That is why a healthy intestinal flora is so important
Everyone has probably heard that the intestinal flora plays an important role in digestion. However, it also has other major effects on our well-being – it is even relevant for our emotions. So it is high time to take a closer look at the intestinal flora.
The term intestinal flora goes back to the now outdated idea that bacteria belong to the plant kingdom. Intestinal flora means all microorganisms living in the intestine. And that’s quite a lot: scientists know and distinguish more than 1,000 of them.
On average, however, a person only harbors around 150 different types of bacteria in their digestive system. The distribution is also different: while the bacterial density is low due to the aggressive acidity in the stomach, it increases in the direction of the large intestine – and it is also highest there.
Scientists and doctors also refer to the entirety of all microorganisms in a person as the microbiome. Most of our bacterial roommates are very useful, but yeast and viruses also occur in a normal intestinal flora. In total, the bacteria still make up around 99 percent of a healthy intestinal flora.
Index
ToggleThe tasks of our intestinal flora
Supporting digestion is one of the most important tasks of our intestinal flora. The intestinal bacteria break down food components that our enzymes cannot break down. These include dietary fiber. Up to 10 percent of the calories consumed are made available to the body by the action of the intestinal bacteria. Intestinal bacteria also play an important role in vitamin production and provide us with B vitamins, among other things.
A healthy intestinal flora also prevents harmful intestinal bacteria from multiplying. Because the mass of good bacteria displaces the harmful organisms and fights them with antibodies.
Support of the intestinal barrier
Another task of the bacteria is to support the so-called intestinal barrier. This prevents unwanted organisms and substances from our intestines from entering the bloodstream. The intestinal flora creates a kind of protective wall for the inside of the intestine by producing short-chain fatty acids.
On the other hand, it contributes to the special sealing functions between the cells of the intestinal wall. This is also important so that the intestinal wall remains impermeable to pollutants.
The intestinal flora also stimulates the immune system. Because our immune system has to constantly distinguish between the beneficial intestinal bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms and is well prepared for the increased occurrence of harmful invaders due to the constant challenge.
The intestinal flora during pregnancy and lactation
During pregnancy, the intestinal flora has another important task. Because the pregnancy hormone progesterone and the increased pressure of the growing uterus on the intestines often cause constipation, a fit intestinal flora can have a preventive effect here. Constipation can be avoided or greatly alleviated in this way.
After birth, the infant is inoculated with the mother’s microbiome through breastfeeding with breast milk. This contributes to the development of a healthy digestive system in the baby.
How do you recognize a diseased intestinal flora?
If the intestinal flora is disturbed or attacked, this can have very different effects on health and well-being. Doctors speak of a dysbiosis when the intestinal flora is disturbed. This can be due to reduced bacterial diversity, but imbalances in useful and pathogenic bacterial strains are also often the cause.
The first signs of a disturbed intestinal flora often include flatulence, intestinal cramps and abdominal pain as well as a greasy, foul-smelling stool. Dysbiosis can also cause constipation.
How do you keep the intestinal flora healthy?
For a healthy intestinal flora, it is particularly important that our “helpers” get enough and the right food . Suppliers of the important dietary fiber are linseed and psyllium, legumes, whole grain products, but also sauerkraut. A substance called inulin is particularly in demand among bacteria. It is found in high concentrations in artichokes, Jerusalem artichoke and chicory.
On the other hand, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine have a negative effect on the composition of the intestinal flora and can even cause lasting damage.
The intestinal flora is attacked, especially after treatment with antibiotics. Because antibiotics do not differentiate between helpful and harmful bacteria, they kill both equally. After a course of antibiotics, however, the intestinal flora can be strengthened again quickly. The important and useful lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are contained, for example, in natural yoghurt or sauerkraut.
The gut as a second brain – is there something to it?
The gut is often referred to as the second brain. There is indeed a lot to it. Because the intestine has its own nervous system, and because this is as complex as our brain, it is referred to as the “gut brain”.
But our intestinal flora also plays an important role in the interaction between the abdominal and head brain. Because the intestinal flora produces, for example, the messenger substance GABA (gamma-amino-butyric acid) and the happiness hormone serotonin by means of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. GABA has a calming effect and is relaxing and anxiolytic.
The composition and condition of the intestinal flora thus have a significant influence on our state of mind. This is why the term “microbiome-gut-brain axis” is now used in medicine.
Stress affects the digestive system
Conversely, our feelings also influence our intestinal flora. For example, the influence of stress on diseases of the digestive system has been studied intensively for a long time. Research shows that stress affects the movement of the gut (motility). Acute stress can trigger diarrhea. Chronic stress, on the other hand, has a slowing effect on intestinal movement and thus promotes constipation.
Less known, but no less serious: constant stress also damages the intestinal flora. With constant psychological pressure, the good gut bacteria can retreat and the bad bacteria can spread. As a result, digestive problems such as constipation occur and the production of GABA and serotonin decreases.
Anyone suffering from chronic indigestion should see a doctor.
The mini enemas work where they should – locally in the rectum. That is why MICROLAX® is also suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and babies.
The tube neck of the mini enemas is narrower than conventional suppositories. In addition, the effect occurs after about 5 to 20 minutes. This not only means quick relief, but also predictable discharge.
MICROLAX® is a laxative that you as a mother can use with a clear conscience – on you and your child.
Microlax ® rectal solution
Areas of application: For short-term use in constipation (constipation) and diseases that require easier defecation. For emptying the intestines during diagnostic or therapeutic measures in the rectum area. Warning: Contains sorbic acid.
For risks and side effects, read the leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.