Among the functions of this intestinal microbiota, the first is digestion. “It degrades complex foods that our body is incapable of digesting on its own: plant fibers, such as pectin or certain starches, contained in fruits, vegetables and cereals,” explains the Foundation for Medical Research.
Another major function is the training of the immune system. We are born with an immature immune system in the intestine. “By gradually establishing itself, the microbiota will allow the immune system to learn to differentiate between ‘friendly’ micro-organisms and pathogens. »
This intestinal flora is also involved in the production of vitamin K and certain types of vitamin B and plays a role in growth, satiety, the fight against pain, sensitivity to stress and the control of inflammatory reactions.
3 – The intestinal microbiota can be unbalanced
In adulthood, the composition and functioning of the microbiota are relatively stable but can vary depending on diet and also antibiotic treatments. When the microbiota is unbalanced – disrupted in its composition and functioning – we speak of dysbiosis, as opposed to symbiosis. This is generally transient. But a chronic imbalance of the intestinal microbiota is sometimes associated with a pathology. This is the case in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or obesity, for example.
4 – The intestinal microbiota dialogues with the brain
Furthermore, the “gut-brain axis” has been highlighted by several studies that show a direct relationship between brain function and bacterial activity in the intestine, including intestinal bacteria that act directly on the hypothalamus, the gland involved in body temperature, reproduction, sleep, hunger, and thirst. Is there a relationship between intestinal microbiota and neurological pathologies? Studies have already suggested a link between dysbiosis and Parkinson’s disease, and between dysbiosis and the brain inflammation observed in Alzheimer’s disease. The intestinal microbiota could also be involved in autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and chronic depression.
5 – The intestinal microbiota is the subject of unfounded marketing claims
Are these imbalances causes or consequences of pathologies? This is what scientists are trying to find out, particularly with the French Gut project, led by MataGenoPolis/INRAE and AP-HP, which aims to map and understand French intestinal microbiotas. In addition to this objective, the aim is to “model and predict changes in the intestinal microbiota associated with chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases), neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, bipolarity, etc.) and neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease)” as well as “describe variations in the intestinal microbiota associated with the presence and development of diseases and functional disorders”.
For the moment, only fecal microbiota transplantation has proven itself and is officially indicated in the treatment of a pathology: recurrent severe intestinal infection caused by Clostridium difficile. “This consists of implanting in a sick person, by nasogastric tube or by enema, the microbiota of a healthy person, prepared from stool samples. This strategy is currently being investigated for other pathologies such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases,” explains on Instagram The French Virologist, alias Océane Sorel, doctor in virology, in partnership with the Research Foundation.
For the rest, the marketing claims around the microbiota are unfounded, “contrary to what certain ‘businesses’ try to make you believe”, adds Océane Sorel. His advice for taking care of your microbiota? Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a varied and balanced diet, avoiding ultra-processed foods.
The refractory period, an incompressible wait
Source: Destination Santé
