295 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits - dysbiosis Term referring to an alteration of the microbiota, particularly in the gut, characterised by an imbalance between the different bacterial strains that make it up. This disturbance may be caused by an unhealthy diet (low in fruit, vegetables and fibre, and high in animal protein), a sedentary lifestyle, psychological or physical stress, environmental pollution, the excessive and improper use of antibiotics, etc. A healthy diet and lifestyle, effective stress management, and appropriate use of medication all contribute to maintaining a balanced microbiota. One natural approach to restoring microbial balance is the inclusion of probiotics and prebiotics in the diet. - Lactobacillus Commonly known as lactobacilli, Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that ferment sugars to produce lactic acid (a compound formed through the anaerobic -without oxygen- breakdown of glucose). They therefore belong to the group of lactic acid-producing bacteria. These microorganisms are widely distributed throughout the human and animal body, especially in the mouth, digestive tract, and genitourinary system. Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most important species found in the human gut. Lactobacilli do not usually cause disease and are even considered necessary. The lactic acid they produce creates an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, they can assist with the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients. For these reasons, species of Lactobacillus are classified as probiotics. They are often taken to help combat diarrhoea, including infectious diarrhoea and that associated with antibiotic use. They have also been proposed for other digestive issues and a variety of gastrointestinal conditions, although many of these uses are not supported by conclusive scientific evidence. Beyond their biological role, Lactobacillus species are widely used in both domestic and industrial settings, for example, in the production of homemade and commercial yoghurt, cheese, and other fermented foods. They are also included in pharmaceutical products intended to help restore the intestinal microbiota after antibiotic treatment. - microbioma Although the terms microbiota and microbiome are sometimes used interchangeably, microbiota refers specifically to the collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses, and parasites) that inhabit the body. In contrast, microbiome is a broader concept that encompasses not only these microbial communities, but also their genes, metabolites, and the environmental conditions surrounding them at each specific location. - prebiotics and probiotics The microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human body are essential for maintaining good health. Since the microbiota, particularly the intestinal one, can play such an important role, there is currently significant interest in preserving a balanced and appropriate composition of the intestinal flora to support overall health.There are two ways of supporting this balance: one is by helping the beneficial microbes already present in the microbiota to grow by providing them with the nutrients they need (prebiotics); the other is by introducing live microbes into the system (probiotics). These are not only harmless but actually support digestion, stimulate the immune system, protect against pathogenic microorganisms, and produce vitamins and fatty acids. Although prebiotics and probiotics are entirely different, they serve a similar purpose: maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiota or helping to restore it when imbalances occur.
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