AND The silent protagonist that populates every corner of our bodyfrom the intestine to the skin, from the lungs to the mouth. Let’s talk about the microbiota, that universe toilet with bacteria, viruses, mushrooms And other microscopic roommates who live there and influence almost every aspect of our health, from mood to digestion, from the immune system to bone density. For some years it has been become the Golden Boy of Holistic Medicine and Scientific Researchso much so that some they call our “second brain”. But, like every star in the spotlight, the microbiota also ended up in the sights of fashions, misleading slogans and sensational false myths. Let’s clarify the help of biologist and nutritionist Manuele BiazzoScientific director of The Bioarte and “Coach of the happy microbiota”.
Microbiota, bacteria are not in supernumero
For years it has been believed that the human body would host ten times more bacteria than human cells. A statement that the research has now overcome. A study published in the magazine Cell in 2016 He has shown that the relationship is much closer to balance: About 39 trillion of bacteria against 30 trillion of human cellswith a proportion that varies from individual to individual. The idea that we were ten times more bacterial than human has fascinatedbut does not correspond to scientific reality. This new figure does not reduce the importance of the microbiota, but It helps to have a more precise and less sensationalistic vision of his presence in our body.
Fiber and intestinal health: it is necessary to balance
“More fiber the same more well -being”? Not always. It is true that the fiber play an important role in intestinal health, but it is wrong to think that they are one Universal solution for everyone. There are soluble, insoluble and fermentable fibers, e Each acts differently on the digestive system. In the presence of disorders such as irritable (IBS) or dysbiosis syndrome, Some fibers can worsen the symptomscausing fermentation, swelling, pain or alterations of the alvo. In these cases one can be useful Diet with low FODMAP contentwhich limits fermentable carbohydrates and helps to reduce gastrointestinal disorders. The key lies in customization: understand which fibers are suitable for their bodyin what quantities and in what conditions.
Probiotics: each strain has its own function
Not all probiotics are the same, and it is a common mistake to consider them interchangeable. Exist hundreds of strains, each with specific effectsand not everyone is indicated for each person or clinical condition. “The success of a probiotic does not depend only on the stock, but on the intestinal soil, that is, on the metabolic, nutritional and microbial environment”, explains Dr. Biazzo. A generic probiotic may not be usefulor worse, could further alter an already fragile balance, especially if it contains excess strains. It is essential Analyze the situation of the individualthrough microbiota tests and clinical evaluations, for Choose the right strain and create the conditions so that it can perform its function correctly.
Detox products: a myth to overcome
The offer of detox products on the market is large and often tempting, but not supported by solid scientific evidence. Herbal teas, “purifying” supplements and drinks promise to purify the intestine and restore the balance of the microbiota, but these are statements without foundation. Our body already has natural and extremely efficient mechanisms for detoxification: liver, kidneys, intestine and microbiota itself. “The only detox that really works is to restore the optimal conditions for the intestine to do its job,” Biazzo underlines. More than taking miraculous substances, it is necessary to act on four concrete fronts: reduce food and drugs that alter the ecosystemreintegrating lacking nutritious, rebalance the beneficial strains And modular inflammation and intestinal permeability.
The microbiota changes (all right) with lifestyle
One of the most rooted false myths is that the microbiota is an unchanging legacy, defined at birth and invariable over time. It is true that I leave and the first months of life play a decisive role in its initial composition, but this ecosystem is far from static. The microbiota yes transforms into response to diet, drugs, stress and the environment. “The microbiota influences our genetic signature through a process called epigenetics, which changes the gene activity without altering the DNA sequence,” explains Biazzo. It is precisely this plasticity that makes it possible intervene in a personalized way on intestinal healthwith tailor -made strategies for each individual.
Happy microbiota: the future is in customization
«The microbiota is a dynamic, powerful and influenceable ecosystem. But for this, It cannot be simplified in rigid rules or universal slogans “concludes Dr. Biazzo. Personalization is the key element: Each individual has a unique microbial profilewhich requires an integrated approach based on objective data, such as the results of a specific test. Only in this way is it possible to define an effective strategy that includes diet, lifestyle, any selected probiotics e targeted interventions to restore the balance of “intestinal land”. The future of digestive health does not pass through ephemeral fashions or viral information, but Through aware choices, certain data and specialist consultancy.
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