The belly is structurally - and also biochemically - a second brain, directly connected to the encephalon, of which it is complementary. Of rare complexity, it is often the weak link of our bodies.

A quick look at the intestinal flora.

What is gut flora? The gut flora is all the microorganisms found in the digestive tract, i.e. 100,000 billion bacteria. This is a hundred times more cells than the whole body contains!

The gut flora of an adult human can weigh between 1.5 kg and 2 kg. But we are all unique, with a microbiota (that is, intestinal flora) that is unique to us. About 1,000 different intestinal bacteria have been identified.

Why is this flora so important ? Because millions of neurotransmitters are found in the gut, the same as those produced in the brain, particularly serotonin, which is largely produced in the intestinal nervous system. There are more depression and anxiety problems in people with irritable bowel syndrome, reaching up to 75% in some studies.

The intestinal nervous system, or enteric nervous system, consists of 300 million neurons. It generates between 70 and 80% of immune cells through the intestine. Thus, the intestinal flora stimulates the formation of immune cells and contributes to making them vigilant and more active. Our health depends largely on the good balance of this intestinal ecosystem. The flora has a detoxifying role. It is capable of degrading certain toxic substances coming from outside or produced during digestion. The flora also has a role in preventing pathogenic germs, which are ingested daily, from settling in the digestive tract; this is called a "barrier" effect.

What can disrupt the gut flora?

• the quality of food
• antibiotic treatments
• laxatives, X-rays, chemotherapy
• anti-inflammatories
• stress
• aging, which impoverishes it, etc.

An imbalance in the gut flora can manifest as symptoms such as:

• a decrease in vigor
• fatigue
• digestive problems
• food allergies
• increased susceptibility to infections, etc.

The gut flora is often disturbed in athletes because they must cope with the problem of ischemia and then reperfusion. Indeed, during prolonged effort, intestinal irrigation can drop by up to 20%, as the body increases blood flow to the brain and muscles.
At the end of the effort, when normal visceral flow is restored, the sudden increase in oxygen supply to tissues causes a massive influx of free radicals.
These then damage the epithelial cells and tight junctions, leading to a loss of intestinal mucosal tightness.

In an athlete, an imbalance in the gut flora can manifest as symptoms such as:

• tendon problems
• difficulties in recovery
• excessive muscle soreness
• early fatigue
• concentration problems
• mood issues

Certain digestive disorders can also lead to low back pain, as the pain shares common nerve roots between the intestines and the lower lumbar spine.

In terms of diet, several tips can be given:

• limit alcohol, coffee, energy drinks
• prefer cooked vegetables rather than raw ones
• regularly consume fermented foods
• avoid foods slowing down healing such as kiwi or plum
• limit milk and dairy products, as well as foods high in gluten
• consume two cups of green tea per day, basmati rice several times a week
• eat foods that help repair the mucous membrane such as peas, lentils, mushrooms