Intestinal Microflora

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Intestinal microflora

Intestinal microflora

The intestinal microflora in the broadest sense is a collection of various microorganisms. In the human intestine, all microorganisms are in symbiosis with each other. On average, about 500 species of various microorganisms live in the human intestine, both beneficial bacteria (helping to digest food and giving a person vitamins and complete protein) and harmful bacteria (feeding on fermentation products and producing decay products). Modification of the quantitative ratio and species composition of the normal microflora of the organ, mainly the intestine, accompanied by the development of microbes atypical for it, is called dysbiosis. This is most often due to improper nutrition. But the violation of microflora can occur not only due to improper nutrition, but also due to the intake of various antibiotics. In any case, there is a violation of microflora

Normal intestinal microflora

The main representatives of the human colon microflora are bifidobacteria, bacteriodes, lactobacilli, Escherichia coli and enterococci. They constitute 99% of all microbes, only 1% of the total number of microorganisms belongs to opportunistic bacteria, such as staphylococci, proteus, clostridia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and others. There should be no pathogenic microflora in the normal state of the intestine, normal intestinal microflora in humans begins to develop already during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. Its formation is fully completed by the age of 7-13.

What is the function of the normal intestinal microflora? First of all, protective. So, bifidobacteria secrete organic acids that inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria. Lactobacilli possess antibacterial activity due to their ability to form lactic acid, lysozyme and other antibiotic substances. Colibacteria act antagonistically on pathogenic flora through immune mechanisms. In addition, on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells, representatives of normal microflora form the so-called "microbial sod", which mechanically protects the intestine from the penetration of pathogenic microbes.

In addition to the protective function, normal colon microorganisms are involved in the metabolism of the macroorganism. They synthesize amino acids, proteins, many vitamins, take part in cholesterol metabolism. Lactobacilli synthesize enzymes that break down milk proteins, as well as the enzyme histaminase, thereby performing a desensitizing function in the body. The beneficial microflora of the large intestine promotes the absorption of calcium, iron, vitamin D, preventing the development of the oncological process.

Causes of microflora disorders

There are a number of social factors that disrupt microflora. This is primarily acute and chronic stress. Both children and adults are susceptible to such "critical" conditions for human health. For example, a child goes to first grade, respectively, he is worried and worried. The adaptation process in a new team is often accompanied by health problems. In addition, during the learning process, stress can be caused by tests, exams and study load.

Another reason due to which microflora suffers is nutrition. Today, our diet is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. If you remember what the diet of our grandparents included, it turns out that they ate much more healthy foods: for example, fresh vegetables, gray bread - simple and healthy food that has a beneficial effect on the microflora.

Also, the cause of the violation of the intestinal microflora are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fermentopathies, active therapy with antibiotics, sulfa drugs, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy. Dysbacteriosis is favored by harmful environmental factors, starvation, depletion of the body due to serious illnesses, surgical interventions, burn disease, and a decrease in the body's immunological reactivity.

Prevention of microflora

In order to be in good shape, a person needs to maintain a balance of microflora that supports his immune system. Thus, we help the body to withstand stress and cope with pathogenic microbes on its own. That is why microflora needs to be taken care of daily. This should be as familiar as brushing your teeth in the morning or taking vitamins.

Prevention of microflora disorders is aimed at maintaining beneficial bacteria in the body. This is facilitated by the use of foods rich in plant fiber (vegetables, fruits, cereals, coarse bread), as well as fermented milk products.

Today, on the TV screens, we are offered to start the day with a “sip of health”: kefirs and yoghurts enriched with bifidobacteria. However, it must be remembered that the amount of these beneficial elements in products with a long shelf life is rather small in order to stimulate the growth of microflora. Therefore, as a preventive measure, it is worth considering fermented milk products (kefir, tans, etc.), which really contain "live cultures". As a rule, these products are sold in pharmacy chains and their shelf life is limited. And, of course, do not forget about the rules of healthy eating, exercise and mental balance - all this helps to maintain immunity at a height!

The author of the article: Gorshenina Elena Ivanovna | Gastroenterologist

Education: Diploma in the specialty "General Medicine" received at the Russian State Medical University named after N. I. Pirogova (2005). Postgraduate studies in the specialty "Gastroenterology" - educational and scientific medical center.