Hippocrates once said that all diseases begin in the intestines – and turned out to be right. Recently, scientists, researchers and doctors have become aware of how the gut affects overall health. It was found that there are about 10 times more bacteria in the human body than the body's own cells. Their species number in the hundreds, and all intestinal bacteria make up an ecosystem that plays a huge role in the state of the body. In this article, estet-portal.com will look at which organs, functions and indicators of the health of our body are affected by intestinal bacteria.
Why is a healthy balance of gut bacteria so important?
Not all bacteria that inhabit the human gut are beneficial. Doctors define a healthy gut bacteria balance as 80% good bacteria and 20% bad bacteria. Under certain conditions, this balance is disturbed, for example, in the case of:
- frequent use of antibiotics;
- abuse of foods high in sugar;
- frequent consumption of products contaminated with pesticides and chemicals;
- excessive consumption of gluten;
- drinking chlorinated and/or fluoridated tap water;
- frequent stress.
Healthy balance of intestinal bacteria – 80% beneficial and 20% harmful bacteria.
If the balance of gut bacteria is out of balance, the following problems may occur:
- frequent colds;
- autoimmune diseases;
- chronic fatigue;
- headaches;
- food allergies;
- acid reflux;
- diarrhea;
- constipation;
- depression;
- weight loss or weight gain;
- acne;
- rosacea;
- eczema;
- joint pain;
- white coating on the tongue.
Below estet-portal.com will take a closer look at how gut bacteria affect:
- digestion;
- immune system;
- mood and mental health;
- weight;
- skin.
How do gut bacteria affect digestion?
Obviously, a healthy gastrointestinal tract is necessary for normal digestion. A healthy balance of intestinal bacteria ensures proper intestinal motility. Today, extremely common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are:
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- inflammatory bowel disease (especially Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
The dominance of harmful bacteria is one of the reasons for the development of the above diseases. This conclusion was reached by scientists in the course of studies aimed at studying the effect of transplantation of fecal microbiota from healthy donors to sick patients. According to data published in the journal Gatroenterology Hepatology, fecal transplantation was effective in treating gastrointestinal diseases or eliminating their symptoms in 93% of cases.
How does the state of the immune system depend on the intestinal microflora?
The intestine is closely related to the immune system, since 80% of the latter is located in this organ, namely in the intestinal mucosa. Frequent illnesses – one of the signs of imbalance of intestinal bacteria as a result of exposure to previously described factors.
Intestinal immunity allows beneficial bacteria not to leave the intestines and neutralize pathogenic microorganisms in a timely manner. That is why it is so important to provide a comfortable environment for beneficial intestinal bacteria and avoid factors that provoke the growth of harmful intestinal bacteria.
How does gut bacteria affect mood and mental health?
As you know, the intestine is called the second brain of the human body, since there are about 500 million neutrons in the walls of the intestine, which make up the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS produces about 30 different neurotransmitters responsible for mood, including serotonin (90% of the total in the body).
In the course of the study, scientists observed changes in the mood of rodents after a change in the balance of bacteria in the intestines. University of California researchers found that people with a normal bacterial balance in their gut were emotionally stable and in a good mood.
Some scientists also believe that dysbacteriosis may be one of the causes of late-onset autism and other brain disorders.
How does the gut microbiome affect a person's weight?
A number of studies have shown that bacteria in the gut affect food cravings, metabolism, and the amount of nutrients absorbed from food.
To maintain a healthy weight, the gut microbiome needs to be diverse. A 2013 study found that lean people have more gut bacteria and species than obese people.
Studies also show that obese patients have about 20% more bacteria called Firmicutes, compared to normal weight people. they help convert calories from complex sugars into body fat. It was also found that in the intestines of thin people there is a significant amount of bacteroids – bacteria that help break down starch and fiber.
Studies have shown that firmicutes and bacteroids – the only bacteria that affect a person's weight.
How does skin condition depend on gut bacteria?
In the development of acne, rosacea and eczema, the state of the intestine plays a significant role. For example, it has been found that eating fermented foods rich in probiotics can significantly reduce the severity of acne.
There was also a 2008 study that found that children under 18 months of age were more likely to develop eczema if they had an insufficiently diverse gut microbiome. And eating probiotic-rich foods reduces the risk of developing eczema.
To maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, you need to take care of proper nutrition, limit the effects of stress on the body, do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription, and include fermented foods in the diet. probiotics in the form of supplements will also help restore the balance of bacteria in the intestine, but their intake must be agreed with the doctor.
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