The genetic patrimony of the organisms that colonize our intestine, in fact, actively conditions various functions of the organism.
. Often and mistakenly considered synonyms, in reality they are not.By microbiota, in fact, we mean the population of microorganisms that colonize a certain place, in this case the intestine. The microbiome, on the other hand, indicates the totality of the genetic heritage of the microbiota.
The latter weighs about 1 kg and a half and is composed of over 500 species of different bacteria, divided into genera and families. Some of them are fundamental, such as that of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, which helps the body metabolize carbohydrates.
They are not the only ones, however, since the microbiota, in addition to contributing to proper intestinal function, does much more.
What is it for
Specifically, it cooperates with the immune system by acting as a barrier against pathogens, affects various metabolic functions, synthesizes vitamins otherwise lacking in our diet, releases molecules that contribute to intestinal well-being.
Not only that, as confirmed by Professor Patrizia Brigidi, professor of Biotechnology of Fermentation at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Bologna, it also seems to affect "mood." In fact, the so-called intestine-brain axis is increasingly studied and characterized. refers to the role that metabolites produced by intestinal bacteria have on central nervous system activity, including the regulation of "mood, stress and satiety".
, adapting to the different phases and needs of the individual.Changes can happen for the better but also for the worse, for example due to incorrect nutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, stress or antibiotic therapies; leading to a microbial imbalance known as dysbiosis, the consequences of which can be important.
"An altered microbiota can play an important role in the onset and progression of a series of metabolic pathologies such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disorders. - continues Professor Brigidi - But also in neuro degenerative diseases associated with healthy aging and various diseases. autoimmune. Recent studies also show how an altered intestinal microbiota can also impact the immune response to the flu vaccine ».
, although more than 77% of respondents say they know what the bacterial flora is, very few know what the microbiota (40.2%) and the microbiome (31%) are. Furthermore, 49.5% of respondents think that every human being has the same intestinal bacteria and 75.7% have never heard the definition of a bacterial fingerprint.Almost 88% of those who took part in the survey do not even know what dysbiosis is and, once identified, the causes are attributed to intestinal infections (from 85.4%), improper diet (84.1%) , stress (82.2%), food intolerances (79.6%) and drug therapies (78.7%).
Harmful behaviors such as a sedentary lifestyle or smoking are even respectively at the 11th and 12th place as a possible cause of dysbiosis according to Italians.
and balanced (47.2%) or taking drugs and / or probiotics (46.1%), almost one in 3 Italians do nothing to counteract it (27.4% of the sample), exposing themselves to a risk that in the long run it can be important ».
Again according to Patrizia Brigidi, "following a" correct diet is more a basic and good habit than a remedy, to be applied on a daily basis. In the case of dysbiosis, on the other hand, we are faced with a more important microbial imbalance and to remodulate the intestinal microbiota towards recovery. of a state of eubiosis, the intake of probiotics can be a valid help. Probiotics, especially the multi-strain, multi-species and multi-genus ones, help restore the balance of the intestinal bacterial microflora, counteracting the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria and integrating the missing microorganisms. In addition, different strains and species combine, help each other, favoring colonization of microbial consortia for the benefit of the "human host".
For those who suffer from constipation, there are some massages that can relieve it.
How to choose the right probiotic
"If it is true that most Italians are looking for a product that is practical for consumption, there are still very few, not even 30%, who are aware of the fundamental characteristic that probiotics must have to be effective, that is to contain several billion living cells of different species, genera and strains », concludes Chiara Francini, Brand Manager Yovis.
Furthermore, there are differences between prebiotics and probiotics.
