RESERVED AREA - MICROBIOT ANALYSIS
The human microbiota is defined as " the set of microorganisms that live inside and on the surface of our body ". Specifically, the set of populations of microorganisms that populate the human intestine is defined as the intestinal microbiota. The microbiota plays a fundamental role in maintaining the individual's state of health as it is involved in the development and functionality of the immune system, in the regulation of digestive and metabolic functions and in the performance of neurological functions. The microbiota is made up of approximately 100 trillion microbes, the number of which is 10 times greater than the number of eukaryotic cells in the body contributing approximately 1.5-2 kg of its total weight
During the first 3 years of life, the initial microbial diversity normalizes and tends to remain so, in fact, in adults the composition of the microbiota tends to be stable in physiological conditions. The microbiota is formed with the first breath emitted by the newborn, or even earlier when the fetus comes into contact with the maternal vaginal bacterial flora for the first time. The way in which a person is born (natural birth or caesarean section) therefore determines the composition of the intestinal microbiota
In fact, if the birth is a caesarean section, this first bacterial contamination does not occur and this will determine a different microflora in the baby. Breastfeeding also influences the composition of the intestinal flora: maternal breastfeeding stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria (essential for the well-being of the intestine and to neutralize harmful bacteria), while artificial breastfeeding favors the establishment of a different flora with levels lower than bifidobacteria
Several studies published in recent years have observed a relationship between an altered maternal intestinal microbiota, generally due to infections or stress during pregnancy, and psychological problems in the offspring.
The maternal gut microbiota promotes normal brain development by regulating the levels of small molecules that can enter the fetal brain. It is very important to check the health status of your microbiota through specific tests
Collapsible content
Intestine-Brain Axis
Changes in the composition of the gut microbiota have been associated with many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.
Recently, a group of researchers identified two new bacterial molecules that are able to reach the brain and inhibit the function of brain cells
Microbiota and Immunity
Under normal conditions, bacteria (such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) carry out a protective action for the organism and neutralize harmful bacteria
Under normal conditions, bacteria are able to produce metabolites such as short chain fatty acids, including:
•Butyric acid
•Propionic acid
•Acetic acid
SCFAs can influence the immune system by regulating the differentiation, recruitment and activation of immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages and T cells.
Microbiota and Nutrition
We are what we eat.
If this is true to indicate our general well-being, it is even more so when we talk about the microbiota. In fact, to have a healthy intestinal flora you need to eat well, starting from an early age
A diet rich in fats, sugars, refined foods and low in fruit, vegetables and whole grains can seriously alter the bacterial flora. Eating a variety of foods is perhaps the best way to increase microbial diversity, and there is no better time to do this than during the first years of life.
Whole grains are excellent, including oats, barley, rice and quinoa. Fruits and vegetables, protein-rich legumes such as peas, lentils and beans which are rich in fibre
Microbiota and Sport
It is now known that regular physical exercise affects systemic homeostasis by provoking responses at the organ, molecular, physiological, metabolic, immune system and even gut-brain axis levels. Practicing sport also offers a possibility for the treatment and prevention of various chronic conditions in which the intestinal microbiota is somehow implicated.
On the contrary, a sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of so-called progressive diseases, also linked to bacterial composition, including obesity, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
High-intensity exercise also temporarily increases intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.
The body responds to the stressful stimulus of physical activity by implementing a series of beneficial adaptation mechanisms which, in the long term, improve the resilience of the intestinal barrier and of the entire organism.
The intestinal microbiota can influence adaptation to physical exercise, as it may have a key role in the control of oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, as well as in the improvement of energy metabolism and hydration status, during high-intensity activity
Intestinal microbiota genetic test
A panel of tests with preventive and predictive purposes which involves the screening of a series of polymorphisms related to alteration of the intestinal microbiota and onset of conditions such as: metabolic syndrome, chronic intestinal inflammation, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The test is very useful for preventive purposes of the conditions described above but also in individuals in whom these problems have already arisen, as well as in patients in particular stages of life such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, childhood and aging.