The role of the gut microbiota

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Nguyen Hong Tram - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

The gut microbiota is a very important part of the human body. The imbalance of intestinal flora will lead to many diseases for the body, so you need to have a nutritious diet.

The digestive tract in the body contains a very rich and diverse microflora. After the baby is born for 8 hours, bacteria will enter the body from the outside through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, surrounding environment,...
Those bacteria begin to live and grow in the body. young body. It will take 1-2 years for the bacterial system in the body to develop diversely and stably before the body and bacteria have a symbiotic relationship. The number of bacteria in the gut microbiota is many times greater than the total number of cells in the human body.
The gut microbiota includes many species, the number of which depends on its development in the host's immune system and physiology. When the intestinal flora is present, the body will be stimulated to create an immune barrier to protect the body. Beneficial microorganisms play a role in breaking down food and metabolizing nutrients that the digestive system cannot perform, supporting the absorption of these beneficial bacteria, accounting for 85%, the rest are harmful bacteria.
However, the gut microbiota is affected by diseases and causes health related problems.

>> See more: Inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal bacteria spectrum - Article by Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

The gut microbiota is a very important part of the human body. The imbalance of intestinal flora will lead to many diseases for the body. In addition, the gut microbiota also has the following roles:
Helps synthesize essential vitamins for the body such as B1, B3, folic acid and short-chain fatty acids. The gut microbiome affects the immune system, because as soon as the baby receives foods or breast milk and the surrounding environment... the bacteria present in the food will act to create antibodies. against harmful bacteria. The development and balance of the gut microbiota also lays the foundation for the maturation of a child's immune system. In particular, the gut microbiome is related to mental health, because a problem with the gut will stimulate the nervous system, causing stress, even autism. Therefore, in people with gastrointestinal diseases such as stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, ... often have states of anxiety, stress, depression ... In contrast, the body's work Stress is also one of the causes of gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, intestinal ...

The gut microbiota is influenced by the host's diet. For people with a nutritious diet, it is obvious that they have a richer and more diverse microbiome than those who follow a vegetarian or unscientific diet.
In addition, the intestinal flora also causes other problems such as diabetes, obesity, malnutrition, ... Therefore, it is necessary to keep a balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the system. digestion of the body. If there is a factor that disrupts this balance, it will greatly affect the functioning of the digestive system as well as the body's health.