Eating a balanced diet and learning to manage stress and emotions are key to good digestive health.The gut microbiota consists of a set of about 100 billion living microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that live in the gut in a symbiotic relationship with humans and are currently considered by experts to be a "new organ". As Amina Alina, head of the digestive department at SHA Wellness Clinic, explains, "Each person has a different microbiota and is very sensitive to changes, both physical and emotional. In fact, the two main reasons for its change are an unbalanced diet and stress, as the brain and gut are closely connected."
Intestinal microbiota - the key to good mental, physical and emotional health. Among its many functions, the doctor highlights "metabolic and digestive functions, as the various bacteria found in the human intestinal microflora are able to digest cellulose, complex starches, proteins and fatty acids, produce enzymes that promote digestion, improve intestinal transit, synthesize essential amino acids and vitamins such as K, B12 or B8 (biotin) and cooperate in the absorption of certain ions such as magnesium and iron. They also play a fundamental role in the so-called "barrier effect", as they occupy space that prevents foreign bacteria from implanting themselves in the intestinal ecosystem and secrete antimicrobial substances that inhibit the development of other potentially pathogenic bacteria. They also have a trophic effect, as the short-chain fatty acids produced by these bacteria strengthen enterocytes, which are intestinal cells, and strengthen the intestinal barrier, preventing excessive epithelial permeability. Finally, it should be noted that the gut immune system is the most extensive part of the immune system, so a balanced microflora is a crucial factor in its development and maturation."
Maintaining the balance and high level of biodiversity of the microbiota is essential for the proper development of all its functions. Amina gives us the keys to achieving this: "the microbiota feeds on the nutrients present in our diet, so it must be healthy, balanced and include prebiotic and probiotic foods. In addition, learning to manage stress and our emotions with regular exercise and good sleep hygiene are important for our digestive health. And it is important to promote breastfeeding to have a healthy microbiota from early childhood.