5.6 – Intestinal microbiota: its influence on the detection of nutrien – Sevens Nutrition

The gut microbiota—the ecosystem of trillions of bacteria that inhabit our digestive tract—not only participates in food digestion but also plays a critical role as a mediator in nutrient sensing and signaling . This “invisible organ” influences metabolism, inflammation, immunity, and, increasingly, how our cells interpret the presence of energy and nutrients .

Over time, dietary changes, medication use, stress, and aging impair the diversity and functionality of this microbiota. This alteration, known as dysbiosis , compromises our ability to process food properly, alters the production of key metabolites, and distorts the signals that regulate appetite, insulin, and inflammation.

Microbiota and metabolism: a constant communication network

Gut bacteria produce a large number of bioactive metabolites that act as signals for the entire body. These include:

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate, which improve insulin sensitivity and modulate inflammation.
Indoles , derivatives of tryptophan, which affect intestinal barrier function and immune response.
Bacterial polysaccharides , which activate metabolic receptors such as AMPK or PPARγ.

When the microbiota is in balance, it promotes an efficient response to nutrients. However, when dysbiosis predominates, an inflammatory and metabolically dysfunctional environment is generated, which interferes with the normal detection of nutritional signals.

Aging and loss of microbial diversity

In older people, the microbiota often becomes less diverse and more prone to inflammatory species. This is associated with:

Reduction in the production of beneficial SCFAs.
Increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut").
Activation of the innate immune system and chronic low-grade inflammation.

These alterations directly affect the way the body responds to food , reducing the efficiency of nutrient utilization and promoting imbalances such as insulin resistance, visceral obesity or sarcopenia.

How to nourish the microbiota to improve nutrient detection

Diet rich in plant fiber , which feeds beneficial bacteria.
Regular consumption of fermented foods , such as kefir, sauerkraut, or kombucha.
Reducing the consumption of simple and ultra-processed sugars , which feed pathogenic species.
Intelligent use of probiotic and prebiotic supplements (when indicated and under supervision).

Support from the Sevens line

Although Sevens does not include probiotics as such, several of its products may indirectly support microbiota health and improve metabolic response:

Omega 3 Sevens : modulates intestinal inflammation and promotes a more stable environment for beneficial bacteria.
BIO Sevens Turmeric : Curcumin has documented prebiotic effects and can improve intestinal permeability, reducing chronic inflammation.
Magnesium Sevens : has been linked to regulating intestinal transit and improving the digestive environment, especially in people with chronic stress or low-vegetable diets.

Conclusion

The gut microbiota is a central control node for nutrient sensing and metabolic regulation. Maintaining its diversity and balance is key to sustaining metabolic health and longevity. Through a plant-based diet, mindful habits, and the support of supplements like those from Sevens, we can restore the lost communication between the gut and the rest of the body , promoting more efficient nutrition, controlled inflammation, and healthier aging.