#imagine #intestinal #flora
Generally, we don’t imagine it with pleasure. Being “civilized” people, we do not like to talk about the processes taking place in the abdominal cavity and intestines. What happens in the toilet is solely our business and remains where we left it, we might think. Well, as long as everything is going well, that’s the truth.
However, let us remember where this process begins and where it is heading. What is normal and everyday for an adult is observed with concern by the mother in a newborn. Is their stool normal and regular every day? When it comes to hospital treatment or post-operative conditions, it is also important whether digestion is going well or not. The mother is reassured when her baby’s stool is OK. A retired person would be equally reassured by the condition of his or her stool.
In everyday life, we place more and more emphasis on our intestinal flora and its health. However, few people know that 70-80% of our immune system is located in the digestive tract. Thus, our intestinal system is involved not only in digestion and excretion, but also in the functioning of the immune system.
Show me your intestinal flora and I will tell you who you are.
In several European languages, all bacteria and microorganisms are expressed using combinations of words, including the word FLORA, and this is no accident. The word flora botanically refers to the vegetation of a given area or period. The word itself comes from the name of the goddess Flora, who in Roman mythology was the goddess of flowers and spring.
The intestinal system is also a given, well-defined area. In an adult human, the total surface of the digestive tract is approximately 400 m2, i.e. at least the basic area of 4, quite large apartments, and its length can be estimated at 8-9 meters. There are as many as 400-500 species in the intestinal flora, and their weight can reach 1-1 kilogram. Some of these species are constantly present in our body, while others are simply “passengers”.
The development of intestinal flora begins in infancy, with childbirth and breastfeeding. In an optimally functioning body, “beneficial bacteria and fungi” (so-called probiotics, e.g. lactobacillus acidophilus) block the colonization and multiplication of “bad bacteria”, e.g. Salmonella, Clostridium and some species of E. coli. They support the functioning of the immune system, the absorption of minerals and metabolic processes. They prevent the multiplication of fungi and viruses. They produce important nutrients in addition to destroying cholesterol while synthesizing vitamins for the body.
Damaged intestinal flora
The intestinal flora, sterile at birth and then developing under the influence of mother’s milk, is exposed to attacks over the years. Some people leading a “modern lifestyle” – i.e. smoking, drinking alcohol, having a stressful lifestyle – do not take into account what unhealthy life will lead to in the long run. The balance of intestinal flora, depending on an unhealthy lifestyle and diseases, can easily be disturbed and its functioning may become insufficient. Common complaints may include constipation; change in defecation habits, abdominal pain, flatulence and these symptoms can lead to chronic intestinal diseases, increasing the sensitivity of our immune system. As a consequence, the weakening of the immune system may result in further ailments related to it.
A healthy way of life
Today, not only “intestinal flora health” has great promotional value. The term “healthy lifestyle” has also become common. Its importance is still undisputed. Regular exercise and a regular diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding red meat and refined carbohydrates (sugar, flour, etc.), and adequate fluid intake can contribute to good health. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, by using dietary supplements containing probiotics and prebiotics that support the multiplication of healthy intestinal flora, you can also do a lot to ensure that all processes in the smallest room in your home run smoothly.
Factors that threaten the balance of intestinal flora
- Antibiotics that can disturb the balance of bacteria and fungi.
- Inappropriate or one-sided diet, e.g. excessive consumption of protein, meat, fat or refined carbohydrates, or a diet low in fiber.
- Some cleansing and juice diets, colon hydrotherapy performed without medical supervision or advice.
- Preservatives consumed with meals and other artificial substances.
- Antacids and drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric juice.
- Hormonal drugs and contraceptives.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Constant problems with elimination (constipation, diarrhea).
- Conditions and infections associated with diarrhea.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
- Inadequate fluid intake.
- Stress, difficulty sleeping and/or sleep disturbances.
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Article How to imagine the intestinal flora? comes from the Calivita website.
