How the Balance of Intestinal Flora Effects Health

Bacteria living in our digestive system play an important role in our health. Without them, the digestion of our food would be altered and the metabolism of cholesterol would be different, some foods that are carcinogens would not be turned out into something harmless ... At a conference organized by the French Institute of Nutrition, Dr. Philippe Langella and Philippe Seksik reminded us of the importance of having well-balanced intestinal flora.

What are intestinal flora?
The intestinal microbiota, formerly known as intestinal microflora, are a group of bacteria that live in the digestive tract. These bacteria are spread in a non-uniform way along the digestive tract and are more numerous in the colon than in the small intestine.

At birth, the digestive tract is sterile and devoid of bacteria. Microbial colonization begins with the first moments of life, because of human contact (mainly the mother), food, and environment but also the secretions of the digestive tract. It is around the age of two years that these intestinal microbiota become stable and functional.

What are the main effects of intestinal microbiota?
The flora of an individual are adequate, with 2 or 3 of the dominant intestinal bacterial species that are completely specific. In addition to being specific, the microflora appear to be stable over time. Each individual thus has a "bar code", of unique and stable bacteria, resulting from his personal history from birth to adulthood, which many times are influenced by food, hygiene and the use of antibiotics.

These microflora perform certain functions that have essential roles in maintaining the health of an individual, like for example breaking down food which cannot be digested.
A large proportion of our food is not digested in the small intestine and is fermented by the microbiota in the large intestine, causing the release of small molecules and gases. Some of the released fatty acids are nutrients for the intestinal cells and may have beneficial effects on human health.
Microflora are also a protection against colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by pathogenic microorganisms and help in the development and maturation of the immune system

Is there a link between microbiota and obesity?
Carbohydrates and proteins are the main food sources of carbon and energy used for maintenance of the microflora. A change of diet can partly change the functions of the microflora.

The role of intestinal microflora in the storage of fat and obesity has recently been studied. It appears that the microflora allow better digestion of food residues by helping the absorption of carbohydrates and lipids. In addition, the microflora promotes storage of fat. The influence of the microflora is a new path for research to explore the factors of obesity.

What about probiotics?
It has been a long time since we have been consuming lactic acid bacteria, especially in fermented dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese. It has been a decade now since new selected lactic acid bacteria have been introduced into the food for their potential health benefits.

In some cases scientific evidence shows or suggests, that probiotics influence microflora and they have a therapeutic or preventive role in digestive diseases.
However, a food that slightly reduces the risk should not be confused with a drug that treats a dysfunctionment!

Sources: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6160624_Role_of_intestinal_flora_in_health_and_disease