What is microbiota and what functions does it have?

Did you know that your gut is home to a universe of microorganisms that influence your health? This universe is called microbiota , and its importance is much greater than you imagine.

Find out in this article what microbiota is and how it affects your general well-being.

What is microbiota?

The microbiota is the set of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that live in our body. We can find it in the skin, mouth, respiratory tract, urinary tract, genital tract... but between 70% and 80% is found in the intestine.

Although the idea of ​​having these microorganisms inside us sounds shocking, most of them are beneficial and necessary for our body to function optimally.

In fact, the intestinal microbiota plays an essential role in food digestion, the immune system and the production of essential vitamins.

So, far from being harmful, these bacteria are our allies in health.

Gut microbiota: why is it so important?

The intestinal microbiota , considered an organ, is one of the most complex and vital ecosystems for our health. It is made up of trillions of microorganisms that have specific functions, such as breaking down certain foods that the stomach and small intestine cannot digest on their own.

But the intestinal microbiota not only helps with digestion. It also performs other key functions, such as:

• Strengthens the immune system : Helps prevent various microbiological conditions by competing with pathogenic bacteria. You can also buy microbiotic creamer and help your microbiota.
• Vitamin production : Such as vitamin K and some B vitamins, essential for blood clotting and energy production.
• Emotional balance : Recent studies suggest that there is a connection between the intestinal microbiota and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in the microbiota may be related to alterations in emotional well-being.

We feed the intestinal microbiota and it helps us digest fiber and produce nutrients and vitamins, it helps us keep our immune system strong, it protects us against pathogens, and it influences our nervous system and mental health.

What is intestinal microbiota and how does it develop?

The intestinal microbiota begins to form from birth. During the first years of life, this set of microorganisms evolves until it stabilizes around the age of three.

Throughout life, factors such as diet, antibiotic use, stress and age can influence your balance.

When this balance is broken, we can fall into a condition in which the intestinal microbiota is altered, an imbalance, which can trigger digestive problems, inflammation or problems in metabolism.

How to maintain a healthy intestinal microbiota?

Maintaining a balanced microbiota is essential for good health. Below, we share some strategies to take care of your microbiota:

1. High-fiber diet : High-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tubers, and whole grains, feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping to maintain its balance.
2. Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics : Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit intestinal health and come from fermented foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut. Prebiotics are fibers that feed the live microorganisms that are good for us. We can find them in foods such as asparagus or artichokes.
3. Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics : Antibiotics can eliminate both bad and good bacteria, altering the balance of the microbiota. They should only be taken under medical prescription when necessary.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle : Stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect your microbiota. Getting a good night's sleep and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help maintain its balance.