Microbiota: did you know that?

Here are some “curiosities” about the human microbiota !

• The microorganisms present in the microbiota are 10 times more numerous than all the cells in our body . Most of these are bacteria, but viruses and protozoa are also present.

• More than 1000 bacterial species have currently been identified in the human microbiota .

• The microorganisms that make up the human microbiota are concentrated in 7 regions of the body : stomach , intestines (colon) , nose , skin , mouth, lungs and sexual organs .

• Each region of the body has its own unique microbiota .

• The oral microbiota is made up of around 700 different species .

• Its most numerous microbiota colonies are located in the alimentary canal and in particular in the colon , which contains more than 70% of the microorganisms present in the human body .

• The internal surface of the intestine is considered larger than that of a tennis court (200 m2) and, precisely because of its size, represents an ideal environment for bacterial colonization.

• The intestine is considered a “second brain” because it contains cells (called neurons) and substances produced by the microbiota (called neurotransmitters) which are also present in our nervous system.

• The brain is directly connected with the intestinal cells through the vagus nerve , which creates the so-called “gut-brain” axis .

• Recent research shows a close link between gut-dwelling bacteria and psychological issues , such as mood disorders and anxiety.

• An alteration of the microbiota also seems to be linked to sleep problems ; conversely, good quality sleep seems to favor the development of a healthy microbiota.

• About 90% of serotonin , the “happiness neurotransmitter,” is produced by the gut microbiota .

• Factors such as nutrition and the use of certain drugs (especially antibiotics) can cause changes in the microbiota .

• Strepococcus salivaris K12 is able to restore conditions of eubiosis of the oral microbiota, reducing some diseases of the oral cavity (caries, abscesses, gingivitis, halitosis) and of the respiratory tract (pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis).

• The oral microbiota is conditioned by the type of breastfeeding and changes with weaning .

• The microbiota of newborns is very similar to that of the mother .

• The formation of the microbiota is mainly linked to the time of birth . In particular, in the case of vaginal birth, the first microorganisms present will be those encountered in the birth canal.

• The microbiota of children born by caesarean section is formed mainly through contact with the mother’s skin.

• In recent years there have been thoughts of “contaminating” newborns born by caesarean section with maternal microbes through a swab , to allow the newborn to come into contact with a healthier microbiota.

• Another very important moment for the development of the microbiota is linked to skin-to-skin contact with the mother and breastfeeding .

• The intestinal microbiota has various functions: it produces some vitamins and enzymes , it contributes to the development of intestinal cells and villi , it participates in the construction and modulation of the immune system and in the prevention of some allergic diseases .

• A major modification of the diet is able to cause a temporary change of about 50% of the intestinal microbiota in a few days .

• To keep the intestinal microbiota healthy it is important to adopt a correct diet, practice regular physical activity and avoid smoking and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

• In some diseases caused by bacteria resistant to antibiotics (thankfully rare!), fecal transplantation has been used for some years , i.e. the insertion of “good” bacteria to restore the microbiota.

• The skin microbiota (also called dermobiota) is of great importance for skin health. Currently, some creams that contain “good” bacteria are being studied , to restore the normal microbiota in case of dermatological diseases such as atopic dermatitis and dermatitis in the diaper area.

• The skin microbiota is specific to each individual and in the future could be used in courtrooms for identification (a bit like fingerprints!).