Microbiome, synbiotics, and dysbiosis – We explain the terms

Does lactic bacteria have anything to do with milk? And what is the actual difference between the microbiome, microbiota, and the gut flora? In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some terms which feature frequently in discussions about gut flora. 

Probiotics 

Probiotics is another word for living bacteria which can have a positive effect on your health. A large proportion of these good bacteria are known as lactic bacteria, which are common in different types of probiotic supplements and foods. 

Prebiotics 

Prebiotics are a type of fibre that functions as food for the bacteria in the gut and helps them to feel good where they are. These fibres pass through the small intestine untouched and begin to be digested by gut bacteria only once they reach the colon. 

Synbiotics 

Synbiotics are a mixture of good bacteria (probiotics) and fibre (prebiotics). 

Microbiome 

The microbiome is the microorganisms that live together in a specific biological environment, for example, on the skin or in the mouth. The microbiome in our gut is known as the microbiota or gut flora. 

Microbiota 

The microbiota is the collection of microorganisms – such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses – that reside naturally in our gastrointestinal tract. 

Gut flora 

Gut flora is the part of the microbiota that lives in the gut. 

Lactic bacteria 

Lactic bacteria are one type of good bacteria that have the ability to ferment different sugars and convert them into lactic acid. Lactic acid is found in nature and is created naturally in the body. Lactic bacteria do not contain milk or any dairy products. 

Anti-inflammatory 

The word anti-inflammatory is often used to describe foods as well as a diet that prevents or reduces inflammation 

Dysbiosis 

Dysbiosis another word for the imbalance that can occur between good and bad bacteria in the gut flora. 

Chronic inflammation 

Inflammation is the body’s natural defence against infections or tissue damage, for example. This type of inflammation is also known as acute inflammation and is made visible by redness and swelling, among other things. Chronic inflammation, which is also known as silent or low-grade inflammation, means the body has stopped working in the same way as acute inflammation but over a long period. This condition can contribute towards fatigue of the immune system and is believed to also be the cause of a lot of lifestyle diseases and chronic illnesses.