What is Microbiota?

What is Microbiota?

Certain parts of the human body host various microorganisms, primarily bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and other single-celled organisms. These microorganisms are mainly found in the intestines, skin, reproductive organs, and respiratory system and are collectively referred to as “microbiota.” The intestines, in particular, harbor the densest and most diverse community of microorganisms in the body.

What Does Microbiota Do?

The health of the intestinal microbiota is crucial for overall quality of life and vital functions. Bacteria living in the intestines play important roles in nutrition, immune function, and detoxification. A healthy intestinal system and microbiota are essential for a healthy body.

Functions of Beneficial Gut Bacteria:

– pH Regulation: They make the environment acidic, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.

– Mineral Absorption: They play a key role in the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals.

– Vitamin Production: They contribute to the production and absorption of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, and K.

– Immune System: They support the formation and development of the immune system and play a role throughout life.

Factors Affecting Gut Microbiota and Dysbiosis

Changes in gut microbiota can occur due to various factors, leading to a condition called “dysbiosis.” Factors that can cause dysbiosis include:

– Mode of Birth: Cesarean vs. vaginal birth.

– Breastfeeding: Amount and duration of breastfeeding.

– Medication Use: Antibiotics and acid-reducing drugs.

– Environmental Factors: Air pollution, heavy metals, dyes, etc.

– Stress: Psychological and physical stress.

– Chronic Digestive Disorders: Chronic digestive issues.

– Diet: Eating habits and diet.

– Genetic Factors: Genetic predisposition.

– Geographic Location: Microbiota of the region where one lives.

Diseases Associated with Disrupted Gut Microbiota

Disruption in microbiota can lead to impaired mineral absorption and increased intestinal permeability, allowing many toxins to enter the body. This allergen and toxin load can predispose to allergies, immune system disorders, and neurological diseases. Reduced microbiota diversity, imbalance in bacteria, and increased pathogenic types are associated with the following chronic inflammatory diseases:

– Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome.

– Allergic Diseases: Rhinitis, asthma, atopic eczema.

– Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome, infant colic.

– Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Colitis, Crohn’s disease.

– Neurological Disorders: Autism, depression, anxiety.

– Rheumatological Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

– Cardiovascular Diseases: Heart diseases.

– Cancer: Colon cancer.

How is Gut Microbiota Content Determined?

The content of gut microbiota can be assessed using highly sensitive methods, such as DNA sequencing, on stool samples. This method allows for the identification of bacterial genes and characterization of the microbiota. The Intestinal Microbiome Analysis by Biruni Laboratory examines parameters like stool bacterial diversity, bacterial ratios, dominant bacterial type (enterotype), dysbiosis index, parasites, gut fungi (Candida albicans), and intestinal permeability markers like zonulin. Results are interpreted in terms of disease risk and reported with treatment recommendations.

Benefits of Knowing Gut Microbiota Content

A healthy gut structure is one of the keys to a long and healthy life. Knowing the condition of one’s gut microbiota, which is as unique as a fingerprint, has numerous benefits. Microbiota analysis allows for personalized treatment approaches, including dietary adjustments and the use of appropriate probiotics and prebiotics based on the presence of increased or decreased bacteria.