What is the human microbiome?
The human microbiome is the set of billions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa) present in the organism that live in symbiosis with it, bringing health benefits. It has been observed that their number is 10 times the number of cells in the organism itself.
When non-pathogenic species prevail in a given environment, we speak of eubiosis, literally “beneficial to the organism”, while an increase in pathogenic strains and a decrease in non-pathogenic ones results in dysbiosis (imbalance).
What is the difference between the microbiome and the microbiota?
The microbiota is the set of microorganisms that live in a specific habitat (such as the human intestine, vagina or oral cavity) and that interact with each other and with the host organism.
The microbiome is the totality of the genetic heritage of the microbiota: the microbiome is therefore the genome of the microbiota.
What is the intestinal microbiota?
The intestinal microbiota is the set of all bacterial species present within the intestine that include both pathogenic bacteria and bacteria with a protective action. Some bacteria are only harmful under certain conditions. At the intestinal level, more than 500 different species have been identified.
Under normal physiological conditions, all these populations are in balance with each other, allowing the proper functioning of the intestine.
What are the functions of the microbiota?
Some of the main functions of the microbiota include:
- It acts as a defensive barrier, creating an environment inhospitable to pathogens, modifying the intestinal pH and reducing the substrates that promote its proliferation;
- It participates in digestive processes;
- It regulates the metabolism;
- It participates in the synthesis of vitamins.
Altered intestinal microbiota: symptoms
When the bacteria are in a state of dysbiosis, that is, they are not in balance with each other in the intestine, the intestinal microbiota is altered and its functionality is impaired.
The symptoms can be different:
- constipation;
- digestive difficulties;
- swelling;
- bloating;
- flatulence;
- dysentery;
- irritable bowel.
How can we ensure that our microbiota is healthy?
It’s important to keep your gut microbiota in balance by adopting good habits, such as the following:
- pay attention to nutrition: limit fatty foods and prefer plant-based foods
- drink a lot of healthy fluids;
- perform physical exercise;
- consume probiotics.
Gut microbiome: the test
The gut microbiome test allows us to characterise the gene composition and functionality of the intestinal flora.
The test is important for helping to preserve intestinal balance or to cope with possible dysbiosis conditions.
A healthy microbiome can greatly reduce the risk of contracting diseases of the gastrointestinal tract such as metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, allergies, etc.
The test is based on gene sequencing using NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology of the intestinal flora and allows the study of the entire genetic heritage of intestinal microorganisms.
The test is non-invasive and is performed on a stool sample.
Dr Maria Luisa Casella
