The intestinal flora, now called microbiota, is now considered as an organ in its own right, which plays a key role in the proper functioning of our intestine. It is therefore a vital organ!

After years of pastoral influence with the hunt for nasty bacteria and the advent of antibiotics, we now realize that "friendly" bacteria play an essential role in our health.

How do we know all this?

Thanks to rapid progress in genetic analysis, it is now possible to extract the microbial genome from stools. And what was discovered?

Our entrails contain 3.3 million microbial genes, whereas our human genome contains 23,000! 23,000 versus 3.3 million. This means that from a strictly genetic point of view (since we are talking about genome), we are 99% microbial! In addition, our flora contains over 100,000 billion friendly bacteria, viruses and fungi. This represents about 2 kg of our body weight.

Do you know how many cells our body is made up of? 10,000 billion... This means that we are 10 times more bacterial than cellular! In other words, it's high time we took a closer look at our intestinal flora!

What role does the microbiota play in our body?

Our hosts play a major role in the digestion process, including:

• the assimilation of certain nutrients thanks to enzymes that we do not have
• The synthesis of certain vitamins and minerals: vitamin B8, B12, K, magnesium, calcium
• the absorption of fatty acids

The microbiota also participates in our immune defense, as it constitutes a first defense barrier before the intervention of the immune system. Thus, it plays a role in the cellular renewal of this mucosa, participating in its integrity.

When dysbiosis sets in

Dysbiosis occurs when the balance of our microbiota is disturbed. This can be characterized by a decrease in "friendly" bacteria in favor of pathogenic bacteria or by a decrease in the diversity of good bacteria. The sealing role of the intestine is no longer ensured and undesirable substances can enter the internal environment, i.e. the bloodstream.

The mucous membrane tends to become inflamed, loses its tightness, and an increase in permeability appears: this is called intestinal hyperpermeability.

And that's where the problems start...

The intestine becomes porous, behaving like a real sieve. Food and microbial debris enter the body, and can disturb certain organs at a distance and cause pain, infections, allergies... Sometimes these elements trigger a metabolic inflammation, sometimes they can go up to the brain and trigger anxiety and depression, or even participate in neurological manifestations such as autism.

Numerous studies attest to the fact that the link between dysbiosis and our state of health is no longer in question. All chronic pathologies stem from an imbalance of the microbiota.

Disorders related to dysbiosis

Problems begin to appear, first of all, with digestive problems ranging from simple bloating to more serious disorders (disturbed, accelerated or limited transit).

This can then lead to more serious pathologies:

• Insulin resistance
• Overweight
• Type 1 and 2 diabetes
• Allergies
• Skin problems: psoriasis, eczema
• Hormone-dependent cancer, colorectal
• Autoimmune diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease
• Neuro-psychiatric diseases: messages sent from the gut to the brain (psychobiotics)
• Cardiovascular diseases

What are the causes?

We don't all start out equal when it comes to bacteria. Indeed, a dysbiosis can settle from the youngest age in particular in the following cases:

• Poor bacterial imprint of the mother
• Delivery by caesarean section
• Breastfeeding absent or interrupted too early
• Antibiotic therapy during the first 2 years of life

Later on, other factors can make the microbiota situation worse, including:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Certain medications taken over long periods of time
  • PPI : Proton pump inhibitors, often given in case of reflux (mopral, inexium...)
  • NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen)
• Chronic stress
• Ultra intensive sport
• Pesticides (especially in food)

Can we act in prevention?

Yes, it is possible to take action before or even after problems have already developed.

Daily hygiene rules can be easily implemented to achieve eubiosis (microbiota balance).

• Chewing: this is an action that is under our control and yet is often neglected. This is the primary mechanism of digestion. If chewing is too fast, the digestive savings made in the mouth will not be compensated by the rest of the digestive system. A step not to be neglected under any circumstances!

• Regularly consume prebiotics: these are essential elements for the implantation of our good bacteria. Of course, this intake of prebiotics is to be modulated according to the digestive tolerance of each person. Some people (especially those with SIBO, an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine) will have to wait a few months before reintroducing this category of food, after appropriate management. Here are some examples:
  • Leeks, artichokes
  • Garlic, onion
  • Pulses: lentils, chickpeas
  • Nuts: almond, hazelnut, walnut, pistachio
  • Spices: cumin, curry, black pepper
  • Dried fruits: fig, apricot, prunes
  • Banana, apples, raspberries...
  • Green tea
  • Dark chocolate
• Eat small oily fish once or twice a week, rich in long-chain omega 3 (EPA/DHA) as well as oils rich in omega 3 (rapeseed, walnut, camelina, flax, hemp, etc.)
• Limit meat consumption, especially red meat (once a week)
• Reduce the consumption of refined sugars, which are major contributors to candidiasis
• Moderate consumption of saturated fats

But what else?

The idea is to absolutely banish industrial food in favor of a Mediterranean-type diet, rich in vegetables (preferably organic or bought from a local producer who respects the environment), and providing a reasonable share of fats and quality proteins.

Food plays a major role in the intestinal balance. This means that we have the power to make beneficial changes to improve our health. This is the first step to consider in rebalancing a microbiota.

Some specific complementary protocols exist and can be proposed according to the individual's history. Therefore, think about consulting a natural health therapist as soon as possible to put all the chances on your side.