Intestinal bacterial flora is the center of immunity and the overall health of our body. See for yourselves what importance it has for us.
It is said that health starts in the gut and ends there. You can certainly believe these words. Without properly functioning intestines, there is no question of
building immunity, good well-being, absorption and production of certain vitamins, and many other matters. In addition, gut bacteria affect body weight. See for yourselves!
Bacterial flora – take care of it from the very beginning
Most of the microorganisms in our body are found in the intestines, and work on building the bacterial flora, or rather its colonization, begins at birth. From infancy, breastfed children definitely fare better. An infant’s body - taking into account the bacterial flora and the later developmental period – will benefit more if the birth was natural, without the need for a caesarean section. However, this does not mean that later on it is not worth striving for bacterial balance or that it is impossible to achieve it.
Let us start, however, with the reasons why it is worth paying attention to this at all. Numerous studies confirm the connection between intestinal function and the condition of the aforementioned flora with brain function. The same applies to the immune system, digestive aspects, detoxification, and the risk of developing certain diseases.
Does bacterial flora protect the brain?
Studies confirm that an appropriate microbiota has a beneficial effect on both the development and function of our brain. What is more, it may contribute to its more effective protection. This is mainly about the influence on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, whose task is to protect the main organ. It is known that the first studies are carried out on an animal model, although their results provide grounds for further exploration of the topic and for more studies.
In a mouse that was colonized with a beneficial strain of Clostridium, significantly lower barrier permeability was observed, and as a result the risk of brain infection decreased. It has also been proven that other beneficial bacteria obtained from short-chain fatty acids are able to regulate and tighten the blood-brain barrier. According to researchers, in terms of the state and optimization of the brain, this plays a significant role not only in adult life, and during infancy, but also before birth (the mother's health affects the child's health).
Bacterial flora and obesity
According to studies and the WHO (World Health Organization), obesity is one of the factors that significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. It has been proven that disturbances in bacterial flora and intestinal function are linked to metabolic functions, body weight regulation, and, consequently, diseases of this system. What is more, when the bacterial flora is not optimal, it is much harder to get rid of excess stored body fat.
Gut bacteria not only affect the absorption of vitamins important for the body, but also digestive processes, nutrient utilization, and the amount of energy we are able to obtain from food.
Let us start with the fact that body weight and bacterial flora are closely linked. Some bacteria residing in our intestines have a hormone-like effect similar to peptide hormones such as insulin. As is well known, insulin is not only an anabolic hormone. It is also a fat-promoting hormone - it plays an important role in regulating our body weight. All the more so because gut bacteria affect energy metabolism and glucose metabolism, and thus to some extent activate the GLP-1 factor. Both glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity improve. It can therefore be said that optimizing the microbiota through dietary measures and probiotic supplementation counteracts insulin resistance. Which is even better, because, among other things, it contributes to an increased risk of diabetes and obesity.
In addition, bacteria living in the intestines modify bile acids, which has a considerable impact on the absorption and digestion of fats, energy expenditure and acquisition, and the regulation of insulin sensitivity. It is believed that thanks to this they are able to reduce the risk of some cardiovascular diseases.
Bacterial flora is the center of the body's immunity
Immunity is an extremely important element, not only in the context of overall health and reducing the risk of infection. It can safely be said that, as we strengthen immunity, we create better conditions for working on our figure.
To be honest, our immunity is located mainly in the intestines, where the GALT lymphoid tissue is found. It is thanks to it that antibodies and lymphocytes with protective functions against viruses and other pathogens are produced. It is worth knowing that GALT could not perform its tasks without the bacteria residing in our digestive tract.
Supporting the microflora is associated with the production of vitamins D3 and B12, which are not without significance for the body's immune system. This is mainly due to the beneficial Lactobacillus reuteri bacteria. Nevertheless, in many cases, additional
vitamin D3 supplementation will be beneficial for the body. Saccharomyces boulardii, classified as beneficial yeasts, have a beneficial effect on overall immune functions.
It is worth bearing in mind that the bacteria inhabiting the intestines are involved in the production of compounds with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. They also stimulate the activity of T and B lymphocytes.
By taking probiotics, and thus striving for microbiota balance, our phagocytic cells become more active. Their role is to eliminate disease-causing pathogens and harmful metabolic products. In addition, they stimulate beneficial cytokines, hormones associated with immunology, and specific proteins with bacteriostatic and bactericidal functions.
Gut bacteria support the function of dendritic cells, which stimulate immune cells during the immune response. Interestingly, bacterial flora is important not only in prevention and strengthening, but also in problems with an overreactive immune system (autoimmune diseases).
Bacterial flora and PCOS
Studies by Chinese and American scientists suggested that bacterial flora may be linked to the development of PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which is one of the more common endocrine problems in women. All the more so because gut bacteria affect the body's hormonal system. PCOS contributes to infertility and many difficulties during the menstrual cycle.
Gut flora has a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and stabilizing blood sugar metabolism, and that is extremely desirable.
Insulin resistance plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is said that statistically a large number of women affected by PCOS suffer from both glycemic disorders and microbiota imbalance. An increase in Bacteroides vulgatus has been observed in these women.
Other reasons to care for gut bacterial flora
- serotonin is produced in the intestines,
- it reduces the risk of depressive states,
- it is linked to chronic fatigue,
- significant disturbances in microbiota balance may increase the risk of cancerous changes,
- it serves as a regulator of some important neurotransmitters, such as GABA,
- it is associated with the occurrence of allergic conditions,
- it affects skin condition and is linked, for example, to acne,
- it affects thyroid hormones,
- it supports body shaping (both fat reduction and work on musculature),
- it promotes well-being and protects against the negative effects of stress.
