By Andrea Hargraves 
After years of study, it is known that the function of the digestive system goes beyond food processing. (photo: clone)
You may have heard the term gut flora, which is commonly used to refer to the bacteria in the gut. In recent years, the term has given way to its more correct and scientific meaning, the microbiota, and all those seeking a conscious, healthy diet consider it an indispensable condition for the proper functioning of an organism.
Much is said about germs, including advertising. But, specifically, what is it about? The term microbiota refers to a community of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, that are generally found in healthy tissues, particularly in the colon, but can also be found in the skin and other mucous membranes.
“The vast majority of bacteria, more than 90%, live in the colon, and it’s estimated that there are about three million of them. That’s an amount ten times greater than the total number of all cells in our body,” says Diego Wapner, MD, a endoscopist and internal medicine specialist. .
Gabriel Vendriola, Physician of Chemistry and Professor of Microbiology at the National University of the Littoral in Argentina, explains that the microorganisms that colonize the body, covering the skin and mucous membranes, are present throughout the digestive tract, in the female reproductive system and in the respiratory tract. That is, we are covered with microorganisms inside and out. These microorganisms are mainly bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses and also archaea, which are closely related to bacteria.
In the first research conducted on this topic, reference was made to the so-called intestinal flora, but if we talk about the group of microbes that live in our body, then it is more correct to talk about microorganisms. Today, with more knowledge on the subject, we know this is the correct term, explains Wappner.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that although bacteria are usually associated with various types of diseases, only 1% of those in the body cause diseases, thanks to the defense system responsible for making most of them harmless or even harmless. useful.
“They perform various functions in cooperation with our body. The bacteria that live in the intestines produce substances that have a positive effect on humans. This includes the production of vitamins, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions,” says the doctor.
A professional considers good or beneficial bacteria to be those that are able to modify certain foods, such as dairy products – yogurt, cheese or butter – which, in this case, improve their properties, bringing health benefits.
connected organism
After years of study, it is known that the function of the digestive system goes beyond processing food, as the intestinal flora is fundamental to the proper functioning of the most diverse organs, from the lungs, through the kidneys, to the liver, heart and brain. Although the intestinal flora works primarily in the digestive tract, as all systems are interconnected, it also works in the rest of the body.
“There is a connection between the gut and the brain through the vagus nerve, another between the gut and the skin, and all gut problems can have ramifications on the skin. Another connection is between the gut and the liver.” Vendriola notes that microbes, through fermentation, produce more than 400,000 molecules. It enters the bloodstream and can reach any organ, affecting it.