The gut is your second brain. It's an essential organ whose balance is essential for the proper functioning of your body. The gut has the power to defend you thanks to its microbiota. What is the microbiota? Why are probiotics and prebiotics essential for your good health?
The intestinal microbiota.
Intestinal flora. What is it?
Your digestive tract contains billions of bacteria. This collection of non-pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) forms the microbiota, or intestinal flora. The microbiota is primarily located between the small intestine and the colon.
What are the roles of intestinal flora?
In addition to ensuring normal and regular intestinal transit, intestinal flora plays a role in digestive and immune functions.
Digestive functions.
The intestinal flora ensures the fermentation of indigestible food residues such as fiber. It also facilitates the assimilation of nutrients thanks to a set of enzymes. The microorganisms that make up the microbiota allow for the proper synthesis of vitamin K and vitamins B9 and B12. All OKR products provide you with between 15 and 33% of your daily vitamin and mineral intake.
Immune functions.
The microbiota plays a role in immunity. The immune system allows your body to defend itself against various types of attacks. The intestinal flora helps to:
- prevent the adhesion and development of pathogenic bacteria (which enter with food and with each swallowing) in the digestive system.
- produce intestinal mucus which will protect the intestine.
- reduce inflammation of the intestinal mucosa if necessary, such as in cases of gastritis.
- allows the growth and development of intestinal mucosal cells essential for nutrient absorption.
What are the factors that disrupt intestinal flora?
The intestinal flora is fragile. Many environmental factors can disrupt the balance of the microbiota and weaken its functions.
- an unbalanced diet: too much sugar, too much alcohol, too many bad fats or even low in fiber.
- excessive consumption of medication: antibiotics, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories, etc.
- regular stress.
- tobacco.
- intensive sport: marathon, half-marathon, trail, ironman, etc.
Probiotics and prebiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms, naturally present in your body, that protect your intestines. They prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bloodstream or proliferating in your intestines. The best known are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus.
Source of probiotics.
They are naturally present in yogurts and fermented milks such as buttermilk, kefir, or kourmis. They are also found in fruits and vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, bananas, strawberries, and grains such as rye and barley.
Prebiotics.
Prebiotics are in the form of fibers that are indigestible by the body but fermentable by probiotics. Using prebiotics helps combat stress and thus rebalance intestinal flora. Prebiotics increase the absorption of certain minerals such as calcium and magnesium. They are thought to have a protective effect against colon cancer.
Why take probiotic supplements?
It may be beneficial to take probiotic supplements because they help fight the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Additionally, some people do not have enough of them following severe stress (e.g., prolonged antibiotic therapy). Eating a varied, balanced, and diverse diet provides you with the probiotics you need, as well as prebiotics. It is recommended to consume them 30 minutes before a meal.
In summary.
The microbiota is an ecosystem essential to your well-being. It's therefore important to take care of it. The intestinal flora, or microbiota, is composed of living microorganisms called probiotics. Probiotics feed on indigestible food residues called prebiotics. Probiotics are naturally found in yogurts, fermented dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables. Probiotic supplementation may be beneficial for some people.
