Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is a condition in which the balance between beneficial intestinal bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) and pathogens (Klebsiella, Proteus, enterobacteria, etc.) is disturbed.

Violation of the intestinal microflora

Eating on foot, junk and dry food can lead to a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the intestinal microflora. With gut microbiome – the so-called violation of the intestinal microflora, the number of beneficial bifidobacteria and lactobacilli is reduced, the number of harmful bacteria, on the contrary, is growing.

Causes

In a healthy person, about 500 species of bacteria live in the intestines. Useful bacteria digest food, enrich the body with nutritious stuff, support the immune system. These bacteria constantly work and regulate bowel function, maintain ionic balance, neutralize various toxins, break down proteins, carbohydrates and even synthesize some vitamins.

Together with beneficial bacteria in the intestines pathogens, unpleasant bacteria live. They can be activated by weakened immunity, frequent stress, a violation of the diet or exacerbation of the gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Violation of the intestinal microflora can reduce the absorption of beneficial substances in the intestine and thus upset the digestion process. Leftovers from undigested food result in gurgling, bloating, diarrhea and other symptoms.

The main causes of intestinal microflora disorders include:

• uncontrolled intake of drugs, for example, antibiotics that affect both pathogenic and “beneficial” intestinal bacteria;
• an improper diet containing unvaried food in which do not contain all the nutrients necessary for a person;
• impaired intestinal motility;
• uncontrolled dieting;
• intestinal infections;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, enteritis, colitis, etc.);
• endocrine diseases;
• stress and depression;
• alcohol abuse;
• smoking.

Gut microbiome manifests itself in the form of dyspeptic phenomena associated with a gastrointestinal tract violation. This condition leads to bloating, alternating constipation and diarrhea, abdominal pain, etc. With dysbiosis, unexpected allergic reactions to some foods may develop, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin itching, rash. In some cases, when microflora is disturbed, the absorption of nutrients is disturbed, a deficiency of iron, vitamins, etc. develops, and immunity decreases. The patient may complain of weakness, headaches, lack of appetite.

Recovery of gut microbiome

If you notice any signs of dysbiosis, it is recommended to consult a gastroenterologist right away. The basis of treatment is the elimination of the cause of the intestinal microflora violation. If the dysbiosis is caused by antibiotics, their intake must be withdrawn, and if you choose the wrong regime or diet, you need to return to the original diet.

However, the symptoms of dysbiosis themselves also need treatment. With dysbiosis, 3 types of treatment are recommended:

• dieting;
• prebiotics;
• probiotics.

Diet

A special diet may be sufficient for the treatment of mild forms of gut microbiome. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates. It is recommended to drink a glass of warm water for half an hour. It is important that the following substances are included in the diet:

• lactobacteria and bifidobacteria. They are found in fermented milk products, butter;
• fiber is found in vegetables and fruits;
• amino acids are glutamine and arginine, the source of which is chicken meat, beef, nuts, fish, dairy products, and peas.
• fatty, fried, smoked, spicy foods should be avoided.

Medications

In more severe forms of gut microbiome, the use of prebiotics and probiotics is necessary. Despite the similar name, these drugs vary significantly.

Prebiotics are substances that activate the growth of normal microflora. They are not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. In other words, they contain a lot of “good” bacteria. These drugs include Lactulose, Lactitol, Hylak Forte.

In addition to medications, there is natural prebiotics. These are fermented milk products, cereals.

Probiotics are drugs that contain microorganisms that are necessary for the body. These are mainly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Their entry into the intestine contributes to the microflora restoration.

Among the most famous probiotics, Linex, Bifiform, Bifidumbacterin, Lactobacterin, etc. can be noted.

In severe forms of dysbiosis, antibacterial drugs are prescribed that inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. These drugs are selected based on the type of bacteria that caused microflora disturbance.

As symptomatic agents for dysbacteriosis, immunomodulators (prescribed for strengthening immunity), antihistamines (to reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions), antispasmodics (No-Spa) should be noted.

Prevention of intestinal microflora disorders

In order to avoid the development of dysbiosis, it is enough just to follow simple recommendations. Keep a healthy lifestyle, choose a balanced diet, do not abuse diets and various “cleansing” of the body. Do not take antibacterial drugs without a doctor’s prescription.