Good & Bad Effects of Bacteria

Bacteria, like all things in nature, are associated with positives and negatives. They are necessary to maintain all forms of life, but have the capacity to destroy it as well.

Aid Digestion

• Good bacteria in the digestive tract---intestinal flora---assist in the digestion of food and minerals and aid in the production of vitamins. (see Resources.)

Protection Against Toxins

• When the population of "bad" bacteria increases, "good" bacteria alter conditions for their survival and growth thereby keeping most of the toxins produced by bad bacteria from invading the body. (see resources)

Aid Immune System

• Probiotic (good) bacteria assist the immune system in fighting illness and disease. They are currently being studied as a possible cure for diseases such as cancer. (see resources)

Diarrhea

• Salmonella is a bacterium that causes diarrhea. It can also be caused by eating foods that develop diarrhea-causing bacteria such as stale foods and foods sitting at room temperature for long periods.

Pathogenic Bacteria

• Bacteria can produce toxins that may be responsible for the development of diseases such ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colon cancer.