The Microbiota: Your Invisible Ecosystem, Essential to Your Health
What is the microbiota?
The microbiota is a living universe within you ! It includes billions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, etc.) that coexist in different environments within your body.
The main microbiotas:
✔ Intestinal – The most famous, it regulates digestion, immunity and even your mood.
✔ Cutaneous – Your skin’s natural shield, it protects against external aggressions.
✔ Oral – Essential for good oral health.
✔ Vaginal – Key defense against infections and guarantor of intimate balance.
From birth, your microbiota is shaped and evolves based on your lifestyle, diet, and medical treatments. Its balance is the key to optimal health !
The Evolution of the Microbiota: A Journey to the Heart of Life
At birth
Natural childbirth? The baby inherits the mother's microbiota.
Caesarean section? Bacterial colonization comes more from the hospital environment.
Breastfeeding enriches the microbiota with bifidobacteria , essential for immunity.
Childhood & Adolescence
A diverse diet expands microbial richness.
Contact with nature, animals and other children boosts bacterial diversity.
Be careful with antibiotics which can disrupt this fragile balance.
Adulthood
A varied diet (fiber, probiotics) and physical exercise maintain bacterial diversity.
Stress, pollution, medications can induce imbalances called dysbiosis .
Old age
The microbiota loses diversity with age.
Medications and poor diets undermine this balance, promoting inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
Factors influencing your microbiota at any age
Diet : Fiber, probiotics (kefir, yogurts, miso) and polyphenols (fruits, vegetables) feed your good bacteria.
Sport : Physical exercise promotes optimal bacterial diversity.
Stress & lack of sleep : They disrupt the balance of the microbiota and the nervous system.
Antibiotics & Junk Food : They destroy good bacteria and feed the bad ones.
The microbiota is a living organism in constant evolution , shaped by your lifestyle. Take care of it, it will take care of you!
Dysbiosis: When the Microbiota Goes Out of Order
An imbalanced microbiota can have serious consequences on digestion, immunity, mental health and even metabolism.
Digestive disorders
Bloating, diarrhea, constipation
Intestinal inflammation (IBD, IBS)
Food intolerances (e.g. lactose)
Weakened immune defenses
More frequent infections
Increased risk of autoimmune diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, polyarthritis)
Impact on the brain and mood
Stress, anxiety, depression: 90% of serotonin is produced in the intestine!
Possible link with Alzheimer's & Parkinson's
Metabolism & Weight
An imbalanced microbiota can promote obesity, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
Enemies of the microbiota
Antibiotics – They kill good and bad bacteria indiscriminately.
Ultra-processed food – Too much sugar and fat unbalances the intestinal flora.
Stress & lack of sleep – They impair communication between the gut and the brain.
Sedentary lifestyle – Less movement, less bacterial diversity.
Take care of your microbiota, it will take care of you!
