Description

Our microbiota is an important organ

Our health is influenced by the bacteria in our intestines. The large intestine can even be regarded as a fully independent organ that is involved, among other things, in our immune defences, moods and performance.

For the health of the large intestine, we depend to an important extent on the microbial life in our intestines, consisting of fungi, archaea and bacteria, with bacteria by far the most numerous. Together, these microorganisms are called the ‘microbiota’ and produce all kinds of useful substances for their human host, such as vitamins, hormones and neurotransmitters.

Science is gaining an increasingly better understanding of how and which bacteria influence our health. The composition of the microbiota is determined, among other things, by genetic factors, but is also influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, exercise and stress.

With modern techniques, we can determine which bacteria are present in the large intestine and in what quantities.

The microbiota and diet

Our diet consists of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, supplemented with minerals and vitamins. The vast majority of proteins, fats and sugars are broken down and absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Fibre and other longer-chain carbohydrates, on the other hand, are not (fully) broken down and reach the large intestine, where they serve as an important source of energy for the gut bacteria.

Fibre comes in many forms and is found mainly in vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts and seeds. Consuming sufficient fibre (between 30-60 grams per day) is important for stimulating our microbiota.

The test is carried out by MyMicroZoo. You can expect the results in your account after 4 weeks.