Positive role of colon microflora. Composition of the microflora of the large intestine

From the small intestine, food enters the large intestine. The mucous membrane of the colon forms crescent-shaped folds; there are no villi on it. Colon is a continuation ileum and makes up the final section of the gastrointestinal tract. The length of the large intestine is 1–1.65 m. The formation of feces occurs in the large intestine. In the large intestine there are: the cecum with a vermiform appendix, the colon, consisting of the ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid colons and the rectum, which ends in the anus.

Distinctive features of the large intestine are the presence of longitudinal muscle bands (mesenteric, omental and free), swellings and omental processes.

Cecum is the initial, expanded section of the large intestine. At the point where the ileum enters the large intestine, a valve is formed that prevents the passage of the contents of the large intestine into the small intestine. On the undersurface of the cecum, where muscle bands meet colon, begins the vermiform appendix (appendix), the length of which ranges from 2 to 20 cm, diameter 0.5 - 1 cm. The cecum is followed by ascending colon, which is located in the right half of the abdomen up to the liver and passes into the transverse colon, which in turn passes into the descending colon, then into the sigmoid colon.

IN sigmoid colon towards the rectum, the protrusions gradually disappear, the muscle bands pass into a uniform layer of longitudinal muscle fibers, and at the level of the pelvic promontory it passes into the rectum. The rectum ends with the anal (anal) opening, which closes the anal sphincter. In the colon, the final absorption of essential nutrients occurs, the release of metabolites and heavy metal salts, the accumulation of dehydrated intestinal contents and their removal from the body. It is in the large intestine that the main volume of water is absorbed (5 - 7 liters per day). The outer muscle layer in the colon is located in the form of strips, between which there are swellings (food masses are retained in them, which ensures longer contact with the wall and accelerated absorption of water). The motility of the colon increases during eating, as food passes through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Inhibitory influences are exerted from the rectum, irritation of the receptors of which reduces the motor activity of the colon. Eating foods rich in dietary fiber (cellulose, pectin, lignin) increases the amount of feces and speeds up its movement through the intestines.

Microflora of the colon. The last sections of the large intestine contain many microorganisms, primarily coli genus Bifidus And Bacteroides. They participate in the destruction of enzymes supplied with chyme from the small intestine, the synthesis of vitamins, and the metabolism of proteins, phospholipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol. The protective function is that the intestinal microflora in the host’s body acts as a constant stimulus for the development of natural immunity. In addition, normal intestinal bacteria act as antagonists towards pathogenic microbes and inhibit their reproduction. The activity of the intestinal microflora can be disrupted after prolonged use of antibiotics, resulting in the development of yeast and fungi. Intestinal microbes synthesize vitamins K, B12, E, B6, as well as other biologically active substances, support fermentation processes and reduce putrefaction processes.

Bacterial flora gastrointestinal tract is a necessary condition for the normal existence of the body. The number of microorganisms in the stomach is minimal; in the small intestine there are much more of them (especially in its distal section). The number of microorganisms in the large intestine is extremely large - up to tens of billions per 1 kg of contents.

In the human colon, 90% of the total flora consists of non-spore-free obligate anaerobic bacteria Bifidum bacterium, Bacteroides. The remaining 10% are lactic acid bacteria, coli, streptococci and spore-bearing anaerobes.

Positive value of intestinal microflora consists in the final decomposition of undigested food residues and components of digestive secretions, creating an immune barrier, inhibiting pathogenic microbes, synthesis of some vitamins, enzymes and other physiological active substances, participation in the body's metabolism.

Bacterial enzymes break down fiber fibers that are undigested in the small intestine. Hydrolysis products are absorbed in the colon and used by the body. U different people the amount of cellulose hydrolyzed by bacterial enzymes varies and averages about 40%.

Digestive secretions, having completed their physiological role, are partially destroyed and absorbed in the small intestine, and part of them enters the large intestine. Here they are also exposed to microflora. With the participation of microflora, enterokinase, alkaline phosphatase, trypsin, and amylase are inactivated. Microorganisms take part in the decomposition of steam bile acids, row organic matter with education organic acids, their ammonium salts, amines, etc.

Normal microflora suppresses pathogenic microorganisms and prevents infection of the macroorganism. Violation normal microflora in case of illness or as a result of prolonged administration antibacterial drugs often entails complications caused by rapid reproduction in the intestines of yeast, staphylococcus, proteus and other microorganisms.

Intestinal flora synthesizes vitamins K and B vitamins. It is possible that the microflora synthesizes other substances important for the body. For example, in “germ-free rats” raised in sterile conditions, the cecum is extremely enlarged in volume, the absorption of water and amino acids is sharply reduced, which can be the cause of their death.

With the participation of intestinal microflora, the body exchanges proteins, phospholipids, bile and fatty acids, bilirubin, and cholesterol.

The intestinal microflora is influenced by many factors: the intake of microorganisms with food, dietary features, the properties of digestive secretions (which have more or less pronounced bactericidal properties), intestinal motility (which helps remove microorganisms from it), dietary fiber in the intestinal contents, the presence of intestines and intestinal juice of immunoglobulins.

The small intestine almost completely digests and absorbs food. Digestion in the large intestine begins after the intake of fragments that have not been digested small intestine. The work of the large intestine is that there are remains of chyme (a lump of partially digested food and gastric juice) acquire more solid state by releasing water. Here there is a breakdown of molecules, for example, fiber (the small intestine is not able to break it down), with the help of digestive juice and bacterial flora. The main function of the colon is to convert food fragments into a semi-solid state for further elimination from the body.

Important digestive processes occur in the large intestine, and their failure can significantly complicate human health.

The role of microflora

In this part of the gastrointestinal tract there is a considerable proportion of microbes that form the “microbial community”. Flora is divided into 3 classes:

• the first group (main) - bacteroids and bifidobacteria (approximately 90%);
• the second group (accompanying) - enterococci, lactobacilli and Escherichia (approximately 10%);
• third group (residual) - yeast, staphylococci, clostridia and others (about 1%).

The standard human flora performs a number of functions:

• colonization resistance - activation immune system, intermicrobial confrontation;
• detoxification - breakdown of the results of the metabolic process of proteins, fats, carbohydrates;
• synthetic function - obtaining vitamins, hormones and other elements;
• digestive function - increased gastrointestinal activity.

The functions of natural stabilizers of intestinal flora are performed by antimicrobial elements produced by the mucous membrane (lysozyme, lactoferrin). The normal contraction that pushes the chyme has an impact on the degree of occupancy of a particular area of ​​the gastrointestinal tract with microorganisms, maintaining their distribution in the proximal direction. Irregularities at work motor activity intestines contribute to the appearance of dysbiosis (changes in the composition of microorganisms, when pathogenic bacteria become more numerous due to the disappearance of beneficial ones).

Imbalance of microflora may be associated with the following factors:

• frequent ARVI, allergies;
• reception hormonal drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs (“Paracetamol”, “Ibuprofen”, “Aspirin”) or narcotic drugs;
• cancer, HIV, AIDS;
• age-related physiological changes;
• infectious intestinal diseases;
• work in heavy production.

Participation of plant fiber

The way the colon works depends on the substances that enter the body. Among the substances that ensure the process of multiplying the microflora of the large intestine, it is worth highlighting plant fiber. The body is not able to digest it, but it is broken down by enzymes into acetic acid and glucose, which then pass into the blood. Excitation of motor activity occurs due to the release of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Fatty acids (acetic, butyric, propionic acid) provide the body with up to 10% of the total energy, and the flora produces final stage products that nourish the walls of the mucous membrane.

The microflora of the colon is involved in the formation of a number of useful substances necessary for the human body.

Microorganisms, absorbing waste, produce vitamins of several groups, biotin, amino acids, acids (folic, pantothenic), and other enzymes. With a positive flora, many useful biologically active elements are broken down and synthesized here, and the processes responsible for generating energy and warming the body are also activated. Through beneficial flora, pathogens are suppressed and positive activity of the immune system and body systems is ensured. Deactivation of enzymes from small intestine, occurs due to microorganisms.

Foods high in carbohydrates promote the development of fermentation of proteins with rotting, which leads to the formation of toxic substances and gases. During the decomposition of protein, the components are absorbed into the blood and reach the liver, where they are destroyed with the participation of sulfuric and glucuronic acids. A diet that harmoniously contains carbohydrates and proteins balances fermentation and putrefaction. If there are discrepancies in these processes, digestive disorders and problems in other body systems occur. Digestion in the large intestine reaches its final stage through absorption, where contents accumulate and fecal matter is formed. The types of contractions of the large intestine and its regulation occur in almost the same way that the small intestine works.

Normal intestinal microorganisms are colonies of bacteria that populate the lumen of the lower digestive tract and the surface of the mucous membrane. They are needed for high-quality digestion of chyme (food bolus), metabolism and activation of local defense against infectious pathogens, as well as toxic products.

Normal intestinal microflora– this is the balance of various microbes of the lower sections digestive system, that is, their quantitative and qualitative ratio necessary to maintain the biochemical, metabolic, immunological balance of the body and preserve human health.

• Protective function. Normal microflora has a pronounced resistance to pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. Beneficial bacteria prevent the colonization of the intestine by other infectious pathogens that are not characteristic of it. If the amount of normal microflora decreases, potentially dangerous microorganisms begin to multiply. Purulent-inflammatory processes develop, and bacterial blood poisoning occurs (septicemia). Therefore, it is important to prevent a decrease in the amount of normal microflora.
• Digestive function. Intestinal microflora is involved in the fermentation of proteins, fats, and high molecular weight carbohydrates. Beneficial bacteria destroy the bulk of fiber and chyme residues under the influence of water and maintain in the intestines required level acidity (pH). Microflora inactivates (alkaline phosphatase, enterokinase), participates in the formation of protein breakdown products (phenol, indole, skatole) and stimulates peristalsis. Microorganisms of the digestive tract also regulate the metabolism of bile acids. Promote the transformation of bilirubin (bile pigment) into stercobilin and urobilin. Beneficial bacteria play important role at the final stages of cholesterol conversion. It produces coprosterol, which is not absorbed in the colon and is excreted in the feces. Normoflora can reduce the production of bile acids by the liver and control normal level cholesterol in the body.
• Synthetic (metabolic) function. Beneficial bacteria of the digestive tract produce vitamins (C, K, H, PP, E, group B) and essential amino acids. Intestinal microflora promotes better absorption of iron and calcium, and therefore prevents the development of diseases such as anemia and rickets. Due to the action of beneficial bacteria, active absorption of vitamins occurs (D 3, B 12 and folic acid) regulating the hematopoietic system. The metabolic function of intestinal microflora is also manifested in their ability to synthesize antibiotic-like substances (acidophilus, lactocidin, colicin and others) and biologically active compounds (histamine, dimethylamine, tyramine, etc.), which prevent the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Detoxification function. This function is associated with the ability of intestinal microflora to reduce the amount and remove dangerous toxic products from feces: salts heavy metals, nitrites, mutagens, xenobiotics and others. Harmful compounds do not linger in body tissues. Beneficial bacteria prevent their toxic effects.
• Immune function. The normal flora of the intestine stimulates the synthesis of immunoglobulins - special proteins that increase the body’s defenses against dangerous infections. Also, beneficial bacteria contribute to the maturation of the system of phagocytic cells (nonspecific immunity), capable of absorbing and destroying pathogenic microbes (see).

Representatives of intestinal microflora

The entire intestinal microflora is divided into:

1. normal (basic);
2. opportunistic;
3. pathogenic.

Among all representatives there are anaerobes and aerobes. Their difference from each other lies in the peculiarities of their existence and life activity. Aerobes are microorganisms that can live and reproduce only in conditions of constant access to oxygen. Representatives of the other group are divided into 2 types: obligate (strict) and facultative (conditional) anaerobes. Both of them receive energy for their existence in the absence of oxygen. It is destructive for obligate anaerobes, but not for facultative ones, that is, microorganisms can exist in its presence.

Normal microorganisms

These include gram-positive (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, eubacteria, peptostreptococci) and gram-negative (bacteroides, fusobacteria, veillonella) anaerobes. This name is associated with the name of the Danish bacteriologist - Gram. He developed special method staining smears using aniline dye, iodine and alcohol. Under microscopy, some bacteria have a blue-violet color and are gram-positive. Other microorganisms become discolored. To better visualize these bacteria, a contrast dye (fuchsin) is used, which colors them pink color. These are gram-negative microorganisms.

All representatives of this group are strict anaerobes. They form the basis of the entire intestinal microflora (92-95%). Beneficial bacteria produce antibiotic-like substances that help displace pathogens of dangerous infections from their environment. Also, normal microorganisms create an “acidification” zone (pH = 4.0-5.0) inside the intestine and form a protective film on the surface of its mucous membrane. Thus, a barrier is formed that prevents the colonization of foreign bacteria from outside. Beneficial microorganisms regulate the balance of opportunistic flora, preventing its excessive growth. Participate in the synthesis of vitamins.

These include gram-positive (clostridia, staphylococci, streptococci, bacilli) and gram-negative (Escherichia - E. coli and other members of the Enterobacteriaceae family: Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, etc.) facultative anaerobes.

These microorganisms are opportunistic. That is, if there is well-being in the body, their influence is only positive, just like that of normal microflora. Exposure to unfavorable factors leads to their excessive reproduction and transformation into pathogens. It develops with diarrhea, a change in the nature of the stool (liquid with an admixture of mucus, blood or pus) and a deterioration in general health. The quantitative growth of opportunistic microflora may be associated with weakened immunity, inflammatory diseases digestive system, improper diet and use medicines(antibiotics, hormones, cytostatics, analgesics and other drugs).

The main representative of enterobacteria is with typical biological properties. It is able to activate the synthesis of immunoglobulins. Specific proteins interact with pathogenic microorganisms from the Enterobacteriaceae family and prevent their penetration into the mucous membrane. In addition, E. coli produces substances - colicins with antibacterial activity. That is, normal Escherichia is capable of inhibiting the growth and reproduction of putrefactive and pathogenic microorganisms from the family of enterobacteria - Escherichia coli with altered biological properties (hemolyzing strains), Klebsiella, Proteus and others. Escherichia takes part in the synthesis of vitamin K.

Opportunistic microflora also include yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. They are rarely found in healthy children and adults. Their detection in feces, even in small quantities, should be accompanied by a clinical examination of the patient in order to exclude (excessive growth and proliferation of yeast-like fungi). This is especially true in children younger age and patients with reduced immunity.

Pathogenic microorganisms

These are bacteria that enter the digestive tract from the outside and cause acute intestinal infections. Infection with pathogenic microorganisms can occur through consumption of contaminated food (vegetables, fruits, etc.) and water, violation of personal hygiene rules and contact with a sick person. Normally they are not found in the intestine. These include pathogenic causative agents of dangerous infections - pseudotuberculosis and other diseases. The most common representatives of this group are Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, etc. Some pathogens ( Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, atypical Escherichia coli) can be found among medical personnel(carriers of a pathogenic strain) and in hospital facilities. They cause serious hospital-acquired infections.

All pathogenic bacteria provoke the development of intestinal inflammation of the type or with stool disorder (diarrhea, mucus, blood, pus in the stool) and the development of intoxication of the body. Beneficial microflora is inhibited.

Normal levels of bacteria in the intestines

Beneficial bacteria

CFU/g is the number of colony forming units of microbes in 1 gram of feces.

Opportunistic bacteria

Beneficial gut bacteria

Gram-positive strict anaerobes:

Gram-negative strict anaerobes:

• Bacteroides– polymorphic (having different sizes and shapes) rods. Together with bifidobacteria, they colonize the intestines of newborns by 6–7 days of life. During breastfeeding, bacteroides are detected in 50% of children. With artificial nutrition, they are sown in most cases. Bacteroides take part in digestion and the breakdown of bile acids.
• Fusobacteria– polymorphic rod-shaped microorganisms. Characteristic of the intestinal microflora of adults. They are often sown from pathological material during purulent complications of various localizations. Capable of secreting leukotoxin (a biological substance with a toxic effect on leukocytes) and platelet aggregation factor, responsible for thromboembolism in severe septicemia.
• Veillonella– coccal microorganisms. In breastfed children, they are detected in less than 50% of cases. In babies on artificial nutrition, formulas are sown in high concentrations. Veillonella are capable of large gas production. If they multiply excessively, this distinctive feature can lead to dyspeptic disorders (flatulence, belching and diarrhea).

How to check normal microflora?

A bacteriological examination of stool should be carried out by inoculating it on special nutrient media. The material is collected using a sterile spatula from the last portion of feces. The required volume of feces is 20 grams. The material for research is placed in sterile containers without preservatives. It is necessary to take into account the fact that anaerobic microorganisms must be reliably protected from the action of oxygen from the moment of stool collection until its inoculation. It is recommended to use test tubes filled with a special gas mixture (carbon dioxide (5%) + hydrogen (10%) + nitrogen (85%)) and a tightly ground lid. No more than 2 hours should pass from the moment the material is collected to the start of the bacteriological examination.

This stool analysis allows you to detect a wide range of microorganisms, calculate their ratio and diagnose visible disorders - dysbiosis. Disturbances in the composition of the intestinal microflora are characterized by a decrease in the proportion of beneficial bacteria, an increase in the amount of opportunistic flora with a change in its normal biological properties, as well as the appearance of pathogens.

Low content of normal microflora - what to do?

The imbalance of microorganisms is corrected using special preparations:

1. promote colonization of the intestine by the main microflora due to selective stimulation of the growth and metabolic activity of one or more groups of bacteria. These drugs are not medicines. These include undigested food ingredients that are substrates for beneficial bacteria and are not affected by digestive enzymes. Preparations: “Hilak forte”, “Duphalak” (“Normaze”), “Calcium pantothenate”, “Lysozyme” and others.
2. – These are living microorganisms that normalize the balance of intestinal bacteria and compete with opportunistic flora. Have a beneficial effect on human health. They contain beneficial bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, lactic acid streptococcus, etc. Preparations: “Acilact”, “Linex”, “Baktisubtil”, “Enterol”, “Colibacterin”, “Lactobacterin”, “Bifidumbacterin”, “Bifikol”, “Primadofilus” " and others.
3. Immunostimulating agents. They are used to maintain normal intestinal microbiocenosis and increase the body's defenses. Preparations: “KIP”, “Immunal”, “Echinacea”, etc.
4. Medicines that regulate the transit of intestinal contents. Used to improve digestion and evacuation of food. Medicines: vitamins, etc.

Thus, normal microflora with its specific functions - protective, metabolic and immunostimulating - determines the microbial ecology of the digestive tract and participates in maintaining the constancy of the internal environment of the body (homeostasis).

The large intestine is the part of the digestive tube that ensures the formation and elimination of feces. Excretory substances (metabolic products), salts of heavy metals, etc. accumulate in the lumen of the colon. The bacterial flora of the colon produces vitamins B and K, and also ensures the digestion of fiber.

A feature of the relief of the colon mucosa is the presence of a large number of crypts and the absence of villi.

The vast majority of cells in the epithelial layer of the colon mucosa are goblet cells, which produce a large amount of mucus on the surface of the mucous membrane and, mixing with undigested food particles, facilitate the passage of feces in the caudal direction.

In the right side of the colon, muscle contractions, called antiperistaltic waves, create a reverse movement, helping to temporarily delay the intestinal contents for complete processing by microorganisms.

Functions of the large intestine

When it comes to the digestive process, the large intestine has three main functions:

• absorption of remaining water and electrolytes from digested food;
• digestion of leftover food that has not been digested in the small intestine;
• removing waste (feces) from the body.

Differences between the large and small intestines

They are created from muscle tissue, but have a number of physiological and functional differences. However, they are closely related, since they harmoniously take part in the process of digesting food.

In a living person, the length of the small intestine is 3.5-4 meters, in a dead person it is about 6-8 m due to the loss of intestinal tone, that is, 2 times more.

The length of the large intestine is much smaller - 1.5-2 meters.

There are over a hundred reliable medical studies that confirm that more 65 diseases of the human body are somehow related to improper functioning of the intestines.

Colon imbalance can be the cause of many chronic diseases, including arthritis, allergies, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, liver problems, kidney problems, skin problems, and even heart disease or cancer.

To avoid long-term health problems, it is extremely important to take care of your gut health and keep it functioning properly.

To normalize the functioning of the intestines and the body as a whole, it is recommended to complete the program 2 times a year.

A well-functioning liver is a neutralizer of all toxins that may enter the liver from the large intestine. Therefore, it is important to maintain liver health: program.

Causes of development of diseases of the large intestine

• heredity;
• the presence of other diseases of the digestive system (gastritis, pancreatitis);
• intestinal infections;
• taking certain medications (long-term and uncontrolled antibacterial therapy can disrupt the composition of the microflora);
• dietary errors (abuse of fatty, fried foods, processed foods, lack of fiber in the diet, etc.);
• lack of vitamins and microelements;
• bad habits;
• excess body weight;
• physical inactivity;
• stress;
• motor impairment;
• digestive problems;
• absorption problems;
• inflammatory processes;
• the appearance of neoplasms.

Statistics say that certain diseases of the digestive system are present in 90% of the population of developed countries.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, which include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are diagnosed in approximately 200 people out of 100,000 people examined. They mainly affect young people. Men and women get sick with approximately the same frequency.

Increasingly, patients with bowel symptoms are being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Its prevalence in the world reaches 20%. According to various sources, women suffer from irritable bowel syndrome 2-4 times more often than men, with the highest incidence rates occurring at the age of 30-40 years.

Symptoms of colon disease

Most diseases of the large intestine are asymptomatic for a long time, and then manifest themselves with so-called intestinal discomfort, which increases over time.

Common signs of colon diseases are as follows:

• stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea, unstable stool);
• stomach ache;

Most often, pain occurs in the lateral parts of the abdomen, in the anus.

Pain in the epigastric region or above the navel is less common. As a rule, the pain is dull, aching, bursting, and less often - cramping. They weaken after the passage of gas or bowel movements. Rumbling in the stomach, bloating, and accumulation of gases are more often observed in the afternoon. They intensify in the evening and weaken towards night.

Other signs of colon disease include discharge of mucus or pus from the anus, bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent false urge to defecate (tenesmus), and incontinence of gas and feces.

Many inflammatory and tumor diseases of the colon are accompanied by serious metabolic disorders. As a result, a person feels increasing weakness, exhaustion, and the functions of the genital organs are impaired.

Sick children have slower growth and development.

Colon diseases

Ulcerative colitis- This chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine affects the mucous membrane of the rectum and its other parts. The inflammatory process from the rectum can spread to the entire colon.

Crohn's disease- the entire intestine, stomach and esophagus are affected. Inflammatory changes are single or multiple. The inflammatory process spreads to the entire thickness of the intestine. Complications - formation of fistulas (purulent tracts), fever, damage to joints, eyes, liver, skin rashes.

Colon tumors- benign and malignant (cancer of the colon and rectum). Risk factors for tumors include a diet rich in refined foods and animal fats, the presence of colon polyps, hereditary polyposis, heredity, and long-term ulcerative colitis.

Dyskinesia of the colon - motor dysfunctioncolon and, to a lesser extent, small intestine, not caused by organic lesions and characterized by pain, changes in bowel function, and sometimes increased secretion of mucus.

Diverticulosis of the colon - this is a disease in which the wallthe intestines form small, sac-like protrusions up to one or two centimeters in size (diverticula) .

Haemorrhoids - b a disease consisting of dilatation of the veins of the lower part of the rectum, where nodes are formed that sometimes bleed.

Appendicitis -inflammation of the appendix.

Dysbiosis —this is a change in the composition and quantitative ratios of normal microflora (microorganisms) that populate the human body.

Anti-inflammatory products from NSP:

Classification of types of digestion

According to the origin of digestive enzymes, they are divided into three types:

• own;
• symbiont;
• autolytic.

According to the localization of the polymer splitting process:

• intracellular digestion;
• extracellular digestion:
  • distant (cavitary);
  • contact (wall, membrane).

Symbiont digestion

Symbiont digestion is the hydrolysis of nutrients due to enzymes synthesized by the symbionts of the macroorganism - bacteria and protozoa of the digestive tract. Symbiont digestion occurs in humans in the large intestine.

Fiber in food in humans, due to the lack of the corresponding enzyme in the secretions of the glands, is not hydrolyzed (this has a certain physiological meaning - the preservation of dietary fiber, which plays an important role in intestinal digestion), therefore its digestion by the enzymes of symbionts in the large intestine is an important process.

Enzyme products from NSP:

• Digestive enzymes replenish the deficiency of digestive enzymes.
• Improves the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
• Digestive enzymes also normalize the functioning of the digestive organs.

• Used as a systemic enzyme preparation.
• Improves the breakdown and absorption of proteins.
• Reduces blood viscosity, improves blood circulation.
• Has anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effects.

• Reduces inflammatory processes in the digestive system, reduces pain.
• Strengthens the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile, improves the digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Increases the body's protective properties.

The importance of colon microflora

Bacteria live both outside (skin) and inside the human body.

Normal microflora of the human body

For the occurrence of an infectious process, the state of the macroorganism is important, along with the properties of the pathogen. It is determined by a complex set of factors and mechanisms that are closely interrelated and is characterized as susceptibility (sensitivity) or immunity (resistance) to infection.

The most important factor of nonspecific protection is the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes.

Normal human microflora plays an important role in protecting the body from pathogenic microorganisms. Representatives of normal microflora participate in the nonspecific protection of the areas of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, genitourinary tracts and skin that they inhabit.

Microorganisms living in certain biotopes (communities) prevent adhesion (gluing) and colonization of body surfaces by pathogenic microorganisms.

The protective effect of normal microflora may be due to competition for nutrients, changes in the pH of the environment, and the production of active factors that prevent the introduction and proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms

Microflora of the large intestine

The microflora of the large intestine is a set of bacteria that coexist with the human body.The intestinal microflora accounts for approximately 2 kg of bacteria out of 3-4 kg of total microflora, with most of them living in the large intestine.

The symbiotic microflora of the large intestine plays a significant role in the production of certain vitamins and amino acids, as well as in suppressing the growth of foreign bacteria and stopping putrefactive processes.

Intestinal microflora not only helps digestion processes, but also performs and supports human immunity.

Intestinal problems are the cause of many diseases.

Normal microflora contributes to the maturation of the immune system and maintaining it in a state of high functional activity, since the components of the microbial cell nonspecifically stimulate cells of the immune system.

Treatment with antibiotics, which changes the composition of the normal microflora, and sometimes its complete disappearance, causes severe dysbacteriosis, which significantly complicates the disease.

In cases of disturbance in the composition of biotopes or in case of a significant decrease in the natural immune defense of the body, diseases can also be caused by representatives of the normal microflora of the body.

The role of bacteria in the digestive process

Everything that enters the human body is processed, broken down and absorbed, bringing benefit or harm, but always leaves behind some waste or undigested particles. The functions of “cleaning” and “removing” in the body are performed by bacteria of the large intestine, which are part of the healthy microflora.

Our digestion largely depends on these bacteria. According to scientists, there are about five hundred different types of bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract. Only 30-40 varieties of them are the main “workers”.

The relationship between the host organism and bacteria constitutes a harmonious symbiotic system, i.e. they are mutually beneficial. The body gives bacterial cells food and a “place in the sun,” and in return they perform the extremely important work of processing food, removing residues, strengthening the immune system, protecting against dangerous viruses, etc.

Diversity of gut bacteria

During the life of bacteria in the large intestine, organic acids are formed that lower the pH of the environment, which prevents the development of pathogenic microbes and destroys putrefactive and gas-forming bacteria.

According to health hazards, representatives of the microflora of the large intestine are divided into:

• beneficial (lactobacillus and bifidobacteria);
• opportunistic, i.e. not dangerous under certain conditions (E. coli);
• pathogenic (Proteus and staphylococci).

In the large intestine, there should normally be the following ratio of microorganisms: per 100 bifidobacteria, 1 lactobacilli and up to 10 pcs. coli. Violation of this proportion can lead to a decrease in the protective function of microflora and provoke the occurrence of various diseases.

Danger of pathogenic organisms

The action or “hibernation” of pathogens largely depends on a person’s lifestyle. With a healthy immune system, pathogenic microorganisms are suppressed and do not pose a threat.

The destruction of the body’s defenses can be provoked by:

• unhealthy lifestyle and junk food;
• alcohol or other intoxication;
• frequent ARVI;
• uncontrolled use of medications, especially hormonal drugs and antibiotics;
• stress and depression;
• other harmful factors (environmental pollution, hazardous production, etc.).

The importance of bifidobacteria

The main part of the microflora of the large intestine consists of bifidobacteria. Their main functions:

• take part in protecting the body from pathogenic microbes (forming a protective layer on the mucous membrane);
• carry out parietal digestion (in close proximity to the intestinal walls) and break down solid particles;
• synthesize amino acids, proteins and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6);
• stimulate the absorption of calcium, iron and vitamin D;
• increase the growth of immune cells and affect the synthesis of interferon (a protein that resists viruses);
• have an antiallergic effect, slowing down the production of histamine, which causes allergies;
• carry out detoxification - remove intestinal poisons, bind carcinogenic chemicals.

The importance of lactobacilli

Lactobacilli appear in the human body immediately after birth and colonize almost all parts of the gastrointestinal tract from the oral cavity to the large intestine.

Functions of lactobacilli:

• acidity balance;
• during the life of lactobacilli, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide are formed, which suppress pathogenic bacteria;
• synthesis of protective substances, due to which an antibiotic barrier is formed in the stomach and small intestine;
• maintaining the immune response and targeted stimulation of immune cells;
• have an antitumor effect, suppressing the development of cancer cells.

The meaning of E. coli

Escherichia coli is an opportunistic bacteria.

Normally, with a healthy microflora, E. coli:

• breaks down lactose;
• synthesizes vitamins B and K;
• produces substances similar in action to antibiotics and stimulates the production of antibodies.

Imbalance of intestinal microflora

After taking antibiotics, injuries, stress, surgery, or as a result of a poor diet, the composition of the microflora may change and there will be more pathogenic bacteria. This condition is called dysbiosis. This leads to the fact that the synthesis of certain fats, enzymes and vitamins in the intestines stops, due to which the slender symbiotic system is damaged.

The human body requires immediate help to restore its lost balance. You can't just "eliminate" dangerous germs. Decreasing the number of bacteria is no better than increasing it. The main guarantee of maintaining health is maintaining the quantitative and qualitative balance of the body's microflora.

NSP products containing bifidobacteria and lactobacilli:

• Restores normal intestinal microflora.
• Regulates the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Supports the body's natural defenses against bacteria and viruses.
• Normalizes the synthesis of vitamins E and K.
• Creates favorable conditions for the reproduction and growth of beneficial microorganisms.

According to the Royal Academy of Medicine of Britain, 95% of diseases are directly or indirectly related to the colon. The Academy has identified more than 40 types of toxic substances that form in the colon.

I wish you good health!

The full recording of the material on the topic “The importance and role of the large intestine for the body” can be listened to below: