Stomach pain, diarrhea or flatulence are usually a sign that your intestinal flora is out of balance. We name the 5 most common causes responsible for a disturbed intestinal flora.
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The tasks of our intestinal flora
The intestinal flora describes all of the bacteria and fungi living in the intestine. Around 400 different types of intestinal bacteria can be found in the human large intestine, which support digestion. But our intestinal flora is not only important for our digestion. Other functions include the production and absorption of vitamins and the breakdown of pollutants. But the intestinal flora can quickly lose its natural balance. Common signs of a disturbed intestinal flora are gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain, flatulence, a bloated stomach, diarrhea or constipation.
The 5 most common reasons for a disturbed intestinal flora
1. Intestinal diseases
The reasons for a disturbed intestinal flora can be varied. Intestinal diseases, which manifest themselves through diarrhea or cause inflammation, are a common cause of disturbed intestinal flora. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time, are recurring or are particularly severe, seek medical advice to clarify the exact cause and rule out possible serious illnesses.
2. Taking medication
Your intestinal flora can become unbalanced due to the intake of medication. A common reason for a disturbed intestinal flora is usually taking antibiotics. Because antibiotics kill not only the “bad” pathogens, but also the good intestinal bacteria. Anyone who regularly uses laxatives also disturbs the intestinal flora. The intestinal bacteria are excreted in large numbers. Laxatives should never be taken long-term, but only temporarily to stimulate bowel movements and relieve constipation.
3. Unhealthy diet
Another crucial factor is our diet. Sugar not only promotes tooth decay and obesity, but also damages the intestines. Because it promotes inflammation in our digestive organs. Fatty food also weighs down our intestinal flora, promotes inflammation and reduces the health-promoting intestinal bacteria. It has long been known that alcohol is anything but healthy. Excessive alcohol inhibits sodium and water absorption in the small intestine. This can lead to constipation and diarrhea. Alcohol also damages the intestinal lining. It becomes more permeable to bacteria, pollutants, heavy metals and other toxic substances from the alcohol. Anyone who consumes alcohol regularly has an increased risk of colon cancer .
4. Hormone präparate
Taking hormone preparations such as birth control pills can also upset your intestinal flora. According to an American study by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, the pill can increase the risk of chronic intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The reason: the synthetic substances in the contraceptive can disturb the sensitive intestinal flora. The food can be processed more poorly and toxins and acids can remain.
5. Stress
Stress is pure poison for our health and especially for our intestinal flora. If we are constantly energized, this influences the composition of our intestinal flora. The healthy intestinal bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria retreat so that pathogenic bacteria can spread more easily. This leads to an imbalance in our intestinal flora, which then reacts with digestive problems such as diarrhea or constipation.
Bring disturbed intestinal flora back into balance
There are various ways to rebuild your intestinal flora. Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, kefir or sauerkraut have a positive effect on your intestinal flora because they increase the number of “good” intestinal germs. Apple cider vinegar is a tried and tested household remedy for intestinal flora. The vinegar has an antibacterial effect and fights putrefactive bacteria in the intestine. Taken regularly diluted, it acts as a gentle intestinal cleansing.
In order to promote long-term intestinal health, you should eat a balanced diet by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain products and healthy fats in the form of nuts and vegetable oils. Also, drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily. Exercise also helps and keeps your gut healthy as regular exercise improves blood flow.
