The importance of gut microbiota for digestive health

Do you know the function of the gut microbiota? Consisting of a vast community of microorganisms, the microbiota resides in our gut and coexists in harmony with our body, playing an essential role in digestion, metabolism and the immune system. Its importance is increasingly being recognised in the scientific community, and we now know that its proper functioning influences our health much more than was previously thought.

Key benefits of the microbiota

One of its many benefits is its role in nutrient absorption. Microorganisms help to digest food and facilitate the absorption of vitamins and minerals. The microbiota facilitates the absorption of micronutrients such as calcium and iron.

To maintain the balance of these microorganisms, it is essential to eat a balanced diet that is high in fibre and low in ultra-processed foods. It is also important to avoid stress and excessive antibiotic use, as these can alter the microbiota and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, and more severe conditions such as Crohn's disease. Probiotics and prebiotics play a key role in this respect. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when consumed in adequate amounts.

The microbiota acts as a first line of defence against intestinal pathogens, but beyond this protective effect, there is also a strong interaction between the microbiota and the immune system. The microbiota contributes to the maturation of the immune system, and the immune system, in turn, plays a key role in maintaining the gut microbiota. This balance between the microbiota and the immune system directly impacts human health.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis

The influence of the microbiota on the development of diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia is becoming clearer.

This evidence encourages us to consider the bigger picture, as it appears that everything is interconnected. Studying the communication between the gut and the brain reveals the therapeutic potential of gut microbiota and probiotics in treating stress, anxiety, depression and other psychiatric disorders. Therefore, understanding the gut-brain relationship and how it works may be the key to treating diverse pathologies from perspectives that are very different from those previously considered.

Taking care of the microbiota

Taking care of the gut microbiota is an investment in well-being. Adopting healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet and reducing stress can have a significant impact on maintaining a functional microbiota and helping the body protect itself and function optimally.

In this context, our commitment to human health means that we are constantly researching and developing innovative solutions to promote digestive wellness. By using high-quality functional and active ingredients, we aim to improve gut health, strengthen the microbiota and contribute to the efficient absorption of nutrients, as well as helping to prevent digestive diseases.

Food intolerances, such as histamine intolerance, not only lead to possible dietary restrictions, but have been reported to be associated with alterations of the gut microbiota.

DAOgest, innovation in digestive health

Histamine is a substance found in our bodies and certain foods. It is essential for the proper functioning of the digestive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, among other processes. Histamine intolerance affects 1-3% of the world's population. A deficiency in the DAO enzyme can cause adverse reactions and allergy-like effects when histamine-rich foods are consumed, due to a failure in histamine metabolism. These symptoms can include headaches, rashes and itchy skin, among others.

At Bioiberica, we have developed DAOgest, an ingredient that addresses the importance of digestive health for individuals with this condition.

In an observational study published by Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, our supplement was given to a group of people with histamine intolerance for four weeks. The study showed that improvements in gastrointestinal, skin, nervous, respiratory and circulatory health were noticeable within a week.

Microbiota, digestive health and more

As we have seen, a healthy microbiota implies more than just a well-functioning digestive system; it has wider implications for overall health and well-being. The gut microbiota plays a role in the overall health and performance of the body, as well as in mental health. An increasing number of experts are advocating habits that strengthen our microbiota, because looking after our digestive health is looking after our body and mind, and this involves understanding and paying attention to the microbiota-gut-brain relationship.

Bibliography

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• Andreo-Martínez, P., García-Martínez, N., & Sánchez-Samper, E. P. (2017). La microbiota intestinal y su relación con las enfermedades mentales a través del eje microbiota-intestino-cerebro. Revista de Discapacidad, Clínica y Neurociencias, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.14198/DCN.2017.4.2.05 https://revistes.ua.es/dcn/article/view/19222
• Vinces Vinueza, F. S., Espinales Párraga, K. A., & Aguirre Palacios, D. M. (2024). Impacto de la Microbiota Intestinal en la Salud Mental. Journal Growing Health, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10512345
• Mike M. Enzyme Ingredient May Improve Histamine Intolerance. Nutraceuticals world. 2024.https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/breaking-news/enzyme-ingredient-may-improve-histamine-intolerance/?widget=listSection