The human relationship with bacteria is an ancient one. Many people today understand bacteria as the source of sickness, infection and as the evil harbinger of disease. On the contrary, however, the human body simply cannot function properly without certain strands of bacteria. As a symbiotic relationship, our body is a shared ecosystem with these microscopic allies. We provide a cozy home in the lower portion of our digestive tract, and this “gut flora” keeps us significantly healthy in a number of ways.
Digestion
Our bacterial friends are mainly involved in digesting micro-nutrients. Residing in the colon, they break down particles of nutrition that our digestive tracts weren’t able to completely digest. This makes it easier for our bodies to absorb nutrients that would otherwise be eliminated. A healthy human hosts around 2-3 pounds of bacteria in the gut.
Immunity
Most of the immune process is centered around the digestive tract. It is responsible for keeping the bacterial levels in check and making sure that no specific one gets out of control. There are basically two types of bacteria to consider here: “good” and “bad.” If the hospitable spots of the gut are already occupied by the good bacteria, there is less of a chance that bad bacteria can move in and call it home. Having proper levels of good bacteria results in optimal immune function and a decreased chance of illness.
Candida
One very common condition that affects many Americans today is an overgrowth of a yeast called Candida albicans. Using antibiotics that obliterate any and all bacteria, good and bad, will create enough room for Candida to establish itself. Paired with a yeast-feeding diet that is high in sugar and simple carbohydrates allows Candida to flourish. Symptoms and signs of a Candida overgrowth are poor digestion, chronic fatigue and a white coating on the tongue.
Arthritis
Many people with arthritis probably have no clue how bacteria can have anything to do with their pain and inflammation. Arthritis is caused by a build-up of toxins in the blood, like uric acid. An added benefit of having good gut flora is the complimentary clean-up service they provide. Good bacteria helps break down this uric acid so that the body can efficiently eliminate it and do away with the pain caused by its accumulation.
The compound light microscope is the single greatest invention for researching bacteria. It has helped scientists discover this crucial relationship between us and them. There is health at work at all levels of life. With this in mind, it is easy to warm up to our bacterial friends, for their health is intrinsically entwined with our own.