The intestinal microbiota is also known as the gut microbiota which is a community of microorganisms, which include viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microbes which live in your gastrointestinal tract and most particularly in your intestines.
Gut microbiota is very important because the gut microbiota plays a critical and very important role in various aspects of your health.
Gut microbiota plays a role in digestion, immune function, nutrient absorption and even brain health through the gut brain axis.
The gut microbiota is basically a complex ecosystem of microorganisms which reside in your digestive tract and is not just bacteria but includes other microbes, fungi and viruses.
The composition of your gut microbiota also varies across your digestive tract, with the colon having the highest microbial density.
The gut microbes help to break down the complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers which the human body cannot digest on it's own and produces short chain fatty acids and other essential nutrients.
The gut microbes also synthesize vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin B12, vitamin B9 and vitamin B1.
The gut microbiota also helps to regulate the body's immune system and protect it against pathogens and maintains intestinal homeostasis.
It also interacts with the gut associated lymphoid tissue and immune cells such as T cells and macrophages.
The gut microbiota also influences the function of the brain and behavior through the gut brain axis and it can also affect cognitive functions, behavior and mood.
Gut microbiota also competes with harmful bacteria for resources and space and prevents the overgrowth of the harmful bacteria and protects against infections.
Gut microbes also play a role in various types of metabolic processes in the body which include energy metabolism, fat storage and cholesterol metabolism and the gut microbiota also helps maintain the intestinal lining and protect against inflammation and disease.
And having imbalances in the gut microbiota which is also known as dysbiosis has been linked to various diseases which include neurological disorders, type 2 diabetes, obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.