification from harmful substances. When the pathogens increase, they cause disturbances. as well as of the stomach and intestine also of the urinary tract and vagina. The microbiota of the intestine is called intestinal flora, located mainly in the colon. If an analysis of the microbiome reveals imbalances, they can be corrected by a healthy lifestyle or by dietary supplements. Everything starts from our intestine and to evaluate its balance it is enough a simple test that shows that everything is working properly!
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Vaginal microbiota and urinary tract infections caused by bacteria of various species
Any dysbiosis or alterations of the microbiota are characterized by an increase in Escherichia coli. The vaginal microbiota is also involved in women. The infection runs from the vaginal canal to the urethra to the bladder and sometimes to the kidneys. In other cases the vaginal microbiota has pathogens autonomous from the intestinal microbiota such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The vaginal microbiota can also be altered by some spermicides. The well-being of the microbiota during pregnancy is very important, as the bacteria pass through the mother's vaginal path into the intestine of the newborn, positively influencing the immune system. Also for breastfeeding it is important to take care of the intestinal microbiota of the new mother. Changes in hormones, the immune system and metabolism during gestation can lead to changes in the intestinal, vaginal and oral microbiota. Some changes are necessary for the weight gain of the pregnant woman and for the nourishment of the fetus; others are not positive and may impair the development of the infant's gut microbiota. The intestinal microbiome could also be the cause of uterine infections.
Intestinal microbiota and immune system
The intestinal microbiota also has a close link with the immune system, right from the breastfeeding of the baby. In fact, a good bacterial flora strengthens all the immune defenses, reduces the risk of allergies, eczema and asthma. It also has consequences for this. it concerns some medical therapies. If the intestinal microbiota is altered by antibiotic treatments it can condition the response to immunotherapy. A dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota also conditions the nervous system, mood and behavior, including food, altering the reactions to stress. Obesity can also be linked to changes in the intestinal microbiota. In addition, the excessive use of antibiotics and a " unregulated diet does not favor the development of a resistant microbiota that makes it possible to strengthen the immune defenses. Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can be worsened by mutations with enormous bacterial proliferation and risk of developing cancer of the stomach, esophagus, colon or breast. Changes in the intestinal microbiota are also associated with pathologies typical of old age, such as problems with intestinal motility and inefficiency of the intestinal mucosa. The alteration of the microbiota can contribute to the onset of serious diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular or neurodegenerative disorders combined with aging. The microbiota in a state of well-being can contribute to making anticancer therapies effective. It is also believed that obesity, which is considered a risk element for tumors, is linked to the intestinal microbiome. However, there are also bacteria that protect against cancer and substances such as prebiotics that fortify the intestinal microbiota and act as antioxidants in the prevention of cancerous diseases.
Intestinal microbiome: nutrition, prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics
Prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics fight metabolic disturbances in case of alteration of the microbiota. Prebiotics (non-digestible fibers, found in fruits and vegetables and berries) increase the number and activity of bacteria. Probiotics (lactobacilli or bifidobacteria) are "good" live bacteria, taken as fermented foods or food supplements. Symbiotics they combine the properties of both. In the presence of dysbiosis, therefore of a significant imbalance of the microbiota, to return to a situation of eubiosis, probiotics are important allies. Probiotics help to restore the balance of the intestinal bacterial microflora, counteracting pathogens. In two-year-olds this balance is very precarious, in the elderly it is almost lacking; in adults it undergoes minor variations, mainly due to the way of eating.
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The balance of the intestinal microbiota
The well-being and balance of bacteria, fungi and viruses located in the intestine are largely responsible for the state of health of the human organism from a physical and psychological point of view. Every human being has his own microbiota different from the others, called for this bacterial fingerprint, subject to changes or alterations in the course of life. Changes in the microbiota can occur in a positive and negative sense (especially in the case of unregulated diet, sedentary life, stressful situations) resulting in dysbiosis or microbial imbalance, which can also lead to serious problems. Infections from the outside that cause evident acute dysbiosis and other more treacherous ones that become chronic slowly due to diets with too many proteins or too many carbohydrates, dumo, alcohol abuse, lack of physical exercise) intervene in the variations of the microbiota. Continued intake of certain medications also contributes to these changes in the microbiota. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), pills for contraception, cortisone create dysbiosis not immediately felt by the patient like those caused by antibiotics, with clear symptoms, such as bloating, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen. Scientific research has shown that a state of dysbiosis can also be linked to diabetes, obesity, dermatitis, cardiovascular problems, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
