The microbiota
is the group of microorganisms that live in our intestine. A person can have
more than 100 trillion of these beings in their digestive tract, and
approximately 95% of them live in the colon. They constitute a complex
ecosystem that is composed of 500-1000 different bacterial species and other
microorganisms, such as yeasts, which live in symbiosis with our cells.
The intestinal
microbiota begins to be acquired at birth. During birth, the bacteria that are
present in the mother’s vaginal flora begin to colonize the newborn’s digestive
tract. Afterward, in the first stages of life, other species of microorganisms also
get to the digestive system. Firstly, during lactation, the growth of
bifidobacteria is enhanced, and then, gradually, as new food items are included
in the diet and the interaction with the environment increases, other species
are acquired until the child finally presents a mature microbiota, which is similar
to that of adults, where anaerobic species predominate.
We must
consider the fact that the intestinal flora of different people may be quite
different, even though they live together in the same environment. This fact suggests
that genetic and environmental factors such as gender, age, body mass index, medication
intake, diet or hygiene may influence the composition of the microbiota.
4 benefits of probiotics
TO TACKLE DIARRHEA
Traveler’s diarrhea
is one of the most frequent disorders when we travel and may transform our trip
into a real hell. It is mainly caused by bacteria and viruses that enter our
body when we consume polluted water or spoiled food, normally when we visit a place
where hygiene and health conditions are not the most suitable.
To prevent “traveler’s
diarrhea”, we should take certain precautions, such as always drinking bottled water,
not accepting ice cubes, and eating well-cooked foods. Probiotics are also efficient
in preventing this disorder. Several studies prove the efficacy of the fungus Saccharomyces
bouladdi in the treatment of any kind of diarrhea, as it decreases the
secretion of water and electrolytes in the intestine.
TO IMPROVE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
The
intestinal flora plays a defensive role in our body. It is one of the main defense
mechanisms we have to protect ourselves from the entry of pathogenic agents. We
must consider that the digestive system, and mainly the small intestine, is the
entry point for a multitude of germs or foreign substances through food. We should
try to maintain a healthy microbiota in good condition so that it acts as a
barrier. However, our pace of life is a drawback here, as stress, insufficient
rest and poor diet may make it difficult. Probiotics help us reinforce local
defense mechanisms at the intestinal level while stimulating defenses at a
general level. Probiotics generate certain substances (lactic acid, hydrogen
peroxide, etc.) that reduce the intestinal pH that pathogenic germs cannot
tolerate.
TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS OF ANTIBIOTICS
The consumption
of antibiotics may cause side effects on the intestinal flora. Though these
medicines help us tackle bacterial infections, they also cause significant
damage to our microbiota, as they decrease the number of beneficial bacteria in
the intestine and enhance the growth of other pathogenic bacteria that are normally
in smaller quantities. Therefore, it is essential not to consume antibiotics in
excess. A supplement based on probiotics will help our intestinal flora recover
its balance more rapidly and suitably.
TO ENHANCE DIGESTION
The most important function of the digestive system is the transformation
of foods into nutrients, which involves enzymes and probiotics that cooperate
in the metabolic processes of foods. Both work so that digestion is more
efficient and the absorption of nutrients is more complete. In addition, their action
reduces the production of toxins as a consequence of poor digestion, which sometimes
causes flatulence, stomach acidity, headaches, etc. In short, probiotics help
prevent and avoid gastrointestinal disorders.
