Increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine is the first step to the development of multiple diseases.
Gut microflora plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of numerous diseases. The analysis of the microbiological balance within the intestine, and then the reconstruction of microbiota disorders are therefore the best options to diminish the predisposition for civilization diseases development. Such option was found to be effective and safe intervention supporting directive treatment. The microorganisms inhabiting the digestive tract affect the whole body functions. The digestive tract of a healthy human being consists of approximately 2 – 3 kilograms of microbes. If our body would be deprived of this ecosystem, we would not be able to survive. The intestinal beneficial microbes coordinate the functioning of each tissue and organ in both direct and indirect ways. The intestinal ecosystem functions include:
- Supporting the digestion
- Vitamin synthesis (B group and K)
- Competition with pathogenic microorganisms
- Stimulation of the immune system cells
- Neutralization of toxins and other potentially harmful substances
- Inhibiting the inflammation development
- Elevating the intestinal barrier integrity
A modern lifestyle leads to the disruption of intestinal microflora
Intestinal microflora is composed not only of beneficial microorganisms, but also of potentially pathogenic bacteria and yeast-like fungi. If beneficial bacteria dominate in the intestine, they prevent the pathogenic microorganisms and yeast from multiplying. This introduces the homeostasis within the gut microbiota. Unfortunately, intestinal microorganisms are exposed to a number of adverse factors. Factors that were found to be contributors of the intestinal microbiota damage include the following:
- antibiotics
- invasive treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunosuppression, surgery)
- chronic psychological and physical stress
- unhealthy, processed food
- drug abuse
- medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics)
- Unhygienic lifestyle
Consequently intestinal dysbiosis develops, i.e. there is a strong reduction in the beneficial bacteria abundance and an excessive proportion of pathogenic microorganisms. Researchers indicate that gut microbiota disruptions may be responsible for the development and / or maintenance of a number of disease entities, so-called “civilization diseases”. Children born via Caesarean section are more prone to develop these ailments, as their gastrointestinal tract colonization was found to be delayed and different from naturally born infants. Thus, only properly selected probiotics may effectively restore the intestinal microflora composition.
For this reason, probiotics, i.e. living strains of microorganisms derived from the intestine, with beneficial properties, are becoming more and more popular. The purpose of probiotic therapy is to increase the population of beneficial microbes and diminish the abundance of pathogens, both fungi and bacteria. However, probiotics may contain different strains and thus works differently. Only using appropriately selected probiotic strains will bring the expected results and will translate into an improvement in health:
Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to:
- Disorders of digestion and absorption
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, constipation, bloating, nausea, gastro-intestinal reflux)
- Food Intolerance and allergies
- Atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases (acne, pruritus, recurrent skin infection)
- Recurrent respiratory tract infections, middle ear infection, sinusitis
- Recurrent infection of the genitourinary system and the digestive tract
- Fungal infection of the gastrointestinal tractAutoimmune diseases
- Overweight and obesity
- Worsening of the psychophysical condition
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Mood disorder
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