The well-known intestinal flora or microflora is of great importance for the functioning of our entire organism , when there are factors that affect it, it can greatly affect many other health conditions, also including some psychological problems and deteriorating mental function. Discover what may be the main causes that affect the bacteria in the intestinal flora and how you can reverse them to enjoy a healthier life.
What is the intestinal flora?
The so-called intestinal flora is an ecosystem of microorganisms beneficial to our health and its role is essential for the proper functioning of our body. However, there are many causes that affect our intestinal flora and some of them very severely , but you should know that it is in your hands to improve the quality of your diet in order to also improve the functioning of the intestinal flora .
The causes that affect the intestinal flora
There are 5 causes that affect the intestinal flora and reduce our general well-being because when our intestinal flora is destroyed , there is an immediate consequence which is the slowing down of intestinal transit .
Consumption of antibiotics
1- One of the 5 causes that affect the intestinal flora is the consumption of antibiotics since they cause a decrease in the biodiversity of the flora by acting on the bacteria, molecules and enzymes that compose it. During and after treatment with antibiotics, the bacteria that make up the intestinal flora see their metabolic patterns altered, leading to assimilate less iron and produce fewer essential molecules. Although the power to alter the flora to a greater or lesser degree depends on the type of antibiotic, as well as the duration of treatment and the route of administration.
Bad eating habits
2- Our bad eating habits also affect the intestinal flora since we eat a large amount of fast food, abusing processed and refined foods, with excess fat and animal proteins, sugars and we maintain a large deficit in fresh products of plant origin. We also abuse carbonated soft drinks. Substances such as coffee, alcohol, tea and tobacco act as toxic substances that irritate the intestinal mucosa and cause its inflammation.
Fiber shortage in the diet
3- Another cause that affects the intestinal flora is the scarcity of fiber in our diets since we do not consume enough foods with fiber such as vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals and nuts. Fiber has a prebiotic character and keeps the beneficial microorganisms in our intestine in balance, while a diet poor in it causes intestinal transit problems. See more information about how to prepare your own fiber against constipation .
Stress and emotional problems
4- The stress of daily life becomes another cause that affects the intestinal flora because it alters the relationships between bacteria and the intestinal mucosa and exacerbates ailments related to the digestive system such as gastritis . For this reason, it is essential to try not to eat standing up or too quickly and to try to relax. Find out how to reverse the effects of stress .
Lack of exercise
5- The absence of physical exercise is another of the 5 causes that affect the intestinal flora. We forget that the practice of physical exercise on a regular basis is an ally for the quality of our intestinal flora. Physical exercise for 30 minutes a day would be enough to promote the proper functioning of our intestinal flora.