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Kinds of Bacteria That Work in Our Body

It is estimated that over 100 trillion bacteria live on or inside the human body, outnumbering human cells 10 to one. The human microbiome refers to communities of beneficial bacteria residing in humans. Large communities of friendly bacteria are found in various body sites, such as the digestive and genitourinary system. Bacterial species lactobacilli is found in several microbiomes across the body and plays a significant role in maintaining healthy systems.

  1. Gut Bacteria

    • Approximately 400 different species of bacteria are present in the gut. Bacteria are associated with key functions, including metabolism of foods, waste removal and hindering overgrowth of disease-causing microbes. Intestinal bacteria also synthesize important vitamins needed by the body, such as vitamin K produced by colonic bacteria. Lactobacilli bacteria assist with the metabolism of macronutrients and support absorption. It is commonly added to yogurts and probiotic supplements.

    Vaginal Bacteria

    • Bacteria present on the vaginal surface assist in protection against a range of genital infections, such as urinary tract, yeast and sexually-transmitted infections, and bacterial vaginosis. Although the vaginal microbiome of each person is different, the lactobacilli species is consistently present. These bacteria produce lactic acid, creating an acidic environment, where otherwise harmful bacteria cannot survive. Populations of lactobacilli are highest in women of reproductive age.

    Oral Bacteria

    • The mouth is home to approximately 600 species of bacteria, which live on areas such as the teeth, tongue, cheeks and lips. The mouth is a major entry point for microbes, and beneficial bacteria are an initial line of defense. Lactobacilli species is also present in oral microbiomes, particularly within the early years of human life. Although linked to the inhibition of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay, it may also cause tooth decay itself due to its ability to produce lactic acid.

    Skin Bacteria

    • The skin harbors billions of harmless bacteria and is also the first line of defense against pathogenic bacteria. The skin possibly has the most diverse range of bacterial species. For example, bacteria found in armpits are vastly different from those on forearms. As a result, certain skin disorders are more prevalent in certain parts of the body, as the case with eczema, which favors the inner part of the elbow.

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