The gut microbiota has been a hot topic over the past few years. The gut microbiota is simply the trillions of microbes that inhabit our intestine, mainly the colon.

Functions of the gut microbiota

These intestinal microbes have several functions:

1. Synthesis of vitamins and absorption of minerals.
2. Modulation of the immune and defense system.
3. Regulation of energy metabolism, keeping fats and sugars in balance.
4. Balance of the gut-brain axis, helping to control anxiety and even depression.
5. Balance of the vaginal flora in women.

How does the gut microbiota form?

It’s interesting to note that the mature or adult gut microbiota finishes forming between ages 3 and 4. This microbiota depends on multiple factors to be normal and healthy, or abnormal and dysbiotic.

The way our children are born, breastfeeding versus formula feeding, admission to neonatal care, gestational age at birth, and the use of antibiotics in the mother or in the child are all factors that can modify the gut microbiota.

A gut microbiota affected by any of these factors, and many others, alters the functions we mentioned. The result is an imbalance in digestive, neurological, and immune function, and even a tendency toward obesity.

The role of postbiotics

Postbiotics help keep the gut microbiota balanced, healthy, active, and viable to promote health, either by preventing many adult-onset diseases or by reducing the risk of skin and respiratory allergies.

Research on postbiotics is very recent and there aren’t many available for use yet. Species such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG postbiotic, Bifidobacterium lactis BPL1, or Bifidobacterium longum ES1 are among the most important.

How do postbiotics act on the gut microbiota?

The action of these postbiotics on the gut microbiota is diverse. One way they work is by balancing the microbiota and maintaining normal, adequate levels of the species responsible for its functions. Among other actions:

1. They increase the amount of Akkermansia muciniphila, a key bacterium in the production of intestinal mucus.
2. They displace pathogens and remove them from the intestinal lumen, keeping them under control.
3. They promote the birth of new intestinal cells and keep the digestive tract renewed.
4. They promote the production of beneficial fatty acids such as butyrate, which is a source of energy for the colon.
5. They maintain an acidic environment in the intestinal lumen, preventing the overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
6. They balance the body’s immunity, since 70% of the body’s defenses are located in the gut.

All these actions help maintain a healthy digestive tract with good intestinal function, preventing the onset of inflammatory diseases in this important system.

Conclusion

Keeping a healthy gut microbiota from the newborn stage through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood brings wonderful benefits to health and future quality of life.

Let’s protect the gut microbiota the way we protect the heart, the lungs, or the brain. This new organ performs amazing actions in the body’s function that we’re only just beginning to discover.