The microbiota intestinal is the community of live microorganisms —mainly bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea—that resides in the digestive tract and plays essential functions in human health. Among them, the preservation of the immune systemthe disease prevention such as diabetes and obesity; the improvement of mood and the positive impact on the healthy aging.
He 21st century lifestyle contributes to the loss of bacterial biodiversity in the microbiota, and the reduction of its colonies in the body, due to the frequent consumption of industrialized foods, a sedentary lifestyle, certain chronic diseases; and the arc of sleep disorders.
It is estimated that in Latin America, 1 in 5 people have dysfunctional digestive symptoms. Among them, the Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects 10-20% of adults and is related to high levels of stress. 60% of patients with this syndrome experience emotional impactwhich strengthens the connection between the intestine and the brain.
The doctor and microbiologist Gianfranco Gromponea scientific researcher specialized in the study of interactions between bacteria and human cells, explained to Infobae: “A meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Gastroenterology supports that the sustained consumption of certain probiotics has a favorable impact on the emotional well-being and in the decreased intestinal stresseffects attributed to the interaction with the gut-brain axis“.
“The clinical evidence indicates that the strain Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis increases the intestinal regularity in 93% of cases and reduces the abdominal discomfort up to 72%“said Grompone, scientific director of the Swedish laboratory BioGaia – in alliance in Argentina with Abbott – which specializes in the research and development of probiotic products based on Lactobacillus reuteri strain.
The intestine contains more than 100 million neurons in constant communication with the central nervous system, which has turned the digestive tract into a true “second brain”.
According to experts from Mayo Clinicthe probiotics can promote intestinal balance and improve fundamental processes such as sleep, concentration and immunity.
A new scientific approach takes center stage: the importance of distinguish specific strains of probiotics to determine which type or profile of patient it will be most effective. Understand the role played by each strain It is essential when evaluating their effectiveness and defining the benefits they can offer.
As mentioned, clinical evidence suggests that the strain Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis increases the intestinal regularity in 9 out of 10 people and reduces the abdominal discomfort up to 72%.
The strain Lactobacillus reuteri has more than 250 clinical studies that support its effectiveness, showing improvements of up to 50% in irritable bowel symptoms, reduction in abdominal pain and greater intestinal regularity in less than a month.
Each probiotic strain has specific effects, and Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis It is one of the most studied and safest, also present in the breast milk.
For Gabriel Micalimedical director of Abbott Argentina (MN:96101): “The intestine, in addition to being the place where food is digested, is also considered – currently – as the center of our physical health and can influence our emotional health as well. Taking care of your balance is taking care of well-being in its broadest sense.”.
The most common probiotic strains include those of the Lactobacillus genera (as L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum) and Bifidobacterium (as B. longum and B. brief), in addition to Saccharomyces boulardii.
The probiotics effectiveness depends not only on the specific strain, but also the dose.
The current lifestyle alters the composition of the microbiota intestinal, reducing bacterial diversity that for millennia was part of the human body.
“When this balance is altered, the consequences are not limited to the digestive system: it can appear fatigue, anxiety, irritability and general feeling of malaise. Therefore, more and more studies highlight the role of probiotics (live microorganisms that help restore and reestablish the natural balance of the intestinal microbiota) as allies of a comprehensive health“added the expert Grompone.
“The new generation probiotics They invite us to think about health in a more comprehensive way. “Not only do they help us digest better: they influence how we feel, sleep and face the day,” added the doctor. Micali. So that the probiotics are effective, beneficial bacteria They must be active.
The clinical doctor Ana Carolina Garrafa (MN 185,493), of the Gastroenterology area of the Hospital de Clínicas y member of the Fecal Microbiota Transplant team, highlights the importance of certain bacteria. Among them, Faecalibacteriumwhich produces butyrate, an anti-inflammatory compound.
“The people with insomnia usually have lower amounts of Faecalibacteriumwhich creates a more inflammatory environment and is associated with poorer quality of rest,” explains Garrafa.
Probiotics include strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteriumwhich according to Garrafa, “can modulate the microbiota and improve the response to stress and the perception of sleep quality, according to experimental studies.”
The use of probiotics and prebiotics -they act as “fertilizers” for the intestinal microbiota- have shown positive effects on the central nervous systemcontributing to the reduction or control of the depression, anxiety, autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s diseaseaccording to a study cited in 2023 by the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Recent research has identified that these compounds can improve brain function and have a relevant role in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders.
The analysis of the interactions between microbiota, the intestine and the brain has allowed us to better understand the mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebioticsaccording to the work.
Despite these advances, the cited study warns that require more studiesespecially human clinical trialsto conclusively confirm the therapeutic benefits of these compounds and support their use in the medical field.
