On June 27th, World Microbiome Day was celebrated with the aim of presenting the interesting and diverse world of microorganisms to the general public and showing their important role in our health, that of animals and the environment. Thus, the aim is to raise awareness of the importance of the microbiota and its functions in relation to many diseases, not only digestive but also systemic.

As we explained in previous posts, the intestinal flora or microbiota is the set of bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, Archaea and parasites that inhabit the intestine. The intestinal microbiota exerts different functions in our organism, which we will later dedicate specific posts to talk about them (visit our Instagram to know it now!), such as the immunological, metabolic, barrier, defense, maintenance function... When quantitative and/or qualitative changes occur in the microbiota, in its metabolic or functional activity, or in its local distribution, which is known as intestinal dysbiosis, serious alterations are generated in the organism that can have serious consequences.

In the case of a normal microbiota, the microbial population is in equilibrium, so that all microorganisms live in harmony, sometimes even symbiotically, performing their functions. However, the equilibrium can be broken by various situations, and different types of dysbiosis can occur:

  • Intestinal dysbiosis due to an overgrowth of certain microorganisms (bacteria and/or Archaea ) which are not necessarily pathogenic, but which generate an imbalance in the set of functions performed by the microbiota in our organism, causing functional alterations of the intestine.
  • Intestinal dysbiosis due to an increased presence of pathogenic microorganisms: microorganisms with pathogenic potential also reside in our intestine. When our microbiota is in proper balance, pathogenic organisms are kept under control, without causing any problems. However, under certain circumstances, an overgrowth ofthese pathogenic bacteria can occur, and this is when problems start to arise.
  • Intestinal dysbiosis due to loss of beneficial microorganisms: the beneficial bacteria in our microbiota have, as we have just seen, very important functions, among which is the production of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate. In another post we will tell you how many benefits it has. Due to this positive effect they have on our health, we can understand why their loss affects our organism so negatively.
  • Intestinal dysbiosis due to loss of microbial diversity: the greater the diversity of microorganisms that reside in our microbiota, the better it will be, as well as our overall health. A high intestinal microbial diversity is beneficial for the host.

What are the most common causes of intestinal dysbiosis?

  • Antibiotics: among the main problems caused by the use of antibiotics is not only the alteration of the intestinal microbiota, but also the resistance that bacteria generate towards them when they are misused or abused.
  • A diet high in animal protein: it has been shown that a high intake of animal protein, especially from red meat and processed meat, can deteriorate the state of our microbiota and increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
  • A low intake of vegetables and fruits: vegetables and fruits should be the most abundant element of our diet. At each meal of the day, fruits and vegetables should be the protagonists. Thus, fermentable fibers, resistant starch, beta-glucans, fructans... have a prebiotic action, which feeds our beneficial bacteria, essential for intestinal health.
  • Obesity and overweight: it has been shown that people with excess weight have an altered microbiota, so maintaining a healthy weight is also key to avoid intestinal dysbiosis.

How to suspect intestinal dysbiosis?

When the intestinal microbiota is in a state of imbalance causing a dysbiosis, the symptoms that occur can range from non-specific digestive discomfort such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain, to tendencies to suffer from food intolerances or fluid retention processes, skin disorders and alterations, neurological pathologies such as migraines, an increased tendency to suffer from infections, genital pathologies...

Thus, it is essential to know the state of your microbiota, not only will you be able to solve many conditions that you are tired of not finding the key, but maintaining good intestinal health is general health and essential to have quality of life and prevent the onset of diseases.