The intestinal flora, also known as the gut microbiota, is a set of bacteria that live and develop in the gut, called the resident microbiota. Although they are bacteria, these microorganisms are good for the body because they have evolved over thousands of years to create a beneficial relationship with the gut.
Therefore, the person itself and bacteria benefit from this relationship. For example, the gut provides all the material and nutrients needed for the growth and reproduction of bacteria, while bacteria help digest food, while creating an intestinal environment that does not allow the development of bad bacteria that can cause disease.
- Although the intestinal flora is natural.
- It is not always at its optimum level and imbalances can occur that facilitate the development of bad bacteria.
- Therefore.
- It may be necessary to take medications to restore levels of these bacteria.
- Called probiotics.
The development of the intestinal flora begins at the time of birth and, in the first months of life, is modeled according to the diseases that the baby contracts, the use of antibiotics and the type of food he consumes.
The first contact of the intestine with the bacteria appears to occur during childbirth and, for this reason, 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 comes mainly into contact with bacteria from the vaginal canal and the mother intestine, while in the C-section the main bacteria are those of the maternal skin and those of the hospital environment.
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 caesarean section, such as asthma or dermatitis, for example. .
Além disso, a amamentação com leite materno também ajuda a moldar a flora intestinal no bebê, fornecendo nutrientes e micro-organismos importantes para o desenvolvimento de uma microbiota mais saudável.
The imbalance of the intestinal flora, also known as dysbiosis, occurs when there are fewer good bacteria in the gut or when there is one of these types in greater numbers, making digestion difficult and facilitating the development of bad bacteria.
Some of the main causes that lead to microbiota imbalance include
When the intestinal flora is severely affected, symptoms associated with intestinal dysfunction such as excess intestinal gases, diarrhea or even frequent constipation are common. See other signs that may indicate an alteration of the intestinal flora.
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy gut flora is to eat a healthy and varied diet, rich in vegetables and with few processed, fried or sweet foods. In addition, relying on high-fiber foods, such as oats, flaxseeds or uncathed beans, also helps maintain the good development of bacteria in the intestinal flora.
Another option that should be included on a recurring basis in the diet are probiotic foods, which are foods that contain good bacteria that will help populate the gut. Examples include natural yogurt, kefir or kombucha.
See more examples of foods with probiotic power, in the video below
However, when the intestinal flora is already altered, with symptoms such as excess intestinal gases and frequent diarrhea, or constipation, for example, the best way to treat it is by taking probiotic remedies.
The remedies that improve the intestinal flora are probiotics. These remedies are small capsules that contain several million live bacteria that are ingested to reach the gut and help balance the microbiota.
Although probiotics are most commonly used by adults, they can also be used in infants and children, under the supervision of the pediatrician, especially in the case of babies born by caesarean section and who do not breastfeed. To do this, there are already probiotics in the form of syrup, which can be administered with food.
There are several types of probiotics, but the best are usually those that contain more types of bacteria and in greater numbers. However, it is always advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or naturopath to know what is best for each case, as different types of probiotics can be used to treat different health problems.
See the main types of probiotics and when they are used
Probiotics are often used when symptoms of imbalance of intestinal flora appear, but can also be used at the same time as antibiotic treatment is performed, for example to replenish the microbiota being removed and prevent the onset of diarrhea.
In addition, probiotics remain important during intestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis, to help restore healthy flora and speed recovery.
In people with chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea, it may be a good option to take probiotics for approximately 2 to 3 months, twice a year, to regulate the gut and improve its functioning.
The best known benefit of a healthy gut flora is better digestion of food and nutrient absorption. However, as it protects against bad bacteria, the microbiota also helps strengthen the immune system, reducing the frequency of the disease onset.
Em estudos mais recentes, a flora intestinal também tem sido apontada como um importante regulador da produção de neurotransmissores, como a serotonina, que melhoram a sensação de bem-estar e combatem a depressão.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiota seems to be a good way to ensure better overall health, and not just related to intestinal function.