Microbes That Cause & Promote Health

Although microorganisms are generally considered a health hazard, humans have a symbiotic relationship with many types of microbes. The collection of microbes that live in or on humans is sometimes called "flora." In contrast to microbes that cause diseases, these microbes are essential for good health. "Probiotics" is the term that refers to "good" microbes, and there are many different types of microbes that are good for humans.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus

• Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria that is able to live in highly acidic environments and produces lactic acid as a waste product. This strain of bacteria can cause dental caries but is otherwise harmless to humans and is a part of normal flora. It is commonly obtained from fermented dairy products, like sweet acidophilus milk and yogurt. Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibits the growth of candida albicans, a fungus, and may have other health benefits.

Bifidobacterium Bifidum

• Bifidobacterium bifidum is a species of bacteria that is found as a part of normal human intestinal flora. These bacteria have a number of benefits to human health, including helping the digestion and absorption of vitamins and minerals, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and preventing diarrhea. Some kinds of antibiotics or stomach conditions can upset the balance of these bacteria in the gut, in which case, taking supplements containing Bifidobacterium bifidum can be beneficial.

Escherichia Coli

• Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is notorious as a food-borne illness. However, there are only a few strains that cause illness. Most strains of E. coli are a part of normal human intestinal flora and are beneficial, producing vitamin K and B-complex vitamins and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. A particular strain of E. coli, E. coli Nissle 1917, is used to effectively treat chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Saccharomyces Boulardii

• Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast, a type of fungus that is found in Indonesian lychees. This yeast is unusual in that it can survive gastric acid and bile in the digestive system and remain unharmed. It is primarily used to treat diarrhea from several different causes, but is also used as a supplement for vitamin B and protein, as an adjunct for the treatment of chronic acne and to provide nutritional supplementation to premature infants.