All the microorganisms – bacteria, archaea, parasites, viruses, fungi – that live in the intestine are called the intestinal microbiota. It is estimated that we have more than 100 trillion microorganisms in our colon.
Having a good digestion, regulation of the immune system, and adequate mental health, is partly the result of eating foods that contribute to improve the microbiota. Consuming foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and fermented foods, an adequate amount of protein, avoiding the consumption of sugars, processed, fried and refined flours, are some of the main recommendations to balance digestion.
In this sense, the intestinal microbiota is unique to each person and will depend exclusively on the diet, antibiotic consumption, environment and lifestyle. The balance of these microorganisms is essential for health. Alteration of the intestinal microbiota has been linked to an increase in inflammatory and intestinal diseases, cancer, obesity, diabetes and mood disorders, among others.
here are some beneficial bacteria and others that affect the stability of the microbiota and cause serious intestinal infections. “For example, bacteria of the genus Bacteroides spp. and some types of Clostridium spp. play a key role in the production of short-chain fatty acids, essential for intestinal health, while an excessive growth of other types of bacteria such as Enterococcus or Escherichia coli, could alter the balance and favor inflammatory processes”, said Giovanna Rincón, Bacteriologist, PhD in Pharmacy and Biochemistry, professor at the School of Microbiology. PhD in Pharmacy and Biochemistry, professor at the School of Microbiology.
Maintaining a balanced relationship between beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria will strengthen the intestinal barrier, improve nutrient absorption and regulate the immune response.
