Intestinal microflora

Intestinal microflora

Intestinal microflora in a broad sense is a collection of various microorganisms. In the human intestine all the microorganisms are in symbiosis with each other. On average, the human gut is home to around 500 different species of microorganisms, and, as beneficial bacteria (which help to digest food and giving the person the vitamins and a complete protein) and harmful bacteria (feeding on fermentation products and produce products of decay). The modification of the quantitative ratio and species composition of the normal microflora of the body, primarily the intestines, accompanied by development of atypical microbes for him, called dysbiosis. This most often happens due to improper nutrition. But the violation of the microflora may occur not only due to malnutrition but also due to taking antibiotics. In any case, there is violation of microflora

The normal intestinal microflora

The main representatives of the microflora of the human colon are Bifidobacterium, bacteriodes, lactobacilli, E. coli and enterococci. They make up 99% of all microbes, only 1% of the total number of the microorganism belongs to a pathogenic bacteria, such as staphylococci, Proteus, clostridia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and others. Of pathogenic microorganisms in the normal condition of the bowel should not be, the normal microflora of the intestine in humans begins to develop already during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. Fully its formation is completed to 7-13 years.

What is the function of the normal intestinal microflora? First of all, protective. So, bifidobacteria produce organic acids that inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria. Antibacterial activity have lactobacilli in their ability to form lactic acid, lysozyme and other antibiotic substances. Colibacteria antagonistic to pathogenic flora act through immune mechanisms. In addition, on the surface of cells of the intestinal epithelium representatives of normal microflora form the so-called "microbial turf", which mechanically protects the gut from the penetration of pathogenic microbes.

In addition to the protective function of the normal microorganisms of the colon are involved in the metabolism of microorganism. They synthesize amino acids, proteins, many vitamins participate in the metabolism of cholesterol. Bacteria synthesize enzymes that cleave proteins of milk, and enzyme histaminase, thereby performing desensitizing function in the body.The microflora of the colon promotes the absorption of calcium, iron, vitamin D, preventing the development of cancer process.

The causes of the violation of microflora

There are a number of social factors that disturb the microflora. This is primarily acute and chronic stress. So critical for human health conditions affected both children and adults. For example, the child goes to school, respectively, he cares. The process of adapting to a new team is often accompanied by health problems. In addition, learning stress can cause tests, examinations and academic workload.

Another reason, which suffers microflora-it is food. Today in our diet has a lot of carbohydrates and little protein. If you remember, that comprised the diet of our grandparents, it turns out that they ate much more healthy food for example, fresh vegetables, brown bread - simple and healthy foods that are beneficial to the microflora.

Also cause violations of intestinal microflora are diseases gastrointestinal tract, fermentopathy, active therapy with antibiotics, sulfa drugs, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy. Favor the overgrowth of harmful environmental factors, starvation, exhaustion in connection with serious illnesses, surgery, burn disease, the reduction in immunological reactivity of the organism.

Prevention of microflora

In order to be in good shape, one needs to keep the balance of the microflora that support his immune system. Thus, we help the body to resist stress and cope with pathogenic microbes of their own. That's why the community should care daily. It must become as habitual as brushing your teeth in the mornings, or taking vitamins.

Prevention of violations of the microflora aimed at maintaining healthy bacteria in the body. This is facilitated by the consumption of foods rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, cereals, breads, flour) and dairy products.

Today on television we propose to start the day with a "SIP health": kefir and yogurt enriched with bifidobacteria. However, we must remember that the number of these useful elements in products with great shelf-life is rather small to stimulate the growth of microflora. Therefore, as a preventionshould be considered dairy products (kefir, tan, etc.) that do contain "live cultures". Usually, these products sold in pharmacy chains and the shelf life is limited. And, of course, do not forget about the rules of healthy nutrition, sports and mental balance – it all helps to support the immune system on top!