Our body houses a network of bacteria, viruses, archaea and fungi that, far from harming our body, perform essential functions. We talk about the microbiota.
This set of microorganisms It is not only essential for digestive health but has an important influence on other areas such as the immune system, metabolism and even mental health. (depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc.).
And it is that youAll these billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc. that make up the microbiota interact in different parts of the body.collaborating with each other and producing different benefits that contribute significantly to both the health of the skin and the well-being of the digestive and genital system, among others.
A healthy microbiota contributes to skin health. /Adobe Stock.
The influence of the microbiota on the skin
A little-known aspect of the microbiota is the role its microorganisms play in skin health. And as the Internal Medicine specialist, Débora Nuevo, head of the Microbiota Unit at Olympia Quirónsalud, explains, “For every centimeter of healthy skin there are 1 million bacteria that defend us from infections, control inflammation and the development of tumors at the skin level and have an antioxidant and anti-aging effect.”.
That is, we have a skin microbiota that is in continuous contact with the intestinal microbiota through the various existing mechanisms. In this way, some skin pathologies are directly related to imbalances in the intestinal microbiota.
“In patients with rosaceaFor example, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is 13 times more common“By treating SIBO, rosacea lesions are reduced,” says Dr. Nuevo.
The specialist gives another example, acne, “which is directly related to a bacteria called Cutibacteriun Acnes, and that our healthy microbiota protects us against it. That is why certain probiotics are an important part of the treatment of this dermatological condition.
In fact, There are scientific studies that confirm that the use of probiotics and prebiotics play a fundamental role in skin diseaseespecially those inflammatory pathologies such as dermatitis.
Having a healthy vaginal microbiota protects against vaginal infections. / Doc. RNDr. Josef Reischig, CSc. Wikimedia Commons.
Gynecological problems and microbiota
Another area in which science has demonstrated the importance of having a healthy microbiota is gynecology. Because having a healthy vaginal microbiota protects against vaginal infections, among others, those caused by the excessive growth of a fungus called Candida albicans. “Likewise An alteration in its balance can favor the overgrowth of Fusobacterium, a bacteria linked to endometriosis,” warns the specialist.
Besides, The doctor assures that an adequate amount of lactobacilli (main bacteria of the vaginal flora that act as a shield against pathogens), may reduce the risk of HPV infection (human papillomavirus) and which in turn is related to cervical cancer. “In addition, the balance of this microbiota is essential for fertility and the correct development of pregnancy,” recognizes the Olympia specialist.
We must also not forget that up to 70% of the cells of the immune system are in the intestine and in a very close relationship with the microbiota, “influencing the metabolism and helping defense procedures work correctly,” emphasizes Dr. Débora Nuevo.
A varied diet is essential to maintain a healthy microbiota. / Freepik.
Improve the microbiota to improve health
The Spanish Foundation of the Digestive System (FEAD) points out that, To maintain a good intestinal microbiota, there are two fundamental elements: on the one hand, following a varied and healthy diet, and on the other, reducing or avoiding stress.
“A healthy intestinal microbiota performs very important functions such as metabolizing compounds that we are not able to digest, synthesizing vitamins and fatty acids, and helping us absorb minerals that are essential for our health. Also, it protects us against external pathogens and toxins.”
Thus, the doctor maintains, Acting on your microbiota is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat, among others, liver diseases such as fatty liver.. “Almost all digestive pathologies (inflammatory bowel diseases, gastritis, diverticulitis, etc.) can improve if we restore the health of the microbiota,” he asserts.
“Others, such as constipation and diarrhea, can also be the result of an imbalance in the microbiota,” concludes the internist.
2024-04-18 03:22:12
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