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Depok, June 4, 2026 — Gastrointestinal health plays a crucial role not only in nutrient absorption but also in regulating the immune system, metabolism, and even mental well-being. Therefore, maintaining a balanced gut microbiota through the regular consumption of probiotics is an important step toward supporting overall health and enhancing quality of life.

This was conveyed by Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal, Professor of Systematics and Microbial Prospecting at FMIPA Universitas Indonesia, during her presentation at the launch event of a new Yakult flavor variant held at Grand Indonesia on Monday, May 25, 2026.

“People need to recognize the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota by consuming probiotics regularly every day. This habit can help support digestive health, maintain overall physical well-being, and enable individuals to enjoy a healthier and happier life,” said Prof. Wellyzar.

In her presentation, Prof. Wellyzar explained that the human body is home to trillions of microorganisms. In fact, the number of microbial cells living in the human body is estimated to be approximately ten times greater than the number of human cells themselves. Most of these microorganisms reside in the digestive tract, where they form a complex community known as the gut microbiota.

According to her, the gut microbiota consists of a diverse range of microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. This ecosystem plays a vital role in aiding food digestion, producing essential vitamins, regulating metabolism, and supporting the proper functioning of the immune system.

“The human digestive tract serves as home to a highly complex and dynamic community of microorganisms. These microorganisms have a profound influence on human health and quality of life,” she said.

Prof. Wellyzar further explained that, due to its vast abundance and genetic diversity, the gut microbiota is often referred to as the human body’s “second genome.” Collectively, it encodes more than three million genes—approximately 150 times more than the number of human genes. Numerous studies have shown that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism, the maturation of the immune system, and the neuroendocrine communication between the gut and the brain, commonly known as the gut-brain axis.

The role of the gut microbiota extends far beyond digestion. It influences various physiological functions of the body, including immune system regulation, protection against pathogens, maintenance of the intestinal barrier, hormonal regulation, nervous system function, and the health of other organs throughout the body.

Furthermore, Prof. Wellyzar explained that probiotics are live microorganisms which, when consumed in adequate amounts, can provide health benefits by helping maintain the balance of the gut microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

The number of beneficial microorganisms in the body tends to decline with age. Therefore, it is important to meet probiotic needs through a daily diet that includes foods and beverages containing probiotics and prebiotics.

A growing body of research indicates that regular probiotic consumption can help prevent and reduce infectious diarrhea, lower the risk of upper respiratory tract infections, improve digestive and metabolic functions, enhance nutrient absorption, and support mental well-being.

In addition to specially developed probiotic products, these beneficial microorganisms can also be obtained from a variety of traditional fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics. According to Prof. Wellyzar, fermented foods offer a wide range of health benefits, including improving digestive function, strengthening the immune system, promoting gut health, and helping reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

During the event, she also emphasized the importance of monitoring digestive health through simple indicators. One practical way is by observing the shape and consistency of stool using the Bristol Stool Chart, a widely used tool for assessing digestive health and bowel function the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS), which is widely used in the medical field to assess bowel function and help identify digestive disorders such as constipation and diarrhea.

To obtain optimal benefits, Prof. Wellyzar recommends consuming probiotics regularly every day over the long term. Taking probiotics with or after meals may help improve the viability of these microorganisms as they pass through the digestive tract, increasing their chances of reaching the gut and providing beneficial effects.

“Maintaining gut health is ultimately not just about preventing digestive disorders; it is also a long-term investment in overall health and well-being,” said Prof. Wellyzar.

As interest in disease prevention continues to grow, gut health has become an increasingly important focus of scientific research. Prof. Wellyzar believes that digestive health is one of the fundamental pillars of overall well-being. Therefore, improving public literacy regarding the role of the gut microbiota and the importance of maintaining its balance is a crucial step toward supporting better health outcomes and enhancing quality of life in the future.

“A better understanding of the role of the gut microbiota is expected to encourage people to pay greater attention to digestive health as an integral part of maintaining their overall quality of life,” she concluded.