Playing cards

Sugar extracted from vegetables (chicory). Inulin increases the symbiont population of bacteria. It protects against IBD.

A rich source of fibre that can be metabolized by microbes in the gastrointestinal tract to generate products used as a source of energy and protection for host cells.

A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory compounds by the gut microbiota and helps to maintain the integrity of the intestinal wall.

A source of glucosinolates that exerts anti-cancer activities. Broccoli improves overall gut microbial diversity and reduces the relative abundance of detrimental bacteria involved in irritable bowel syndrome.

Produced by the bacterial fermentation of milk. Contains bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus that protect against lactose malabsorption and intolerance.

Contains lactose that positively modulates the composition of gut microbiota by increasing the proportion of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Used in brewing alcoholic beverages, as a leaven in baking breads, and in pharmacology as a source of vitamins and proteins.

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, cultured from kefir grains. It is a rich source of calcium, protein and B-vitamins.

Filamentous bacteria responsible for sepsis. Could predispose colo-rectal tumours.

Metabolic activity: sulforeduction.
Found in excess in NCS diseases.

Bacteroides found in faeces. Responsible for suppuration and post-operative sepsis.

Responsible for nosocomial infection and antibiotic resistance.

Belongs to the lactic family; indirectly prevent sepsis and increases IgA synthesis in infants.

Protects the gut barrier. Has a positive effect against obesity and diabetes in animals.

Increases nutrient absorption and the conversion to energy.

Anti-inflammatory activity: has a positive effect against gut diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Interacts with the digestive system by altering gut microbiota and promoting intestinal permeability.

Dietary ingredients used in food processing which promote intestinal inflammation.

Chemicals used in agriculture which, after inhalation or ingestion, destabilise the composition of the gut microbiota and reduce the proportion of beneficial microbes.

Known to promote lung cancer. Smoking also reduces intestinal microbiota diversity based on gene richness.

Promote the elimination of pathogens, but induce a shift in the gut microbiota that can strongly impact health-promoting microbes.

Induce significant changes in the gut microbiota and may reduce the proportion of several beneficial bacteria.

Therapeutic molecules that can be degraded by the gut microbiota to produce molecules favouring hypertension.

Responsible for alterations in the gut microbiota, with an increase in pro-inflammatory gram-negative bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria.

Fights against foreign agents (antigens), macrophages have phagocytosis properties against infectious agents.

The single layer of human cells lining the gut wall. It has metabolic functions (absorption/digestion). Its alteration by stressors (drugs, germs) promotes hyper-permeability, infections and immune diseases.

Cell with a role in antigen recognition during the early phase of the immune response. They are equipped with small “arms” (dendrites) that are used to sample the contents of intestinal bacteria through the epithelium.

Cells of the nervous system that transmit signals and modulate gut motility and transit.

The part of the central nervous system enclosed in the cranium. It consists of a soft, convoluted mass of gray and white matter and serves to control and coordinate mental and physical actions.

The part of the large intestine extending from the caecum to the rectum. Major human organ of microbiota colonization.

Principal chemical factory of the organism, transforming drugs.

Principal human organ involved in dietary absorption of nutrients.