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Build intestinal flora That's how it works
contents
- Importance of the intestinal flora
- Tasks of the microbiome
- Physiological intestinal bacteria
- Pathological intestinal bacteria
- Disorders of the intestinal flora
- Disturbed Balance - Dysbiosis
- Rebuild intestinal flora
- Use of probiotics
- Natural probiotics
- Effect of fermented foods
- Use of prebiotics
- Natural prebiotics
- Flaxseed and psyllium
- The right tea for the intestine
- Right nutrition
- Build up intestinal flora with homeopathy
- Construction by chair transplantation
Importance of the intestinal flora
If a child is born, the newborn's intestine is still sterile. But during the first two years of life, there are between one hundred and four hundred different types of bacteria settled there, due to the food intake. This so-called intestinal flora (also called microbiome), ie the life of different bacteria together, can change a lot in the course of life.
Often an impaired intestinal flora is the cause of the spread of pathogens in the digestive tract. (Image: Alex / fotolia.com) The intestinal, physiological (beneficial) intestinal bacteria live in a symbiosis with the host, ie with the human. They live on the intestinal contents, but also use it in a variety of ways. The physiological bacteria take on vital tasks. They form a barrier to prevent the settling of pathological germs. Since the cell wall structures of the "good" intestinal bacteria can act as so-called antigens, they cause a physiological inflammatory reaction. This in turn means that the gut-specific immune system is activated and thereby the body is stimulated to defend.
The "good" intestinal germs perform a doctor's "body's own recycling" by returning already used bile salts and sex hormones back to the organism. The physiological intestinal bacteria have their own metabolism, in which they produce vitamins such as vitamins K, B2 and B12, folic acid and biotin itself.
About three-quarters of all body cells that are involved in defense and form antibodies are located in the intestine and located in the intestinal folds. Thus, there are more white blood cells in the intestinal walls than in the bloodstream. These cells constantly produce antibodies against invaders. The intestine sends immune cells into the bloodstream and warns other organs of the foreign substances. A healthy intestinal flora prevents harmful germs, which can lead to disorders of the immune system. Normally, the body has an excellent self-regulation system, which reacts quickly especially in short-term stress. However, if negative influences persist over a longer period of time, this can lead to a suppression of healthy intestinal bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria can spread further and displace the beneficial intestinal bacteria.
The intestinal flora is not the same in every human being. It changes with food and also in the course of life, especially in old age. For example, the composition of the bacteria that live there varies, depending on whether we eat vegetarian food or eat a lot of animal protein.
Not only in the cold season, a healthy immune system is important. Our body must constantly respond to invading pathogenic germs. The composition of intestinal bacteria plays a crucial role. (Image: ladysuzi / fotolia.com) Tasks of the microbiome
The intestine has a huge surface. It is about 200 - 300 square meters, making it the largest contact surface of the body dar. This surface is created by the many intestinal folds of the intestinal wall. In comparison, the skin surface is only about two square meters.
In the intestine is the so-called gut-associated immune system, whose development begins immediately after birth. Certain cells in the gut are able to bind invaders and present them to the lymphatic tissue in the gut. Thereupon so-called B and T cells are created for defense. The intestine learns more and more, that is, he remembers invading foreign bodies, recognizes them again and can therefore quickly call for defense. These mechanisms work together with the entire body.
The healthy intestinal flora is extremely important for the development of an intact immune system. If the defense in the intestine is no longer functioning properly, the immune function can not be maintained.
Another task of intestinal bacteria is the breakdown of dietary fiber. These are broken down by the beneficial bacteria in the colon. This results in short-chain fatty acids that are very energetic. Patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease have a deficiency in these fatty acids. This obstructs nutrient uptake and increases the tendency to blockage. In order to be and stay healthy, a positive diversity of intestinal bacteria is extremely important. Here, a balanced, basic food plays a big role.
Indian psyllium husks are a very fertile prebiotic that balances the water balance in our intestines. (Image: ghazii / fotolia.com) Physiological intestinal bacteria
In the mouth and the esophagus are mainly food germs. The stomach and small intestine are relatively germ-free. The most important psysiological bacteria are lactobacilli, streptococci, enterococci and various Bacteroides species. In the lower intestinal sections live the same types of bacteria, but in a different composition and amount. The first bacteria that settle in the intestine are Escherichia coli. Bifidobacteria and Bacteroides are the most abundant. The next largest number are Enterobacteria, Enterococci and Lactobacilli. In addition there are Clostridia, Fusobacteria and Veillonella.
Pathological intestinal bacteria
Pathological intestinal bacteria, that is, pathogenic bacteria, include, for example, Salmonella, Shigella, Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) and Yersinia enterocolitica. These pathogens can cause, for example, a gastrointestinal flu. If the symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain only last a few days, you can also fight the infection yourself. However, if you suffer from ailments in the gastrointestinal tract for a longer period of time, you should consult your doctor. In practice, a stool sample may then be examined to determine the exact nature of the germs.
Disorders of the intestinal flora
Many of the factors mentioned above can bring the composition of intestinal bacteria into imbalance. On the one hand, it refers to infections caused by pathogens of the genus Streptococci, staphylococci, fungi and amoebae. On the other hand, an unhealthy diet can contribute to the intestinal flora being disturbed. Too much protein and fat in the diet promote the development of putrefactive bacteria and thus hinder the beneficial lactic acid bacteria. Fermentation produces toxins that can penetrate the intestinal wall and then enter the organism. Sugary foods make pathological intestinal fungi clear the way to colonization. Autoimmune diseases, obesity and rheumatic diseases can also promote an imbalance of the microbiome.
Although antibiotics help us today with many, previously life-threatening infections, the beneficial intestinal bacteria die as the drug is used. The use of antibiotics does not have to be well considered for this reason alone. (Image: Gundolf Renze / fotolia.com) Furthermore, various drugs can destroy physiological microorganisms in the intestine. These include antibiotics, glucocorticoids and the anti-baby pill. It opens the door for the pathological germs to become lodged in the gut. Environmental pollutants such as cadmium and lead impede the growth of physiological intestinal bacteria. If the body lacks bile acid, gastric acid or pancreatic enzymes (enzymes of the pancreas), the nutrient supply for the beneficial microorganisms changes. This can also create an imbalance.
In natural medicine, such a disturbance of the intestinal flora is the cause of a variety of diseases. If the symptoms persist for a long time, a complete intestinal restoration may be necessary.
Disturbed Balance - Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis describes an imbalance between the different types of microorganisms colonizing the intestine. In this case, the beneficial intestinal bacteria are damaged, which can spread the pathological germs better. Various symptoms can be an indication of dysbiosis. These include flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, recurrent gastrointestinal disturbances, food intolerances, constant fatigue, headaches, and more.
The foreign germs are able to excrete toxins. The toxins not only cause damage on the spot, ie in the intestine, but can also have a systemic effect. This primarily affects the immune system, which can lead to frequent and recurring infections, but also internal organs such as the kidneys are sometimes affected. The emergence of intestinal mycoses (fungal infections of the intestine) is favored by a disturbed intestinal flora, the tendency to diarrhea and / or constipation increases. Also, cancer-promoting substances can develop.
If too much pollutants enter the organism, the tissue increasingly deteriorates. If such an imbalance has been present for a long time or if it is very pronounced, sooner or later the organs of detoxification of the liver and kidneys will be overwhelmed, the metabolism will be weakened and the immune system will be affected as well. The body is more susceptible to allergies, rheumatism and skin problems.
If a suspected microbiome is suspected, it can be checked very well and absolutely painless with the help of a stool examination. Depending on the laboratory and evaluation method, the most diverse microorganisms and digestive residues can be determined in quantity and severity, with the result then being the basis for a suitable therapy.
Often, viruses or germs are responsible for complaints in the gut or stomach. (Image: PrettyVectors / fotolia.com) Rebuild intestinal flora
To rebuild a disturbed intestinal flora there are a variety of methods. In most cases, however, the intestine is cleared of the pathological intestinal bacteria in the first step. Subsequently, the digestive tract is colonized again with the "good" intestinal bacteria. For a colon cleansing, for example, powders are used to cleanse the colon. These powders are taken over a period of time. Such agents often contain fiber, algae, herbs and the like.
Use of probiotics
After this first stage, the intestinal flora is fed with "good" intestinal bacteria. This is usually done with probiotic cultures. These cultures may already be present in our foods or they may be administered as drugs. Probiotics means "for life". The probiotic substances include, in particular, live active lactic acid bacteria, which are resistant to gastric and bile acid.
These probiotic cultures are said to have health benefits. These include bifidobacteria and various types of lactobacilli. Probiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogenic germs and restore the microbiome through their colonization. These lactic acid bacteria are also able to reduce the concentration of toxic substances in the intestine and to attenuate or contribute to the prevention of bacterial diarrheal diseases.
Natural probiotics
You've probably heard of the healthy probiotics in yoghurt that can help our intestinal flora. It is important that they do not resort to the over-sweetened yogurt varieties. A natural yoghurt without added sugar is the better choice for our intestines. The yoghurt-containing bifido and lactic acid bacteria can settle back into the intestine by eating yoghurt. Also recommended are kefir and sour milk.
Effect of fermented foods
In addition to the healthy probiotics in dairy products, many fermented foods are extremely healthy for our intestines. The lactic acid bacteria contained therein have a health-promoting effect. Sauerkraut from fermented white cabbage, for example, optimally supports our intestines and kimchi (spicy fermented Chinese cabbage) is a well-available alternative in Asia. Also kombucha and fermented soy products (tofu, taipei, miso) offer very nutritious alternatives to yogurt. For optimal effect, you should often incorporate the foods mentioned in the diet.
Foods such as natural yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and fermented soy products are easy to digest and contain many probiotics. (Image: sewcream / fotolia.com) Use of prebiotics
In addition to probiotics, prebiotics are often used. These fibers are indigestible to our colon but can be converted by certain bacteria into other needed substances. Prebiotics are of plant origin and serve the settled lactic acid bacteria as food. It supports the growth of these beneficial intestinal dwellers. This helps to stabilize the susceptible balance of the microbiome. The prebiotics include fiber such as inulin, oligofructose and tobinambur.
Natural prebiotics
The above-mentioned prebiotics do not need to be taken in addition to expensive food supplement, they are already included in many healthy foods. Especially many prebiotics are contained in artichokes and chicory. In addition to vegetables such as salsify, parsnips, onions, broccoli and carrots, fruits such as bananas and apples also contain this fiber. Also with leeks and garlic you can do something good for your intestines with regard to prebiotics. Also included are the prebiotics in wholegrain flours and linseed.
Flaxseed and psyllium
Flaxseed and psyllium can easily be added to different foods. You can put a spoonful into the morning cereal, sprinkle over the salad, stir the seeds with liquid or refine their cheese bread. The mucus and fiber contained therein have an enormous potential, they improve the water balance in the digestive system considerably. Psyllium husks help with chronic constipation. In the intestine, the seeds swell to many times their original size, and thus stimulate the digestive tract to healthy movement.
The flaxseed not only provide a variety of fiber, they can even help by the contained mucilage to protect an inflamed gastric mucosa. Cracked glue seeds have a stronger effect in our body than the unprocessed granules. If you are taking flaxseed, make sure you drink enough. The granules are now available not only in health food stores and drugstores, but also in every major supermarket.
Build up the intestinal flora with the help of naturopathy. (Image: Sonja Birkelbach / fotolia.com) The right tea for the intestine
A healthy tea, which supports the intestinal flora in the reconstruction, is the so-called "four-winds tea". It consists of coriander, fennel, caraway and anise, each in equal parts. This tea blend tastes delicious, supports the intestines and counteracts by relaxing our digestive system.
Right nutrition
The above measures alone are not enough to ensure a healthy intestinal flora. The diet should be balanced, healthy and predominantly basic. A basic food contains mainly vegetables and fruits. Animal protein, on the other hand, belongs to the so-called "acidic" diet and should therefore rarely be eaten. Sugary foods, sweets and white flour help fungi to feel very comfortable in the gut. Enjoy these foods so rarely to protect yourself from fungal attack.
Build up intestinal flora with homeopathy
The Schüßler salt therapy works with the principle to supply the body with missing minerals. To bring the intestine back into balance, for example, the Schuessler salts No. 4, No. 9 and No. 10 are used by turns. The salt # 4 potassium chloratum is the salt for the mucous membranes, # 9 sodium phosphoricum binds acids in the body and # 10 sodium sulfuricum has the ability to excrete the bound acids.
When and how a build-up of the intestinal flora should take place, you can also read in the "Healing Practices Guide for the stomach and intestine". Here you can buy the guide. If the intestinal flora is to be rebuilt, homeopathy is also used. For example, Chamomilla relieves intestinal spasms, Natrum sulphuricum works in flatulence and Nux vomica is used in constipation but also in diarrhea.
Construction by chair transplantation
In a disturbed immune system, the intestinal flora is usually disturbed significantly. In therapy-resistant diarrhea or other chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, a healthy composition of microorganisms in the intestine should be achieved in order to support the body optimally. If the build-up of such a healthy variety fails repeatedly, a healthy person's stool donation may help in serious illnesses. For stool transplantation, the bacteria are transferred from the donor chair through a high inlet (rectally), through capsules (orally) or via a nasogastric tube (directly into the small intestine) into the body of the recipient. However, this procedure is only used when all other alternatives have failed. (sw, dp, updated on 04.07.2018)