MILAN (ITALPRESS) – Nine out of 10 Italians suffer from gastrointestinal disorders: among the most frequent symptoms is gastroesophageal reflux, which affects over 44% of their compatriots, followed by heartburn (36.8%), abdominal pain (32.4%). %), swelling and flatulence (28.1%), diarrhea (27.1%), digestive difficulties (25.7%) and constipation (25.4%).
Reporting the latest data from the Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists and Digestive Endoscopists (AIGO), Professor Attilio Giacosa, former Director of the Complex Structure of Gastroenterology and Clinical Nutrition at the National Institute for Cancer Research in Genoa and Gastroenterologist at the Center Italian Diagnostician of Milan, in his speech at the press event of ASSOSALUTE, National Association of Self-Medication Drugs, part of Federchimica, entitled: “From the table to the immune system: the role of the intestinal microbiota”.
Gastrointestinal disorders not only compromise the health of the digestive system, but can also have repercussions on the immune system. This is because, explains the professor, “due to the presence of bacteria, 80% of our immune system is located in the digestive system”.
“The set of over one thousand billion bacteria, viruses, fungi and fungi which, by communicating with each other, act as if they were a single organism, is called the intestinal microbiota, not to be confused with the ‘microbiome’, which instead indicates the genetic heritage of the microbiota”. “The difference between these two terms”, continues the Professor, “is the same as between man and the human genome: man is born with around 60,000 genes, and what is transmitted to us by our parents is the genome, which however, alone it is insufficient for our survival, although it plays a very important role in health and in defense against many diseases. The microbiota involves around 400,000 genes that make up the ‘variable’ genome, which interacts with us and participates in the management of our health or disease”.
The development of the microbiota occurs in the first years of life and is profoundly influenced by contact with the mother and everything around us. “During childbirth, passage through the vaginal canal places the newborn in contact with bacteria present in the environment and, subsequently, with those of the mother’s skin and everything it touches. Afterwards, breastfeeding helps provide additional beneficial bacteria to the newborn. In addition to these, there are many factors that intervene in the creation of the microbiota, including, first of all, nutrition, and then, among others, drugs (especially antibiotics), hours of sleep and physical activity” .
“The microbiota of a child”, for example, continues the Professor, “undergoes significant adaptations in response to the physical and emotional situations that are created after his birth and, with initial development, this modulation of the microbiota, called, precisely, ‘ adaptomaly, it develops in a critical ‘pro-inflammatory’ way if the child encounters nutritional, physical or psychological difficulties while it attenuates, however, when the child grows and seems to be well. However, if the child or adult is subsequently faced with difficulties, this adaptation can reactivate explosively, excessively stimulating the immune response and contributing to the development of various types of disease states involving digestive or extra-digestive pathologies. digestive, such as obesity or neuropathological states such as depression or autoimmune diseases or, probably, cancer. This phenomenon is attributable to the key role of the microbiota in mind-body interactions, highlighting the importance of early life and initial experiences in the formation of the microbiota and its impact on long-term health.”
The “good bacteria” and the “bad bacteria” are not always easy to define, “except in particular cases such as the so-called lactic ferments (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) which appear very ‘healthy’ and, for example, Clostridium Difficile which is, at the on the contrary, extremely pathogenic,” says Professor Giacosa. “Defining an ‘optimal microbiota’ or ‘healthy microbiota’ is still a difficult task and in the decoding phase, but it is fundamental to acquire the concept of intestinal eubiosis, i.e. the balance between the various components of the microbiota. Recent studies identify bacteria with pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, both present in our body. Inflammation is an increasingly relevant element, linked to cardiac pathologies, vascular degeneration, cancer and aging processes, therefore making the microbiota an extremely important factor.”
The Mediterranean diet plays a decisive role in shaping the microbiota favorably or not. “A key element in this context is represented by the richness in fibre”, the Professor points out: “especially the soluble, highly fermentable ones, such as inulin present in chicory, garlic and onion. These products are typical of the Mediterranean diet and bring great benefits to the microbiota. Pectin, abundant in various fruits such as apple, also plays a significant role. These fibers interact with the microbiota through fermentation processes, generating substances of great importance. In fact, a crucial aspect is represented by mediators, i.e. substances produced by the metabolism of microbiota bacteria. Among these, the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) stands out, which act as fuel for various beneficial bacteria of the microbiota and are essential for the nourishment of the cells of the intestinal epithelium and, therefore, for the integrity of the intestinal barrier”.
With the Christmas period, characterized by abundant lunches and dinners as well as gastronomic indulgences, Professor Giacosa warns against the adverse effects of large quantities of food, “especially if above the norm and if accompanied by a few glasses of wine and sparkling wine” on the stomach and intestine, and recalls the importance of making conscious and compensatory food choices, to preserve the health of the microbiota and consequently of our health.
In view of the holidays, the professor suggests some measures that directly influence the health of the intestinal microbiota, such as “not eating too much complex and processed foods, limiting the intake of sauces and alcohol, sugars and sweets. Then maintain constant attention towards vegetables, making sure to constantly include them in the main meals or as a snack between meals for fruit. It is best to avoid smoking, especially after meals, as nicotine can negatively influence digestive processes.”
“Eating meals in excessive portions,” continues Giacosa, “can contribute to an overload of the digestive system. Maintaining a sense of moderation during meals is essential for proper digestion and intestinal health. Finally, even if shorter days and cold weather can force a reduction in physical activity, negatively influencing the health of the digestive system, it is important to find time for a walk even on holidays and after meals that are richer than usual. ”.
In the case of gastrointestinal disorders, the correct use of self-medication is essential to preserve the balance of the microbiota and manage the small associated disorders, alone or with the help of the pharmacist, avoiding unnecessarily clogging the emergency rooms on holidays.
Among the most useful self-medication drugs against gastrointestinal disorders, the Professor recalls “antacids, capable of blocking stomach acidity; antisecretives, with substances that block the production of acid and allow you to reduce the amount of gastric juices outside the stomach; pro-kinetics, which, by stimulating the mobility of the stomach, help to empty it of its contents and reduce the feeling of nausea”.
As an alternative to hot water and lemon, there are “antigas – so-called intestinal adsorbents – which remove the feeling of bloating and excess gas”. Among the self-medication drugs that act on the intestinal part, we finally remember probiotics (lactic ferments) against abnormal turbulence in the intestinal area; fibers in case of constipation and, vice versa, products that can block intestinal mobility if excessive; specific intestinal disinfectants for the so-called “traveller’s diarrhea”, which occurs when toxins are produced following the ingestion of contaminated foods and antispasmodics in case of stomach ache and abdominal contractions. In fact, they are useful for reducing colic, spasms, cramps, particularly on the colon.?
“However, the presence of risk conditions, i.e. symptoms that require a more in-depth medical consultation, must be monitored”, underlines the professor.
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(ITALPRESS).
