The Intestinal Flora
- 2times as many microbes than it has autologous cells
- up to 2kg of microbes live in the intestine
- Microbes process 30t of food
Intestinal flora (intestinal microbiota) contains billions of microorganisms. The natural, symbiotic relationship between human and bacteria is essential for a healthy life. The importance of our intestinal bacteria has long been seriously underestimated. Only in recent years – due to many scientific studies – has the far-reaching influence of bacteria on our health become clear: they regulate much more than just our digestion. Over many millions of years of evolution, advantageous long-term adaptations have developed: among other things, these promote digestion, the defense against pathogens and the strengthening of the immune system.
Which bacteria does our intestine contain?
Not all bacteria in our intestine are desirable. A balanced, healthy intestinal flora consists mainly of useful bacteria that have a positive effect on the body, but invariably also of a few undesirable bacteria that have a negative effect on the body.
With the help of the useful intestinal bacteria, vital enzymes, vitamins and amino acids are produced and harmful substances that are ingested with food are neutralized. This is why a healthy and balanced intestinal flora effectively protects the body from invading and multiplying pathogens. As it regulates approximately 80% of all immune responses of the body, the intestine is considered the body’s most important immune organ.
The effect on your well-being
The neuronal connection between the intestine and the brain is also of central importance to human beings. For example, the microbes living in the intestine control the production of important hormones such as the happiness hormone serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin. Neurological processes in the brain are controlled via the intestine-brain axis and the intestinal flora has a significant impact on mental health and thus on our well-being.
Imbalanced intestinal microbiota can be caused by persistent physical and mental stress, unhealthy eating habits, insufficient exercise and medication such as antibiotics. This can lead to a wide variety of symptoms.
- Intestinal complaints (constipation, flatulence etc.)
- Autoimmune reactions (psoriasis etc.)
- Adverse food reactions
- Weakening of the immune system
- Overweight and obesity
- Mental disorders
Bring your intestinal flora into a healthy balance
n order to restore the balance in the intestine, an accurate analysis of what causes the imbalance is required. With INTEST.pro BIOMES introduced the first complete intestinal flora analysis on the market that includes individual recommendations for improving health, well-being and quality of life.
INTEST.pro is a self-test for taking a stool sample in a familiar environment. The test will determine your microbial composition, i.e. the number and distribution of intestinal bacteria.
The balance of your intestinal flora can be supported by taking probiotics or probiotic foods. You can find more information on our probiotics information page.
