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Intestinal well-being and health: what you need to know

Intestinal well-being: a matter of balance

Our gastrointestinal system is home to a large number of bacteria and, to a lesser extent, viruses and fungi .

These microorganisms are largely beneficial and live within a complex community called the gut microbiota . 

Normally, the different species of microbes present in our intestines live in balance with each other and with our body , performing many useful functions for our intestinal well-being and for our health .

On the other hand, the gastrointestinal tract develops in such a way as to guarantee this population of “good” bacteria an ideal environment and nourishment for their development and maintenance, tolerating their presence without producing inflammatory reactions and at the same time avoiding their spread within the body.

Intestinal well-being: the difference between eubiosis and dysbiosis

The normal balance between the intestinal microbiota and the organism is defined as eubiosis (from the Greek eu , “good”, and bios , “life”).

However, when, for some reason, this balance is altered and no longer allows the microorganisms to live in harmony, we speak of dysbiosis (from the Greek dys , “bad”).

In conditions of eubiosis, beneficial bacterial species predominate in the intestinal microbiota , while potentially pathogenic bacteria are present, but in very low percentages.

On the contrary, in case of intestinal dysbiosis , the “good bacteria” are no longer able to limit the growth of the harmful ones , which therefore take over , with possible negative consequences on intestinal well-being and on the health of the whole organism.

The causes of intestinal dysbiosis

Among the factors capable of causing dysbiosis, we find lifestyle (and in particular diet ), antibiotic treatments and intestinal infections . 

Antibiotics , in particular , abruptly alter the balance of the intestinal microbiota. On the one hand, in fact, they promote the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria already present in the intestine (more resistant to the antibiotics themselves). On the other hand, they weaken the microbiota and its barrier function, reducing the defenses against infection by microbes from outside . The most obvious sign of such dysbiosis is antibiotic-induced diarrhea .

On the other hand, gastrointestinal infections trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body, and especially in the intestine . Also in this case, the result is the appearance of diarrhea , which in turn amplifies the state of dysbiosis.

Possible consequences of intestinal dysbiosis

In addition to diarrhea, the state of dysbiosis can cause various gastrointestinal disorders , such as excess gas (bloating), abdominal pain and constipation .

Furthermore, this condition of imbalance can be at the origin of various intestinal and non-intestinal pathologies , such as:

  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • allergies
  • urinary tract infections
  • diabetes
  • obesity

For these reasons, it is important not to neglect the intestinal well-being of children , but to take care of them from an early age.

This means educating the little ones about a healthy diet and lifestyle , treating any infections according to the pediatrician’s instructions and avoiding giving antibiotics without first consulting the doctor .

Dr Kathryn Barlow

Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.

Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.

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