Basic Knowledge of Gut Microbiota and Research Progress
wpmasterWhat is Gut Microbiota?
The human gut contains more than 100 trillion bacteria, with approximately 1,000 different species. This diverse bacterial community is called the gut microbiota (gut flora). Under a microscope, the bacteria appear like a “flower field,” which is why the term “flora” is used.
Gut bacteria are generally classified into three groups:
- Beneficial bacteria: support gut health
- Harmful bacteria: produce toxic substances
- Opportunistic bacteria: act depending on whether beneficial or harmful bacteria are dominant
An ideal balance is often described as 2 parts beneficial bacteria, 7 parts opportunistic bacteria, and 1 part harmful bacteria. Maintaining this ratio is reported to support a healthier gut environment.
Factors Affecting the Gut Environment
According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan, lifestyle factors strongly influence health. Key factors affecting the gut environment include:
- Unbalanced diet (excessive fats and animal protein)
- Irregular lifestyle and lack of sleep
- Stress
- Use of antibiotics
- Lack of exercise
- Aging
Research Progress on Gut Microbiota
Reports from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology indicate that gut microbiota composition is associated with aging and dementia. With the advancement of next-generation sequencing technologies, detailed analysis of gut bacteria has become possible, and research findings are being published worldwide.
Sources and References (Public Institutions Only)
This article is based on information published by the following public institutions.
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Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan (e-Stat):
https://www.e-stat.go.jp/
Various statistics including health and nutrition data -
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare – National Health and Nutrition Survey:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000177189.html
Annual reports on lifestyle and health indicators -
National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology:
https://www.ncgg.go.jp/
Research and public information on aging and health (including gut microbiota) -
Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST):
https://www.jst.go.jp/
General explanations of research outcomes in life sciences and microbiology
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