What is a microbiota?
« A microbiota is all the microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, parasites and non-pathogenic fungi, called commensals – which live in a specific environment. In the body, there are different microbiota: in the skin, mouth, vagina, lungs, etc. », Defines l’Inserm, National Institute of Health and Medical Research.
What is the gut microbiota?
It is the most important microbiota in our body. Considered an organ in its own right, it is made up of 100,000 billion bacteria distributed between the stomach, the small intestine and, mainly, the colon. Each individual has his clean and unique microbiota, like a fingerprint.
What is his role ?
It has digestive functions: “
Our intestinal microbes are for the most part our allies, our partners: without them, we would be unable to assimilate many foods that only certain bacteria know how to digest, to convert foods into nutrients and energy, to synthesize certain vitamins essential to the organization. Our intestinal microbiota also constitutes a barrier once morest pathogenic microbes, and participates in the maturation of our immune system. », Underlines the Pasteur Institute, where several research teams are working on this theme.
The microbiota also has a role in digestive, metabolic, immune and neurological functions.
In communication with our brain
Thanks to numerous researches around the world, its role is better and better known. We know that our belly communicates with our brain, which is why our intestinal microbiota is considered as our second brain. It would be involved in the development of certain diseases, which is why “
researchers are now trying to understand the links between its imbalances (dysbiosis) and certain pathologies, in particular among autoimmune and inflammatory diseases ».
Our complete file on the microbiota
