Violation of the intestinal microflora

Eating on the go, passion for fast food, dry eating, an attempt not to be distracted once again by eating lead to a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal microflora. With dysbacteriosis – this is the scientific name for a violation of the intestinal microflora, the number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli decreases, and the number of harmful bacteria, on the contrary, grows.

Causes of violation of the intestinal microflora

In a healthy person, about 500 types of bacteria live in the intestines. Beneficial bacteria digest food, enrich the body with nutrients, support immunity. These bacteria constantly work and regulate intestinal function, maintain ionic balance, neutralize various toxins, break down proteins, carbohydrates, and even synthesize some vitamins.

In the neighborhood of beneficial bacteria in the intestines, pathogenic ones live, which are waiting for the right moment to remind themselves of themselves. They can be activated when the immune system is weakened, frequent stress, diet violations or exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Violation of the intestinal microflora can reduce the absorption of nutrients in the intestine and thus disrupt the digestive process. Leftover undigested food leads to rumbling, bloating, diarrhea and other symptoms.

The main causes of violations of the intestinal microflora include:

• Uncontrolled intake of drugs, for example, antibiotics, which affect both pathogenic and “beneficial” intestinal bacteria;
• Improper diet containing monotonous food, which lacks all the nutrients a person needs;
• Violation of intestinal motility;
• Uncontrolled dieting;
• intestinal infections;
• Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis, etc.);
• endocrine diseases;
• stress and depression;
• Abuse of alcohol, smoking.

Violation of the intestinal microflora manifests itself in the form of dyspeptic phenomena associated with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition leads to bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. With dysbacteriosis, unexpected allergic reactions to certain foods may develop, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin itching, and a rash. In some cases, if the microflora is disturbed, the absorption of nutrients is disturbed, a deficiency of iron, vitamins, etc. develops, and immunity decreases. The patient may complain of weakness, headaches, lack of appetite.

Restoration of intestinal microflora

If you notice any signs of dysbacteriosis, it is recommended to immediately contact a gastroenterologist. The basis of treatment is the elimination of the cause that caused the violation of the intestinal microflora. If dysbacteriosis is caused by antibiotics, they must be stopped, and if the wrong regimen or diet – you need to return to the original diet.

However, the symptoms of dysbacteriosis themselves also need treatment. With dysbacteriosis, 3 types of treatment are recommended:

• Dieting;
• Prebiotics;
• Probiotics.

Diet in violation of microflora

For the treatment of a mild form of dysbacteriosis, it is enough to prescribe a special diet. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates. For half an hour it is recommended to drink a glass of warm water. It is important that the following substances are included in the diet:

• Lacto- and bifidobacteria. They are found in fermented milk products, in butter;
• Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits;
• Amino acids glutamine and arginine, the source of which are chicken meat, beef, nuts, fish, dairy products, peas.

Fatty, fried, smoked, spicy foods should be avoided.

Medications

In more severe forms of dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to prescribe prebiotics and probiotics. Despite the similar name, these drugs differ significantly.

Prebiotics are substances that stimulate the growth of normal microflora. They are not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. In other words, they feed the “good” bacteria. These drugs include Lactulose, Laktitol, Hilak forte.

In addition to drugs, there are natural prebiotics – these are fermented milk products, cereals.

Probiotics are drugs that contain microorganisms that the body needs. These are mainly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Their entry into the intestine contributes to the restoration of microflora.

Among the most famous probiotics are Linex, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, etc.

In severe forms of dysbacteriosis, antibacterial drugs are prescribed that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. These drugs are selected based on the type of bacteria that caused the violation of the microflora.

As symptomatic agents for dysbacteriosis, immunomodulators (prescribed to strengthen immunity), antihistamines (to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions), antispasmodics (No-Shpa) should be noted.

Prevention of violations of the intestinal microflora

In order to avoid the development of dysbacteriosis, it is enough just to follow simple rules. Follow a healthy lifestyle, adhere to a balanced diet, do not abuse diets and various “cleansing” of the body. Do not take antibacterial drugs without a doctor’s prescription.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about violations of the intestinal microflora, the features of the changes, as well as the possibility of self-correction of the microflora at home with gastroenterologist Ekaterina Zagrebina.