The intestinal microbiota or intestinal flora is the set of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, present in our digestive tract. It is a combination of 100,000 billion bacteria from several hundred species. A normal intestinal microbiota contains populations of diverse and well-balanced bacteria between beneficial bacteria (Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, etc.) and harmful bacteria (Colibacilli, Salmonella, etc.).
Why take care of your microbiota? Only a balanced distribution of bacterial species allows the microbiota – which has a multiple role at the same time nutritional, metabolic and immune – to function optimally and ensure healthy aging. Various scientific studies show that a state of imbalance – this is dysbiosis – can ultimately be the cause of digestive pain, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, diabetes or even cardiovascular disease. and even neurodegenerative, like Alzheimer’s.
A certain number of laboratories or start-ups have recently been offering to analyze the intestinal microbiota with new DNA sequencing technologies. These intestinal microbiota tests are described by those who perform them as personalized monitoring tools and, for approved laboratories, a means of acting on a therapeutic level. In which cases can it be interesting to do this intestinal microbiota test? How does it work concretely? What can you do with the results of this test? Our response elements.
Read also:
- Bloating: how to use vegetable charcoal?
- 4 gentle solutions to aid digestion