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In a proper condition, the intestinal microflora is made up of a community of diverse microorganisms that remain in balance with each other and have a beneficial effect on our body. Microorganisms inhabit almost all mucous membranes and skin, creating our unique microbiome, which is a very important element of our body and affects the functioning of many systems of our body.
There are about 10 times more of all the microorganisms that make up our microbiome than the cells in the human body. The mass of the microbiome inhabiting the mucous membranes is estimated at almost 2 kg, most of which lives in the large intestine. These numbers show the scale of the impact of microorganisms on our life and health.
However, in today’s world, we are exposed to many factors that may adversely affect the normal microflora of our gut. Factors such as constant stress, antibiotic therapy, environmental pollution and an incorrect diet can adversely affect the balance of the microflora, and thus our health. It is therefore worth knowing how we should take care of the good condition of our microbiome and what signals should make us take special care of our microorganisms.
How does the intestinal flora affect our body?
Microbiota has numerous functions in the human system, incl. in the production of vitamins: K, biotin and folic acid, and in the absorption of magnesium, calcium and iron ions. In addition, they enable a more efficient absorption of energy thanks to the breakdown of dietary fiber, which is impossible for humans to digest.
Intestinal bacteria participate in the production of short-chain fatty acids, which nourish the cells of the intestinal epithelium, and thus have a positive effect on its continuity. Butyric acid is of particular importance as it stimulates the maturation of intestinal cells and contributes to the strengthening of the intestinal mucosa barrier. The intestinal microflora also stimulates the production of mucus, which, covering the intestines, is a protective barrier against toxins and harmful microorganisms.
Our friendly microorganisms, including very important lactic acid bacteria, when in proper condition, tightly cover the intestinal surface and produce many valuable substances, preventing the settlement and multiplication of undesirable bacteria, viruses or fungi.
A very important function of the microbiota is also its beneficial influence on the functioning of the immune system. And scientific reports from recent years indicate a very wide area of our body’s functions dependent on the microbiome.
Two very important types of bacteria inhabiting our intestines with proven beneficial properties are the types of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
What factors adversely affect the intestinal microflora?
The most important causes of imbalance in our gut microbiota resulting from lifestyle include: diet change, lifestyle modification and stress.
A sedentary lifestyle, the use of stimulants (cigarettes, alcohol), a diet rich in simple sugars and low in fiber, as well as the consumption of highly processed products containing saturated fats, preservatives and artificial colors are unfavorable.
There is also a factor that always wreaks havoc on the gastrointestinal microflora – antibiotic therapy. The use of antibiotics, especially for a long time, can seriously affect our microflora, and its complete recovery may take from several weeks to even 2 years.
How can you identify gut microflora imbalance?
Qualitative, quantitative and functional unfavorable changes in the intestinal microflora are called dysbiosis. Signals that our microflora is not doing well can be felt in various ways, depending on e.g. on the degree of imbalance.
Hence, for example, we may experience decreased appetite, more belching, a change in the frequency of bowel movements or a change in the consistency of the stool, or abdominal discomfort. With a large imbalance of the microflora, the signals can be much more intense and bothersome. We should not ignore or neglect them under any circumstances, and if they are extremely disturbing, we should go to the doctor and tell him about our problems.
How can you support your gut microflora?
To effectively rebuild the intestinal microflora, you should take care of your lifestyle by introducing healthy habits. Combine a balanced diet with regular physical activity. Also try to reduce stress and give up stimulants, replacing them, for example, with pleasant walks, relaxing baths, relaxing music, or other activities that you enjoy.
Drink at least 2 liters of water (preferably mineral, still) every day to keep your body hydrated. Limit sugar, unhealthy fats, highly processed foods in your diet, and replace fried foods with boiled and baked foods. Eat plenty of vegetables as they are a source of valuable vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber to nourish our beneficial gut bacteria. Fermented products, such as kefirs, yoghurts or vegetable silage, are also very important in a proper diet.
To efficiently replenish the microflora, use high-quality probiotic products. It is best if they match our intestinal microflora, so pay attention to whether they contain Polish strains tested for beneficial properties.
The dietary supplement LACTORAL® IBD contains three Polish, patented strains of beneficial lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum PL02, Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL53A and Bifidobacterium longum PL03. These strains have shown very beneficial properties in in vitro research, including:
• they survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and in the presence of bile salts, thanks to which they go safely to the intestines, where they perform their tasks.
• adhere to the cells of the intestinal epithelium, which enables settlement and multiplication, and as a result, an increase in the number of bacteria of the genus Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the intestine,
• inhibit the multiplication of unfavorable bacteria and fungi: Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus faecalis, Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans,
• seal the intestinal barrier by strengthening tight connections between intestinal epithelial cells,
In addition, the beneficial effect on the microflora and high safety were confirmed in the LACTORAL® IBD study on a group of people, with particular emphasis on supplementation with appropriately selected probiotics.
When you reach for the LACTORAL® IBD dietary supplement, you can be sure that the product has been manufactured in conditions that meet pharmaceutical production standards (GMP), its stability has been confirmed by appropriate tests, and the recommended storage in a refrigerator (at 2-8 ° C) is intended for ensuring the viability of lactobacilli, so that when taking the product, we can be sure that we are taking active strains of bacteria.
Importantly, if you find it difficult to swallow capsules, you can put the contents of the capsule on a teaspoon, add a little lukewarm water and swallow it freely.