What is the microbiota and what functions has ?

Did you know that a universe of microorganisms lives in your gut and influences your health? That universe is called the microbiota, and its importance is much greater than you might imagine. 

Discover in this article what the microbiota is and how it affects your overall well-being.

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

Although the idea of having these microorganisms inside us may sound startling, most of them are beneficial and necessary for our body to function optimally.

In fact, the gut 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.

The gut 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 gut microbiota does not only help with digestion. It also fulfills other key functions, such as:

• Supports the immune system: It helps prevent various microbiological conditions by competing with pathogenic bacteria. You can also buy microbiotic creamer and support 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 gut 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 nourish the gut microbiota, and it helps us digest fiber and produce nutrients and vitamins, helps us keep our immune system strong, protects us against pathogens, and influences our nervous system and mental health. 

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

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

When this balance is disrupted, we can enter a condition in which the gut microbiota is altered, an imbalance, which can trigger digestive issues, inflammation, or metabolic problems. 

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

1. Fiber-rich diet: Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, tubers, and whole grains, feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut, helping maintain their balance.
2. Incorporate probiotics and prebiotics : Probiotics are live microorganisms that benefit gut health and come from fermented foods such as yogurt or sauerkraut. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed the good live microorganisms for us. They can be found in foods such as asparagus or artichokes.
3. Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics: Antibiotics can eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria, disrupting 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. Sleeping well and practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help maintain its balance.