Intestinal flora: what it is and how to replace it (with medicines and food)

The intestinal flora, also known as the intestinal microbiota, is a set of bacteria that lives and develops in the intestine, being known as the resident microbiota. Although they are bacteria, these microorganisms are good for the body, as they have evolved over thousands of years to create a beneficial relationship with the intestine.

Thus, both the person himself and the bacteria benefit from this relationship. For example, the intestine provides all the matter and nutrients necessary for the growth and reproduction of bacteria, while bacteria assist in the digestion of food, while creating an intestinal environment that does not allow the development of bad bacteria that could cause disease.

Although the intestinal flora is something that arises naturally, it is not always at its optimum levels, and imbalances can arise that facilitate the development of bad bacteria. Thus, it may be necessary to take medication to restore the levels of these bacteria, which are known as probiotics.

How intestinal flora appears and evolves

The development of the intestinal flora begins at the moment of birth and, during the first months of life, it is shaped according to the diseases that the baby catches, the use of antibiotics and the type of food he eats.

The first contact of the intestine with the bacteria seems to be during childbirth and, for this reason, babies born by normal vaginal delivery have a different first intestinal flora than babies born by cesarean section. This happens because in vaginal delivery, the baby mainly comes into contact with the bacteria in the mother's vaginal canal and intestine, while in cesarean section the main bacteria are those of the mother's skin and those of the hospital environment.

This flora changes and grows until around 2-3 years, when it is similar to that of an adult. Thus, the most important phase of growth and establishment of flora occurs in early childhood and, generally, the bacteria that are present at around 3 years old will remain for life. However, and although it is more difficult, the flora can also vary throughout life, especially due to bad adult lifestyles, for example.

Intestinal flora according to the type of delivery

The main types of bacteria in the baby's intestinal flora, according to the form of birth, are:

Normal vaginal delivery	Cesarean delivery
Lactobacillus	Acinetobacter
Prevotella	Bacillales
Sneathia	Corynebacterineae
Cariobacterineae	Micrococcineae
Propionibacterineae	Staphylococcus

Normally, bacteria acquired during vaginal delivery are more beneficial for the body and, therefore, it is possible that children who are born by vaginal delivery are less likely to develop chronic diseases than those born by cesarean section, such as asthma or dermatitis, for example..

In addition, breastfeeding also helps to shape the baby's intestinal flora, providing important nutrients and microorganisms for the development of a healthier microbiota.

What can affect the intestinal flora

The imbalance of the intestinal flora, also known as dysbiosis, happens when there are fewer good bacteria in the intestine or when one of these types is in greater numbers, making digestion difficult and facilitating the development of bad bacteria.

Some of the main causes that lead to microbiota imbalance include:

• Constant use of antibiotics: they eliminate both bad and good bacteria from the body; Frequent use of laxatives: the overuse of the intestine causes the elimination of good bacteria; Diet rich in sugar and industrialized products: facilitate the development of bad bacteria; Low fiber consumption: they are the main food for good bacteria and, therefore, when they are in low amounts they hinder their development.

When the intestinal flora is very affected, symptoms related to intestinal malfunction such as excessive intestinal gas, diarrhea or even frequent constipation are common. See other signs that may indicate altered intestinal flora.

How to replenish the intestinal flora

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy intestinal flora is to eat a healthy and varied diet, rich in vegetables and vegetables and with few processed foods, fried foods or sugary foods. In addition, betting on foods rich in fiber, such as oats, flaxseed or unshelled beans, also help to maintain the proper development of bacteria in the intestinal flora.

Another option that should be included recurrently in the diet is probiotic foods, which are foods that contain good bacteria that will help populate the intestine. Some examples include plain yogurt, kefir or kombucha.

See other examples of foods with probiotic power, in the following video:

However, when the intestinal flora is already altered, with symptoms such as excessive intestinal gas and frequent diarrhea, or constipation, for example, the best way to treat it is by taking probiotic remedies.

How to take medicine for intestinal flora

The remedies that improve the intestinal flora are probiotics. These remedies are small capsules that contain several million live bacteria that are ingested to reach the intestine and help balance the microbiota.

Although probiotics are used more often by adults, they can also be used on babies and children, under the supervision of the pediatrician, especially in the case of babies who are born by cesarean section and do not breastfeed. For that, there are already probiotics in syrup form, which can be given along with food.

There are several types of probiotics, but usually the best ones are those with more types of bacteria and in greater numbers. However, it is always advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or naturopath to find out which is best for each case, as different types of probiotics can be used to treat different health problems.

See the main types of probiotics and when they are used.

When to take medicine for intestinal flora

Probiotics are generally used when symptoms of imbalance in the intestinal flora appear, however they can also be used at the same time that antibiotic treatment is being performed, for example, to replace the microbiota that is being eliminated and preventing the appearance of diarrhea.

In addition, probiotics are still important during intestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis, to help replenish healthy flora, accelerating recovery.

In people with chronic constipation or frequent diarrhea, it may be a good option to take probiotics for about 2 to 3 months, twice a year, to regulate the bowel and improve its functioning.

Benefits of a healthy intestinal flora

The most well-known benefit of a healthy intestinal flora consists in improving the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. However, as it protects against bad bacteria, the microbiota also helps to strengthen the immune system, reducing the frequency of disease onset.

In more recent studies, the intestinal flora has also been identified as an important regulator of the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which improve the feeling of well-being and fight depression.

Therefore, maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiota seems to be a good way to ensure better overall health, not just related to the functioning of the intestine.