Intestinal bacterial flora: how to rebalance it during seasonal changes

THE digestive discomfort they are more common than you think and concern well the 65% of the Italian population. The study highlights it Eating to live better: digestive well -being between seasons, traditions and lifestyles, conducted by Human Highway For Assosalute, National Association of self -medication drugspart of Federchimica.

Among the most common disorders, they stand out swelling, heaviness and stomach aciditythe first of which seems to increase at each change of season. «The disorders related to swelling and other gastrointestinal problems are increasingly widespread, especially between young adults and the female population», Professor points out Attilio Giacosa, Gastroenterologist at the Italian diagnostic center of Milan and already director of the complex structure of gastroenterology and clinical nutrition at the National Institute for Cancer Research in Genoa. “They are the signal of a particular condition such as the irritable intestine syndromefunctional disease in which the intestine appears structurally healthy, but does not work properly. This can cause constipation, Diarrhea and anomalous fermentationswith the swelling and the meteorism as common symptoms. Many of these problems are linked to dysbiosisan imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora ».

Dysbiosis: what it is and what the causes are

“District is a process of alteration of the bacterial flora which can occur for different reasons, “he explains Alessia Ciancio, Associate professor of gastroenterology, medical manager. Director of the microbiota transplant center of the City of Health of Turin. «In Italy it affects one person out of four and in women has an even greater incidence. Among the causesThe change of season or the use of medicines. There are rather numerous studies that have shown how the seasonal changes in general are among the Most important causes of the alteration of the bacterial flora “.

The alternation of the seasons leads to an alteration of the bacterial flora for various reasons: the change in temperature, including the increase in humidity (this in the transition from spring to summer), or the shortening of the hours of light in the transition from summer to autumn, or even, in the spring passage from now solar to legal time. “These changes affect the body a hormonal level and consequently cause the variation of the bacterial flora which resides in our intestine. On the alterations of the bacterial flora it also has a very important value thediet, as they affect the Psychological well -being and the conditions of anxiety and stress. Arriving from winter, moreover, we leave a season that has probably led us to have a cold or perhaps an influence. It means that we have taken drugs, The other factor that can change the bacterial flora. This is also an important reason why we need in spring repopulate With good bacteria our microbiota “.

The diet to focus on to reduce disorders such as swelling and irritated intestine

“During transition periods such as spring and autumn, the body tends to react to environmental and physiological changes”, underlines Professor Giacosa. “It is therefore important to adopt a more cautious and purifying dietespecially after months characterized by a diet richer in fats and complex preparations ».

An excellent starting point is “follow one Mediterranean type dietalready in itself balanced and pleasant, but orienting itself towards an even lighter and more vegetable version, the so -called Green Mediterranean Diet. This means privileging vegetables, legumes, whole grains, reducing the consumption of meat and limiting elaborate cooking, opting for simpler methods such as steaming or light oven. Foods can be introduced with anti -inflammatory and purifying properties, such as green tea or turmeric.

Another key element is thehydration: Even when you don’t feel thirsty, it is useful to remember to drink regularly during the day, for example by keeping a bottle of water always at hand. “Water is essential for repopulate The bacterial flora: hydration is a key element to regulate the bacterial diversity of each “, specifies Professor Cianci.

Do not forget theSweet physical activity: «CBoth or walks on outdoor bicycle are ideal for stimulating intestinal motility and supporting digestive well -being, “adds Professor Giacosa. «A further factor, often underestimated, is the sleep quality: Sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night helps not only to regenerate the body, but also to purify the brain from waste substances, improving mental lucidity and general balance “.
And finally, a tip that goes beyond the table: «Eating in companytaking time to taste meals with calm and serenity is a real cure -all for body and mind. Even a simple Mediterranean meal, perhaps accompanied by a good glass of red wine, can become a moment of complete, physical and emotional well -being ».

Assume probiotics yes, but which ones?

Bifidobacterium, Bacterial Strain3d Illustration.Image_jungle

If you decide to focus on the assumption of probiotics, the important aspect is “to identify those compatible with one’s own intestinal flora, who contain the same bacteria of our intestine into practice “, specifies Professor Cianci. «Some probiotics are absolutely useless: they have bacteria that are part of animal strains, not present in the human intestine. A good probiotic also must contain billions of bacteria, obviously alive, capable of resisting the gastric pH to get to the intestine (otherwise they die in the stomach). In choose themtherefore, it is better to avoid do -it -yourself: ask a specific prescription from your doctor or specialist “.