Simply put, it can be called a set of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, present in our body. Microbiota, because we are talking about it, has a huge impact on its functioning. When this “ecosystem” does not function properly, the risk of contracting all kinds of infections and diseases, including chronic ones, increases significantly. Fortunately, we can ensure that the development of the gut microbiota follows its natural cycle. How to do it?
- The intestinal microbiota is part of the digestive system and develops from the very beginning of our lives
- It plays a very important role in the functioning of the whole organism, but its greatest influence is visible in the immune system. It is in the intestines that about 70-80 percent. immune cells
- If the balance of the microbiota is disturbed, we are more likely to develop one of the autoimmune diseases, as well as allergies.
- A simple way to support her work is a proper diet, rich in, among others, in fiber and silage
- Karolina Łukaszewicz-Marszał, dietitian, expert of the educational campaign “MICROBIOT – GREAT impact on the future”
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage
MedTvoiLokony: What is microbiota and where does it come from?
Karolina Łukaszewicz-Marszał: The gastrointestinal microbiota develops from the very beginning of life, it is passed on to the baby by the mother during childbirth, breastfeeding and through skin contact. In an adult human being can weigh up to 2 kg and is larger than the average human brain, it is a bustling community of trillions of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
The microbiome (the group of all genes of the microbiota, i.e. the genome of the microbiota) is more than a hundred times larger than the human genome. Our body contains a lot of microorganisms that mainly inhabit our digestive tract, but also the skin, mouth, lungs and reproductive system. Microbiota has evolved with us since the beginning of human history. However, the gut is the largest and most important organ for our short- and long-term health. It is immensely complex, and its inhabitants vary greatly from person to person.
Which system of the organism “benefits” the most from the proper functioning of the microbiota?
The intestines and their microbiota play a key role in the development and functioning of the immune system, where about 70-80 percent of the intestines are found. immune system cells.
Beneficial bacteria have many extremely important functions: they facilitate the digestion of nutrients, produce certain vitamins, and have the potential to reduce the immune response. In addition, they protect against pathogenic bacteria, and the correct amount and quality of microbiota can reduce the risk of allergies.
Microbiota, like any part of our body, may not function properly. What could be the consequences?
A smaller amount of beneficial bacteria (e.g. of the genus Bifidobacterium) interferes with the development of an appropriate immune response. Many studies show links between imbalances in the gastrointestinal microbiota (dysbiosis) and the risk of allergic diseases and autoimmune disorders. The proper development of the gut microbiota is extremely important because it has an impact on health also in adulthood.
So what can we do to take care of it?
A good diet is a good way to restore its proper biodiversity. Adults and older children are advised to eat a varied diet rich in fiber, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and fruit. The proper functioning of the intestines is also supported by silage and fermented products.
What about young children?
Mother’s milk is by far the best food for infants. It contains the nutrients necessary for the proper development of the baby, as well as immunomodulatory components, such as antibodies, to protect them against disease. In addition, breast milk naturally shapes the correct microbiota of the baby’s intestines and thus supports the development of the immune system.
Scientific societies in Poland and around the world agree that the gold standard is exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and then continuing breastfeeding as long as mother and child want it, while expanding its diet at the same time. It happens, however, that the mother cannot breastfeed. In such a situation, the doctor may recommend the use of modified milk, the composition of which is inspired by the composition of breast milk. The intestinal microbiota will be supported, among others, by those milk with bacteria Bifidobacterium breve and GOS / FOS oligosaccharides.
Intestinal problems? Reach for the dietary supplement Lactoferrin bLF Forte, whose ingredients, incl. cow’s milk lactoferrin enriched with a complex of selected prebiotics, supports the work of the digestive and immune systems. You will find it at an attractive price in Medonet Market.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time we devote it to epigenetics. What is? How can we influence our genes? Do our elderly grandparents give us a chance for a long and healthy life? What is trauma inheritance and is it possible to somehow oppose this phenomenon? Listen: