What is the human microbiota or microbiome?

Did you know that inside you there is a world inhabited by billions of people? Formerly known as the “intestinal flora”, microbiotaThis It usually consists of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoa that live in harmony with our bodies.

There is another name that is quite similar, which is usually used synonymously: microbiome. But does it mean the same?

In this article you will see what the differences are, the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiota and what are the factors that may hinder this harmonious coexistence?

Microbiota and microbiome, what’s the difference?

Both terms refer to microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa that live harmoniously in our gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, skin, among other places.

More specifically, microbiota deals with the set of these organisms. already microbiome means genetic pool Of all these beings that help build our body.

How important is the microbiota?

It may sound strange, but we need some bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa to survive.

Our microbiota plays roles such as:

• Metabolism of minerals necessary for the proper functioning of our body, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, copper and zinc;
• Production of fatty acids;
• Nutrient metabolism;
• They help break down and digest food;
• Help regulate immunity.

It also affects our mood. According to some studies, at least 90% of all serotonin produced in the body comes from the gastrointestinal tract.

Therefore, a healthy gut microbiota may be a protective factor against anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.

How to keep the microbiota healthy?

Many people may have trouble maintaining a good relationship with their microorganisms. Factors such as stress, malnutrition and drug use can cause the microbiota to become disorganized or destroyed.

When this happens, there are some forms of treatment. The most common ones are accomplished by supplementing with probiotics and dietary changes. There are even more drastic alternatives, such as a stool transplant.

Here are some tips to avoid further problems:

• avoiding stress;
• Avoid fast food and highly processed foods;
• Drink water;
• Choose foods rich in fiber;
• Eat fruits, vegetables and vegetables;
• Do physical exercises.

This sequence of actions will keep your microorganisms healthy, avoiding diseases and other complications.

Why is it necessary to study the microbiota?

Our body is a very complex set. In addition to the 23,000 genes inherited from our parents, we live with the millions of genes found in the microorganisms that make up the microbiota. And in this genetic mess, the study of the human microbiome comes into play.

This field studies and analyzes all the genetic material found in the human body and how these biomolecules interact with each other.

However, these interactions are not always beneficial for us. It is known that the health and disease process may be closely linked to these interactions, and this is a new dilemma and field of study for biology and health sciences.

For example, it is known that the microbiota is necessary for the maintenance of certain immunological processes by blocking the action of some disease-causing microbes.

However, when there is an imbalance between bacteria, for example, multiplication of pathogenic microbes can occur and cause diseases such as infection.

However, it is still unclear how these interactions occur, which render some elements of the microbiota harmful to our health.

This is why the study of the microbiome is so necessary. By knowing which agents are beneficial and how they act, more effective treatments can be developed that control diseases with greater precision.

And this extends to the possibility of treating any system in our body that is exposed to the action of agents that cause microbial disease.

From micro to macro every time It is more necessary to understand what goes on inside our cells and how they interact with other microorganisms. In this field, the study of genomics is a different factor.

Although not so many new fields of study, research on the microbiota and the microbiome has much to contribute to the development of new medical treatments that promote health and well-being.

Drink water, eat well and keep your microbiota healthy, you just have to win!