The Human Microbiota Series: Part 2
The human microbiota is composed by all the microorganisms living in the gut, and which have essential roles for the human body. We know that they turn certain undigested foods into nutrients we need, for example fibre into some essential fatty acids, but they actually have many more roles than just that!and the balance of the gut microbe for autoimmune conditions, obesity, behavioural problems, intolerances, or IBS. You can read more here [1].
In any case, whatever your fingerprint is, you can still do a lot to improve it!
So, which factors determine this flora? Its composition is established during the first years of life in children and tends to stay fairly stable, but it also change by dietary and lifestyle factors.
The process of colonisation of the gut by microorganisms starts at the moment of birth, not before. Even the way the baby is delivered, by cesarean section or naturally, or whether it is breastfed or not, will define the number and types of gut bacterias. The early years are crucial for the prevention of future possible problems, but again, it doesn’t matter what your age is, it is always possible to make it better!