Microbiology is a science that is responsible for studying the role played by the microbiome. That is, the set of microorganisms that inhabit our intestine. And it is that, although it costs us to accept it, not all of us have the same microorganisms in this fundamental part of our organism. A set of beings called microbiota and that from newborns already influence factors in the development of our body.
It could be said that the microbiome, which is unique to each person, is decisive for the thousands of operations that take place inside our body. Hence, there are experts who consider it as one more organism of our perfect gear that is the human body.
Microbiome: Composition and care
The composition of the microbiome is varied and determined by DNA. Everything influences its development and composition, from the type of birth we have lived (vaginal or cesarean) or breastfeeding (whether natural or artificial) with which we were fed during the first weeks or months of our lives.
The main functions of the microbiome are the following:
1. It stimulates the immune system of our body, which strengthens its resistance to attack by pathogens.
2. Destroys the components of some foods that, at least in principle, are toxic or could be.
3. It helps us regulate the levels of cholesterol and glucose in our blood.
4. It helps us to synthesize some vitamins and some amino acids especially important for our body, such as B vitamins, or vitamin K.
5. Decomposes complex hydrates such as starch or fiber in the final part of the intestine. The fermentation of these non-digestible fibers leads to the production of fatty acids that the body uses as nutrients
6. It protects us against pathogenic organisms that can penetrate the body when eating, drinking, breathing, etc.
7. Avoid pathogenic bacteria proliferate in the large intestine.
There are many studies that are being developed around the microbiome. Many of them state, for example, that obese or overweight people have a higher proportion of pro-inflammatory bacteria and a smaller variety of microbiota, which causes greater resistance to insulin (which is directly related to their propensity to suffer diabetes).
Thus, diet plays a very important role to have a good microbiota. Hence, it is very important that it is varied and balanced. This translates, for example, into the fact that it must be integrated with prebiotic foods (those containing non-digestible or soluble fibers) found naturally in vegetables and fruits, as well as in whole grains or in nuts.
It is also important that people become aware of how important it is that we consume probiotic foods (those that contain live microorganisms). Foods of this type are yogurts, kefir or milk fermented with bifidobacteria or lactobacillus and supplements that can be found in many food stores to which we usually go.
All this will make our microbiome richer, stronger and more efficient when developing its functions. What it means to have better health and have less chance of suffering from colon cancer problems or similar pathologies.
In Durviz we have many elements with which you can carry out microbiology studies in your laboratory. Simply enter our online store and look for that which facilitates your research.
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