What is the intestinal microbiota and why is it called a superorganism?

Our body is inhabited by billions of microorganisms which live in a mutually beneficial relationship with human cells. If these microorganisms are in balance and fulfill their functions, you can maintain your health in good condition, but how does it work?

Imagine a rainforest teeming with microorganismsThis set of microscopic organisms within a community is called microbiotaThese complex communities are found in different body sites. The set of microbiota, its genes and external environmental conditions is called the microbiome.

Now think of the microbiome as if it were a miniature ecosystem made up of a microbiota of bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea and protozoa, as detailed by the Medical-Surgical Center for Digestive Diseases.

Microbiota, a superorganism

This ecosystem develops as life progresses, so its composition is different during childhood, adolescence and adulthood, it adapts and evolves in a close symbiotic relationship.

“It is considered by science to be another organ of the body, although in this case it is acquired,” says the Medical Center.

The largest population of microscopic organisms in the body resides in the intestine, that is, the microbiota intestinal. There are 100 trillion bacteria in the digestive tract alone, which means 150 to 200 times more genes in a person’s microbiota than in their cells as a whole.

ALSO READ Vegetable that helps nerve and muscle function

Benefit your body by adding this food to your diet

Its duties?

According to Scielo, the human-intestinal microbiota interaction It is currently classified as a superorganismwhose biological functions are revolutionizing the approach to many chronic diseases.

And proper balance of microbiota cause it to act as a barrera which prevents the multiplication of organisms that can develop diseases and slows the development of gastrointestinal diseases.

Also It intervenes in metabolic processes, nutrient absorption and protein synthesis.. Overall, it increases the bioavailability of some minerals such as calcium, iron, copper and zinc.

It has been observed that may influence stress response, muscle function, and appetite regulation. In addition, it has a cancer protective factor since it intervenes in the transformation of potential carcinogens.

ALSO READ Infusion that protects the intestinal microbiota

The intestinal microbiota plays a key role in overall health.

The microbiota of obese people is altered

Obesity is linked to changes in the intestinal microbiota, which leads to metabolic imbalances. Under this premise, a balanced microbiota participates in fat storage.

Dietary fat content is a factor that can alter the composition of the microbiota leading to insulin resistance.

“It has been observed that an increase in the abundance of microorganisms associated with a greater capacity for energy extraction can contribute to weight gain,” emphasizes the University of Chile.

The institution also highlights that strategies such as the consumption of “prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, as well as intestinal microbiota transplantation, are being investigated as possible interventions to improve metabolic health in people with obesity.”

Addressing obesity from metabolic perspectives, considering the communication between the gut, brain and muscles, could improve the treatment of this health condition.