The intestinal flora, also known as the gut microbiota, is a set of bacteria that live and grow in the gut, being known as the resident microbiota, there are also bacteria, these microorganisms are good for the body, they have evolved over thousands of years to create a beneficial relationship with the gut.
Thus, the person and bacteria benefit from this relationship, for example, the intestine provides all the material and nutrients necessary for the growth and reproduction of bacteria, even if bacteria help in the digestion of food, also the time that creates an intestinal environment that does not allow the development of bacterial diseases that can deteriorate and cause diseases.
- While intestinal flora is something that occurs naturally.
- It is always at its optimum levels.
- With imbalances that facilitate the development of bacterial bacteria.
- So it may be necessary to take medications to restore levels of these bacteria.
- Called probiotics.
The development of the intestinal flora begins at the moment of birth and after the first months of life it adapts, depending on the diseases contracted by the baby, the use of antibiotics and the type of food that he eats.
The first contact of the intestine with the bacteria seems to take place during childbirth and therefore babies born by normal vaginal delivery have a different first intestinal flora than babies born by C-section, in fact, during vaginal delivery, the baby is born mainly. in contact with bacteria from the vaginal canal and maternal intestine, which are the source of the main bacteria in the mother and in the hospital environment.
This flora evolves and grows around 2 to 3 years, when it resembles that of the adult, so the most important phase of growth and establishment of the flora occurs in childhood and usually the bacteria present around the age of 3 will remain it for life. , it is even more difficult, the flora can also vary over time, especially due to the bad lifestyles of adults, for example.
The main types of bacteria in the baby’s intestinal flora, depending on the form of birth, are:
Bacteria acquired during vaginal delivery are typically more beneficial to the body, and as a result, children born vaginally may be less likely to develop chronic diseases than those born by C-section, such as asthma or dermatitis, for example.
In addition, breastfeeding with maternal care helps shape the baby’s intestinal flora, providing nutrients and microorganisms for the development of a healthier microbiota.
The imbalance of intestinal flora, also known as dysbiosis, occurs when there are fewer good bacteria in the gut, when one of these types is in greater numbers, hindering digestion and facilitating the development of bacterial bags.
Some of the main causes that lead to a microbial imbalance include
When the intestinal flora is severely affected, with the appearance of symptoms related to intestinal dysfunction, such as excess intestinal gas, diarrhea or frequent stretch marks, see other signs that may indicate alteration of the intestinal flora.
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy intestinal flora is to offer a healthy and varied diet, rich in vegetables and vegetables, avoiding the consumption of industrialized, fried or high-sugar foods, in addition to the consumption of high-fiber foods such as anus, linoleum or beans, also helps to maintain a good development of bacteria of the intestinal flora. See a list of high-fiber foods.
Another option that should be frequently included in the diet are probiotic foods, which are foods that contain good bacteria that help cleanse the gut, such as natural yogurt, kefir or kombucha.
However, when intestinal flora is altered, symptoms such as excess intestinal gas and diarrhea appear, for example, as the best way to treat and take probiotic medications.
The drugs that enhance intestinal flora are probiotics, which are small capsules containing several million live bacteria that are ingested to release the gut and help balance the microbiota.
Even probiotics are frequently used by adults, they can also be used in infants and children, under the supervision of the pediatrician, especially in the case of babies who have had a cesarean delivery and are not nursing. To do this, there are probiotics in the form of jars, which can be administered with food.
There are several types of probiotics, usually the best that present the most types of bacteria and the largest number, however, it is always advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or naturopath to know which is best for each case, since different types of probiotics can be used to treat different health problems.
See the types of probiotics and how they are used
Probiotics are often used when symptoms of intestinal flora imbalance appear, however, they can also be used at the same time as antibiotics are being treated, for example to replenish the microbiota being removed and to prevent the onset of diarrhea.
In addition, probiotics are important in intestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis, which help restore intestinal flora, accelerating recovery.
In people with chronic or frequent diarrhea, using probiotics over a period of 2 to 3 months, twice a year, will help regulate the gut and improve its functioning.
The most beneficial benefits of a healthy intestinal flora are improving food digestion and nutrient absorption. However, because it protects against bacterial pockets, the microbiota also helps strengthen the immune system, reducing the frequency of disease onset.
In the most recent studies, intestinal flora has been identified as an important regulator of the production of neurotransmitters, such as Serotonin, which improves the sense of well-being and combats depression.
For this reason, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota seems to be a good way to ensure better overall health, unrelated to bowel function.