Intestinal flora: These are the factors that indicate that it is damaged

The intestinal flora or microbiota is a set of microorganisms that live in perfect symbiosis in our intestine, according to the CinfaSalud portal.

It is composed of approximately one hundred trillion beneficial bacteria, so its weight amounts to two kilograms and its importance is essential for life.

These experts assure that it would be difficult to continue living without the intestinal flora and, if we did, we would last for a short time and in poor health.

The bacteria found in the intestinal flora have essential functions in our body. Specifically, the intestinal flora develops nutritional tasks, since it favors the synthesis of compounds such as vitamins, facilitates the absorption of calcium and iron in the colon, and favors intestinal movement.

On the other hand, it also has a protective function, preventing the implantation of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections, and an immunological one, since its set of bacteria activates and strengthens the immune system.

In short, the intestinal flora performs essential functions for our body, since it defends it against bacteria, viruses or diseases.

How to identify if our intestinal flora is damaged

Sometimes, there are people who experience various imbalances in the intestinal flora, which increases the predisposition to infections, allergies and atopic dermatitis.

In addition, these imbalances alter digestive mobility, causing constipation, diarrhea, poor digestion, gas or bloating.

I wrote a tutorial a couple summers ago on how to create your own personal offline wiki. Very useful for writers. Link: http://bit.ly/a2sjAJ

— Saffron Fri Feb 05 08:09:02 +0000 2010

In this way, there are different symptoms that can mean that our intestinal flora is not working properly. Some may be: frequent diarrhea, abdominal swelling, foul-smelling stools, belching, intestinal cramps, or constipation.

On the other hand, there are other factors that warn of a malfunction of the intestinal flora, which requires greater care of the microbiota.

These can be bad breath, excessive sugar consumption, sleep problems (insomnia) or a weakened immune system.

What role do probiotics and prebiotics have?

If you have a damaged microbiota, it is important to eat a balanced diet to recover it.

Experts assure that yogurts and fermented dairy products are recurring options that we can incorporate into our daily diet to improve intestinal flora.

You can also resort to the use of probiotics or prebiotics. Probiotics "are food supplements based on live microorganisms that help improve, restore and maintain the composition of the flora", they explain from CinfaSalud.

On the other hand, prebiotics "are a type of fiber that stimulates the growth of the microbiota, especially in the elderly" and serves as food, they specify.

Thus, in addition to carrying out a healthy diet in our routine, experts point out that incorporating probiotics and prebiotics in the diet can be a recommended prevention formula to prevent alterations in the intestinal flora.

These professionals emphasize that they should be consumed properly and controlled by a professional, since they also strengthen defenses, reduce the risk of disease and improve intestinal transit.

In short, in order to avoid any pathology, the Spanish Digestive System Foundation (FEAD) recommends maintaining a balanced intestinal flora and following "hygienic-dietary guidelines in food".

This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms appear in case of illness and never self-medicate. Read also

Natural probiotics: how they can help you take care of your body

Judith VivesRead also

How to strengthen the intestinal flora? These are the 3 yogurts that will help you achieve it

VIDAE Editorial Read also

Forget the yogurt! Here are 7 foods that will also provide you with probiotics

Helena Celma