Microbiota intestinal: su importancia en la salud y los factores que la modifican

Abstract

A vast number of microorganisms inhabit the human body and coexist peacefully with their hosts, under specific conditions. The complex ecosystem of microbial communities found in the intestine fulfills numerous metabolic, physiological, and protective functions of the human body. Recent studies show that an imbalance in these communities (dysbiosis) maintains a close relationship with the health of the host. The change in eating habits, lifestyle, and different compounds of exogenous origin are some of the main factors causing that alteration, which represent new challenges for medical practice. Therefore, the objective of this document is to provide information about the intestinal microbiota concept, the factors altering it, some of the diseases associated with dysbiosis, and the evidence of some foods that may induce the modulation of the intestinal microbiota. Knowing the relationship between food, microbiota, and health is relevant to have more elements in the treatment of diseases in modern society.