The Importance of Good Bacteria in the Body
Bacteria are unicellular organisms pervasive in a wide range of environments found on Earth (Favor, 2004). They are smaller and more numerous than the cells of the human body. These organisms are the oldest living life forms in this planet. They come in a variety of shapes and may appear as sphere, rod, and spiral. They are present anywhere there is life and it is no wonder that we also have them in our bodies. Bacterial colonies are found in different regions of the body. Bacteria comprise the large part of the human flora. The human flora is a community of microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, protozoan) found on the skin, oral mucosa, intestines, and vagina in women. They are site-specific that is why they are able to survive even in the harshest conditions (Hill, 1995). There are, however, parts of the body such as the blood, muscles, cerebrospinal fluid, and solid organs that are generally free of bacteria.
Bacteria are often misconstrued as only those organisms that bring about diseases. In spite of this, there are other bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli that are beneficial to the body. These good bacteria boost the bodys immune system, prevent yeast and fungus to grow extensively in the system, produce essential substances that lower cholesterol, assist the body in breaking down drugs and carcinogens, facilitate in the regeneration of digestive tract walls, and aid production of essential vitamins (Favor, 2004 and Karpa, 2003).
One bacterium that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina of humans and animals is the Lactobacillus acidophilus. As part of the gastrointestinal tract, it helps in the reduction of bad bacteria and yeasts, produces lactase necessary for the breakdown of lactose into simple sugars, and aids in the B-vitamins production in the course of digestion. As part of the vaginal flora, it prevents yeast infections brought about by the fungus Candida albicans.
Another example of a good bacterium is Bifidobacterium animalis. Based on a study conducted by Mengheri et. al. (1999), among the benefits derived from this bacterium includes maintenance of a proper balanced intestinal microbiota, decrease in cholesterol levels, and production of B-complex vitamins and antioxidants.
Lactobacillus reuteri, present in mothers milk and saliva has proved beneficial to the human body. In the mouth, it has proven to help decrease amount of plaque in teeth and abate gum bleeding. It helps the immune system by fighting off infection-causing bacteria.
Escherichia coli found in the gastrointestinal tract have strains that can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and neonatal meningitis. Most of the harmless strains are part of the normal flora and helps the body through the production of vitamin K2 and through prevention of growth and proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
A persons lifestyle and diet determines the how much of good and bad bacteria are present in hisher body systems. There are factors such as antibiotics, bacterial infections, low fiber foods, and highly processed foods that can decrease the number of good and bacteria in the body. To be able to augment the bodys need for good bacteria, foods that contain probiotics can be consumed (Dash, 2000). Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are live microorganism beneficial to the host if taken in sufficient amounts. Having a balanced community of bacteria in the body is necessary for the normal functioning of the body systems.
Bacteria are often misconstrued as only those organisms that bring about diseases. In spite of this, there are other bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli that are beneficial to the body. These good bacteria boost the bodys immune system, prevent yeast and fungus to grow extensively in the system, produce essential substances that lower cholesterol, assist the body in breaking down drugs and carcinogens, facilitate in the regeneration of digestive tract walls, and aid production of essential vitamins (Favor, 2004 and Karpa, 2003).
One bacterium that is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina of humans and animals is the Lactobacillus acidophilus. As part of the gastrointestinal tract, it helps in the reduction of bad bacteria and yeasts, produces lactase necessary for the breakdown of lactose into simple sugars, and aids in the B-vitamins production in the course of digestion. As part of the vaginal flora, it prevents yeast infections brought about by the fungus Candida albicans.
Another example of a good bacterium is Bifidobacterium animalis. Based on a study conducted by Mengheri et. al. (1999), among the benefits derived from this bacterium includes maintenance of a proper balanced intestinal microbiota, decrease in cholesterol levels, and production of B-complex vitamins and antioxidants.
Lactobacillus reuteri, present in mothers milk and saliva has proved beneficial to the human body. In the mouth, it has proven to help decrease amount of plaque in teeth and abate gum bleeding. It helps the immune system by fighting off infection-causing bacteria.
Escherichia coli found in the gastrointestinal tract have strains that can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and neonatal meningitis. Most of the harmless strains are part of the normal flora and helps the body through the production of vitamin K2 and through prevention of growth and proliferation of harmful bacteria in the intestines.
A persons lifestyle and diet determines the how much of good and bad bacteria are present in hisher body systems. There are factors such as antibiotics, bacterial infections, low fiber foods, and highly processed foods that can decrease the number of good and bacteria in the body. To be able to augment the bodys need for good bacteria, foods that contain probiotics can be consumed (Dash, 2000). Probiotics, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are live microorganism beneficial to the host if taken in sufficient amounts. Having a balanced community of bacteria in the body is necessary for the normal functioning of the body systems.
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