Rebalancing your intestinal flora, a concept that may seem a little vague or unnecessary to some, is truly one of the main factors of well-being and overall health. Healthy intestinal flora positively influences our metabolic and immune functions, it is even essential for the optimal absorption of nutrients. Here’s why it’s crucial to pay attention to it.
What is intestinal flora?
Well before diving into the profit rebalancing the intestinal flora, it is important to first understand what it is exactly.
The intestinal flora, also called intestinal microbiota, represents all the microorganisms (mainly bacteria) present in our intestines. A true “organ” in its own right, the intestinal flora weighs on average 2kg and is made up of around 100,000 billion bacteria. Each individual has a unique microbiota, like a fingerprint, which evolves throughout their life.
The role of intestinal flora
Far from being a simple “reserve” of bacteria, the intestinal flora plays several fundamental roles for the proper functioning of our body. It contributes to the digestion of food, the synthesis of certain vitamins (K, B12, etc.), the assimilation of minerals, the production of energy and protection against pathogens. It also acts as a real immune barrier, preventing pathogenic bacteria from developing to the detriment of those which are beneficial to our health.
Why rebuild your intestinal flora?
Modern lifestyle can lead to an imbalance in this flora, called dysbiosis. This can be due to an unbalanced diet, rich in sugars and fats but low in fiber, excessive consumption of medications, particularly antibiotics, stress, lack of sleep, lack of regular physical activity. , etc. As a result, this can lead to a variety of disorders such as digestion problems, low energy, unexplained weight loss, mood disorders and even more serious illnesses such as type 2 diabetes. obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Faced with these risks, it is therefore essential to take care of your intestinal flora and rebalance it if necessary.
How to rebuild your intestinal flora?
Several methods can help restore a well-balanced intestinal flora. These include a varied diet rich in fiber, regular exercise, and good sleep.
In terms of nutrition, you should opt for a diversified diet rich in prebiotics (foods that promote the growth of good bacteria) and probiotics (bacteria beneficial to our health). Prebiotics are mainly found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. As for probiotics, they are mainly found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut or kefir.
Regular physical activity can help promote the diversity of the gut microbiota. Sport stimulates the growth of certain bacteria beneficial to health.
Quality sleep is also essential. Indeed, scientific work has shown that the intestinal microbiota can be affected by lack of sleep.
In certain cases, a specific treatment such as taking probiotic food supplements can be considered, always accompanied by a health professional.
The benefits of rebuilding your intestinal flora
A good rebalancing of the intestinal flora has various health benefits. First, it helps improve digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can lead to increased energy and better weight control. It also promotes better immune health, as well as a lower risk of developing chronic diseases. Finally, the positive effects on mood and mental well-being correspond to the latest discoveries in this area, clearly illustrating the link between our “second brain” and our main brain.
Through all of this, we must not forget that each organism is unique and reacts individually. It is therefore appropriate to listen to yourself, test different approaches, and consult a health professional if in doubt or necessary.
Rebuilding your intestinal flora is therefore not just a “fashionable concept” but an essential step to take care of your health. So why not start today?
Sources
- Cho, I., & Blaser, M. J. (2012). The human microbiome: at the interface of health and disease. Nature reviews. Genetics, 13(4), 260–270. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3182
- Lepage P., Leclerc M.C., Joossens M., Mondot S., Blottière H.M., Raes J., et al. (2013). A metagenomic insight into our gut’s microbiome. Gut. 2013 Jan; 62(1):146-58.
- Quigley EM. (2013). Gut bacteria in health and disease. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2013 Sep; 9(9):560-9.
- Valdes AM., Walter J., Segal E., Spector TD. (2018). Role of the gut microbiota in nutrition and health. BMJ. 2018 Jun 13;361:k2179.
(All of this is obviously linked to the field of health, it is strongly recommended to consult a health professional before starting any intestinal flora rebalancing program)
