MICROBIOTA

There is a lot of talk, but little do we know what it really is.

On this occasion I will talk about the intestinal microbiota, also known as intestinal flora so that we can be clear with the term, and get into context since there is not only the intestinal microbiota but multiple microbiotas in our body, such as the microbiota of the scalp, that of the skin, among others.

What is microbiota?

The microbiota , also known as intestinal flora , microflora or human flora, is the set of living microorganisms or bacteria found in the intestine or digestive tract of the human body.

The existence of these intestinal bacteria is very beneficial for the development of our immune system , as well as for human behavior and our mood, which, believe it or not, has a huge influence. It is said that our intestine is the second brain of the body, where there is a lot of information.

However, although the microbiota is relatively stable, it can vary from one person to another, even in the same person. This is due to different factors that can produce temporary changes , such as the following:

• Type of diet

• Infections

• Ingestion of antibiotics

• Stress

Let's look at the function of the microbiota, how it works and how it helps us:

The microbiota is made up of a set of bacteria that contribute to good health , due to their nutritional, protective and immunomodulatory functions.

In this sense, it prevents intestinal infections and keeps the immune system on alert, stimulating the production of defenses constantly. Specifically, the microbiota performs a series of functions useful for the body:

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

• It plays a role in regulating metabolism, because it helps digest foods that have not been digested in the small intestine or stomach.

• Regulates and strengthens the immune system.

• Fights the attacks of other microorganisms to maintain the mucosal integrity.

• Regulates the secretion of intestinal neurotransmitters, insulin and peptides essential for vital processes.

Now let's look at some of the pathologies that the microbiota can suffer from so we can identify if you are suffering from any of them.

The microbiota is strongly related to the development of different intestinal and inflammatory diseases , constipation or celiac disease. However, it is also related to other types of pathologies such asobesity , asthma or different cardiovascular diseases .

In fact, there are many diseases that have their origin in the existence of a microbiota disorder, due to an alteration in the type of diet or due to other factors such as age, consumption of antibiotics, infections or other pathologies.

The main intestinal diseases directly related to the microbiota are the following:

• Celiac disease , which is a disorder that occurs due to a reaction to the ingestion of gluten.

• Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis , which occur due to instability in the microbiota.

• Acute diarrhea, which may be accompanied by vomiting, fever, nausea, and dehydration.

• Helicobacter Pylori infection, which is a disease that is usually asymptomatic, can cause gastritis , stomach cancer and gastric ulcers.

Can we prevent all this?

Of course! The main factor that impacts the microbiota is diet . In this sense, it is necessary to become aware, change bad habits, condition or rather eliminate the consumption of additives, processed and ultra-processed products that we consume too often, not to mention the amount of sugars we consume daily.

On the other hand, antibiotics can damage the microbiota and cause intestinal dysbiosis.

There are products that make us sick, but thank God there are foods that heal us. If you are suffering from any condition of this type or simply want to make a change in your eating habits, I am at your service to guide you through the process. It is never too late to start.

A hug!

Marisela

INN HEALTH COACH

@coachmariselavasquez