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Microbiota and immunity
Webinar on demand
Microbiota and immunity
Your health starts in your microbiota
Intestinal flora, gut flora, microflora… All these terms refer to the community of microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract of all mammals including you. They are fundamental to your well-being.
Maintains digestive balance
A balanced microbiota supports digestive function, the transformation of food into energy, and also helps with detoxification. An imbalance in the microbiota is a marker for various diseases and is often the origin of digestive discomfort.
Supports the immune system
It is estimated that 80% of immune cells are located in the intestinal mucosa. A healthy and balanced microbiota strengthens the intestinal barrier by regulating the absorption of both molecules and organisms into our body.
Your second brain
50% of the dopamine and 95% of the serotonin that we produce are formed in the intestine. These substances are related to happiness and good humour. An increase in their levels can be used as an indicator of improvement in depression and anxiety.
Why is so important?
Your microbiota, just like your fingerprints, is unique. Your microbiota defines and differentiates you, and comprises a complex ecosystem, your body.
The human microbiota is made up of 10-100 trillion microbial cells that live symbiotically in each person’s gut, mainly made up of bacteria. The functions of this immense bacterial community are:
· Regulation of the body’s immune response.
· Involvement in the production of vitamins.
· Participation in the regulation of lipid metabolism.
· Contributes to the production of short chain fatty acids.
Intestinal bacteria for diagnosis
Intestinal Microbiota: an indicator of intestinal health
Microbiologist and Nobel laureate, Professor Elie Metchnikoff, said that most diseases begin in the digestive tract. According to him, this happens when “good” bacteria are unable to control “bad” bacteria.
In the last few years, research has demonstrated the influence of the microbiota in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal inflammation, and celiac disease, as well as in non-gut related psychiatric disorders, obesity, allergies, asthma and various cardiovascular conditions.
In the case of the complaints listed above, dysbiosis occurs; an imbalance that has been linked to the development of different diseases, including a number of chronic diseases.
Health problems associated with microbiota dysbiosis
The balance, or, eubiosis, of the microbiota is directly related to our lifestyle. However, we cannot ignore the influence of genetic inheritance and other recently discovered factors.
There are studies that demonstrate the influence of the mother’s vaginal and intestinal microbiota during pregnancy and childbirth, and suggest that the type of birth (natural or by caesarean section) will have repercussions that directly influence the infant’s microbiome.
A diet with low or no fibre content, excessive alcohol consumption, regular ingestion of ultra-processed foods and the abuse of antibiotics have been linked to dysbiosis and the development of various diseases:
- Diets rich in fats, polyunsaturated fatty acids and industrial meat have been linked to a higher incidence of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- The development of colorectal cancer has been associated with levels of inflammation and structural changes in the microbiota. The origin of these changes could be related to the growth of sulphate reducing bacteria that derive from excess consumption of red meat.
- Fibre-rich diets increase the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that are beneficial for the epithelium of the large intestine (colonocytes) and also have antitumor properties.
- The risk of suffering from inflammatory bowel disease can be reduced by regulating the intestinal microbiota with a vegetarian diet.
How to regain instestinal balance
Fibre
The consumption of these indigestible carbohydrates (polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, and lignins) provides fuel for beneficial intestinal bacteria to produce SCFAs, which protect the intestinal barrier from pathogenic organisms.
- Improved intestinal transit
- Optimal mineral absorption
- Immune system regulation
- Appetite balance
- Regulation of glucose and lipid levels
Meditarranean and Atlantic Diet
- The Mediterranean diet has been associated with significant protection from chronic degenerative diseases.
- The Atlantic diet has been associated with metabolic health and a decrease in mortality caused by coronary heart disease and some types of cancer. The inclusion of group B vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and iodine could be responsible for these effects.
Prebiotics and probiotics
- The consumption of prebiotic substances can control intestinal dysbiosis by encouraging the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. In addition, they help prevent pathogenic cells from adhering to the cells of the intestinal mucosa.
- According to several studies, probiotics improve the function of the intestinal barrier and prevent the adhesion and colonisation of pathogens and toxins.
Micromarker Project
Hifas da Terra and Vall d’Hebron University Hospital of Barcelona
Hifas da Terra leads the collaborative R&D Micromarker project which evaluates the relationship between modulation of the intestinal microbiota and the progression of colorectal cancer. In addition, the study will explore the effect of the use of fungi-derived prebiotics and anti-inflammatory compounds on the quality of life of patients.
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Fun Fact
The second brain
Since the 1970s, various studies have been published evidencing the validity of the gut-brain axis, and how it can affect global functioning despite the blood-brain barrier.
Alterations in bacterial communities have also been observed in animal models when the animals were subjected to stressful situations.
