The gut is your second brain. It is an essential organ whose balance is essential for the proper functioning of your body. The intestine has the power to defend you thanks to its microbiota. What is the microbiota? How are pro- and prebiotics necessary for your good health?
The intestinal microbiota.
The intestinal flora. It's what ?
Your digestive tract contains billions of bacteria. The set of non-pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) forms the microbiota or intestinal flora. The microbiota is mainly located between the small intestine and the colon.
What are the roles of intestinal flora?
In addition to ensuring normal and regular intestinal transit, the intestinal flora plays a role in digestive and immune functions.
Digestive functions.
The intestinal flora ensures the fermentation of indigestible food residues such as fiber. It also facilitates the assimilation of nutrients thanks to a set of enzymes. The micro-organisms which constitute the microbiota allow the proper synthesis of vitamin K and vitamins B9 and B12. All Feed products. provide you with between 15 and 33% of your daily intake of vitamins and minerals.
Immune functions.
The microbiota plays a role in immunity. The immune system allows your body to defend itself against different types of attacks. The intestinal flora makes it possible to:
- prevent the adhesion and development of pathogenic bacteria (which enter at the same time as food and with each swallowing) in the digestive system.
- produce intestinal mucus which will protect the intestine.
- reduce inflammation of the intestinal mucosa if necessary, such as in cases of gastritis.
- allows the growth and development of intestinal lining cells essential for nutrient absorption.
What are the factors that disrupt the intestinal flora?
The intestinal flora is fragile. Many environmental factors can disrupt the balance of the microbiota and weaken its functions.
- an unbalanced diet: too much sugar, too much alcohol, too much bad fat or even low fiber.
- excessive consumption of medications: antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, etc.
- regular stress.
- the tobacco.
- intensive sport: marathon, half-marathon, trail, ironman, etc.
Probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, naturally present in your body, which protect your intestines. They prevent disease-causing bacteria from entering the bloodstream or growing in your intestines. The best known are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or Streptococcus.
Source of probiotics.
They are naturally present in yogurts and fermented milks such as buttermilk, kefir or kourmis. They are also found in fruits and vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, bananas, strawberries or cereals such as rye and barley.
Prebiotics.
Prebiotics are in the form of fibers that are not digestible by the body but fermentable by probiotics. The use of prebiotics helps fight against aggression and therefore rebalance the intestinal flora. Prebiotics help increase the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium or magnesium. They would have a protective effect against colon cancer.
Why take probiotic supplements?
It may be interesting to take probiotics as a supplement because they help fight the proliferation of bad bacteria. In addition, some people do not have enough following strong aggression (e.g. prolonged antibiotic therapy). Eating a varied, balanced and diversified diet provides you with the probiotics you need but also prebiotics. It is recommended to consume them 30 minutes before a meal.
In summary.
The microbiota is an ecosystem essential to your well-being. So you have to take care of it. The intestinal flora or microbiota is made up of living microorganisms called probiotics. Probiotics feed on indigestible food residues called prebiotics. Probiotics are found naturally in yogurts, fermented dairy products and in certain fruits and vegetables. Probiotic supplementation may be beneficial for some people.
