During childbirth “through nature”, a newborn comes into direct contact with the mother’s vaginal bacterial flora, as a result of which its intestines are populated with the desired bacterial strains. Proper colonization of the child’s intestines is important not only for the functioning of the digestive system, but also for the development of the immune system, the formation of food antigens, and, as suggested by the latest research, for the neurological development of a child.
At least six months of breastfeeding is conducive to the development of a favorable intestinal flora. The situation is slightly different in children born by caesarean section and fed artificially. It has been proven that such newborns are at risk of colonization with pathogenic bacteria and have a greater predisposition to develop various diseases, e.g. allergies. The latest research even shows that a large part of the processes related to non-optimal intestinal flora may take place still in the fetal stage.
A healthy gut acts as a door – it is usually closed, and it only opens enough to let out nutrients from the foods you digest or antigens to train your immune system. When the epithelium of the intestinal mucosa is damaged or leaky, too large components of the food content enter the tissues (and, consequently, the bloodstream). These are undigested protein chains, fats and waste substances, but also in extreme situations harmful microbes, fungi and parasites.
In a healthy body, these elements do not penetrate the natural intestinal barrier. The causes of the so-called leakages in the gut can vary, including improper diet and related hypersensitivity to certain nutrients, e.g. gluten or cow’s milk, and chronic stress. Toxic compounds from the environment can be dangerous: from the air, water, processed and sterilized food. Also pesticides used in plant breeding or the massive abuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics and the so-called proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole), which reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces and have a protective effect.
Unfortunately, when used chronically, they cause dysbiosis, i.e. disturbances in the microbiome. Damage to the intestinal barrier and diarrhea is favored by intense physical effort – the blood then moves from the digestive tract to the muscles and heart, causing its ischemia. In order to avoid oxidative stress, physical activity should be combined with proper nutrition. Experiments on mice have shown that sport supported by a proper diet brings n best health effects