When we are healthy, our intestines are made up of a dynamic living ecosystem rich in microorganisms, including gut bacteria . But not all of them have the same influence on our body! Indeed, some are beneficial for our health, while others can be described as “bad bacteria”. What are the differences between these two types of bacteria? How does cohabitation take place between them within our intestinal microbiota? Why is a balance within this ecosystem essential for good health? In this article, we reveal everything you need to know about intestinal bacteria and their impact on our body.
Good intestinal bacteria: our allies for optimal health
What are the good intestinal bacteria?
A healthy and balanced intestinal microbiota , composed of an ecosystem of rich and diverse good intestinal bacteria, is essential for our good health. Among these good bacteria , also called “probiotic bacteria” , we find in particular Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria , two sub-genera of bacteria that have been widely studied and whose benefits for the body are recognized. The presence of these probiotic bacteria in a balanced manner within our intestinal microbiota helps ensure the proper functioning of our body.
The benefits of good intestinal bacteria
1 – Improved digestion and absorption of nutrients
Beneficial gut bacteria actively participate in the breakdown and digestion of the foods we eat, particularly dietary fiber. Indeed, the latter produce compounds, called “enzymes”, which break down food into elements, which thus facilitates their absorption and use by our body. This better assimilation of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients is crucial for our health.
2 - Production of molecules beneficial to health
The good bacteria present in our intestines are also capable of producing beneficial molecules such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These compounds are essential for nourishing the cells of the intestinal wall, strengthening the intestinal barrier , and maintaining healthy intestinal function . In addition, these molecules also help regulate the inflammatory state inside our intestines, which is crucial for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.
3 - Protection against pathogens
Our good intestinal bacteria play a significant role in protecting against pathogens and infections . Indeed, by occupying the attachment sites in the intestine, they prevent harmful bacteria from attaching and proliferating. Additionally, they are also capable of producing anti-microbial substances, which help curb the growth of pathogens (harmful bacteria, microbes, viruses, parasites) within our intestines.
4 – Strengthening the immune system
One of the other roles of these good bacteria is also to support the immune system since they are able to interact closely with it. Indeed, they stimulate the production of immune cells and strengthen the immune response . You understand why a healthy and balanced intestinal microbiota is essential to strengthen your immune system and thus reduce the risk of infections, allergies and diseases.
5 – Protection of the intestinal barrier
Our good intestinal bacteria form a protective layer on our intestinal wall, which prevents harmful molecules from passing through it, entering our bloodstream and therefore spreading throughout our body. In this sense, a healthy intestinal wall is essential to prevent inflammation and adverse reactions.
6 - Production of essential vitamins
Beneficial intestinal bacteria contribute to the production of certain essential vitamins such as vitamin K or certain B vitamins. These vitamins are important for our health since they participate in various metabolic processes within our body.
As you will have understood, by maintaining a balance of these good intestinal bacteria and preserving their activity, we positively influence several aspects of our health allowing the proper functioning of our body. Taking care of our intestinal microbiota is therefore essential. Indeed, we will now see that an imbalance in this microbiota is responsible for many ailments.
Dangerous intestinal bacteria: the enemies of our balance
Although good gut bacteria are essential for good health, it is important to remember that there are also bacteria that can disrupt intestinal balance and negatively impact our overall well-being. These so-called “pathogenic” bacteria can cause various health problems and must therefore be caught quickly. Among these bacteria that can be dangerous, we find for example Escherichia coli (E. coli), Shigella or even Salmonella.
When these pathogenic bacteria predominate in our gut microbiota due to a favorable environment, an imbalance forms , leading to disruption of normal intestinal function and weakening of the intestinal barrier . This situation then compromises our health and can have harmful consequences on our general well-being. Ingesting these bacteria can cause significant symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating or even fever. In some cases, these infections can become more severe and require medical intervention.
To prevent this risk, it is therefore essential to understand how we can be contaminated by these dangerous intestinal bacteria. This contamination occurs most of the time orally by consuming foods that carry it, by drinking contaminated water or by bringing your contaminated hands to your mouth, but it can also occur when traveling to regional countries. at risk where there is a high presence of pathogenic intestinal bacteria. An imbalance in the intestinal microbiota can also promote the proliferation of these potentially dangerous bacteria and be responsible for various diseases.
Intestinal bacteria and parasites: terms not to be confused
Very often, intestinal bacteria are confused with parasites. Although these two organisms can coexist within our digestive system, there are significant differences between them, both in terms of their nature and their impact on our health. Indeed, unlike intestinal bacteria which are naturally present in our intestines and most of the time beneficial to our health, parasites are living organisms which can only live and develop in the presence of a host . They can infect our body in various ways: through contact with an object, an animal or food, or after eating raw or poorly cooked meat or fish. This contamination can be responsible for health concerns (digestive problems, infections, illnesses, etc.).
Understanding the imbalance of the intestinal microbiota
An intestinal microbiota is unbalanced when pathogenic bacteria develop to the detriment of bacteria beneficial to our health. But then, how do we know if our microbiota is unbalanced? What are the factors that can lead to this imbalance and the solutions to take care of your microbiota?
We can talk about the imbalance of the intestinal microbiota in three cases: a decrease in the number of good bacteria , an increase in the number of pathogenic bacteria or a decrease in the diversity of species of bacteria present in our intestines. This modification in the composition of the intestinal microbiota can be more or less significant, and therefore lead to different signs from one individual to another.
Telltale signs of an imbalance in intestinal bacteria
Several symptoms may indicate an alteration in the composition of your intestinal microbiota. Indeed, this imbalance is mainly manifested by intestinal disorders such as bloating , flatulence, digestive pain or even a disruption of intestinal transit . These telltale signs can be noticed occasionally, following a meal or not, or specifically after consuming certain foods.
However, the telltale signs of an unbalanced intestinal microbiota can also affect systems other than the digestive one. Indeed, it can also influence our energy given that the intestinal microbiota influences our body's immune response to an “aggression”. In addition, studies have shown a relationship between the composition, optimal or not, of our intestinal microbiota and our stress . Indeed, it has been highlighted that an imbalance in our intestinal microbiota can influence our mood and make us more sensitive to stress. Please note that these telltale signs of an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota are specific to each person. You may therefore find yourself in the signs mentioned above as different signs. In any case, do not hesitate to surround yourself with health professionals to remedy this.
Factors that can disrupt intestinal balance
Balance within our gut microbiota is essential for good health and general well-being. However, several factors can disrupt this delicate balance, favoring the growth of pathogenic bacteria and thus compromising the proper functioning of our digestive system.
1 – An unbalanced diet
Eating industrially processed foods high in saturated fats or refined sugars can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria within our intestines. In addition, low consumption of foods rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, seeds, etc.) can deprive good intestinal bacteria of nutrients essential for their growth, and lead to an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota.
2 - A significant intake of antibiotics
These are powerful medications that can eliminate harmful bacteria, but they can also disrupt the balance of the microbiota by destroying good bacteria. Excessive or inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause an imbalance in the gut microbiota and make the gut vulnerable to infections.
3 - Chronic stress
It can alter bacterial composition, increase intestinal inflammation and weaken the intestinal barrier. These changes can encourage the proliferation of bad bacteria and compromise digestive health.
4 – A lack of physical exercise
A sedentary lifestyle can also affect the diversity of gut bacteria. Indeed, regular exercise promotes intestinal motility and reduces chronic inflammation, which promotes the growth of good bacteria.
5 - Taking medications and toxic substances
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral contraceptives, and medications for stomach acid, can disrupt intestinal balance. Additionally, exposure to toxic substances, such as pesticides and chemicals found in some foods and personal care products, can also harm the health of our microbiota.
Enrich your flora with good intestinal bacteria thanks to DIJO probiotics
Fortunately, there are ways to rebalance your gut microbiota and promote good digestive health . This can be achieved by adopting a balanced and varied diet, as well as a less stressful lifestyle through practices such as meditation or yoga. Additionally, introducing probiotics into your routine can prove beneficial by providing your body with good bacteria. At DIJO, we are committed to offering quality probiotics made in France from a short supply chain in order to guarantee the freshness and effectiveness of our products. In addition, in order to be accessible to all, we have taken care to create Vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free and GMO-free products. Our probiotics have been designed to help you quickly rebalance your intestinal microbiota.
