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Which Bacteria Are Good & What Importance Do They Play in Our Lives?

Bacteria are living organisms, but are neither plant nor animal. They are single cell organisms and lack a nucleus. Billions are alive at any given time. Certain pathogenic bacteria cause disease, but other bacteria work along with humans and have throughout our evolution. We even need certain bacteria to stay alive.

  1. Germs in Your Gut

    • Your stomach and intestines are home to billions of bacteria. They are beneficial in keeping the pH levels in your stomach from becoming too acidic, and they help digest food. Intestinal flora are microorganisms helping your digestion. Healthy stomach lactic bacteria contribute to the release of vitamins B and K from the food you eat while it is in your stomach. Intestinal bacteria also prevent disease carrying bacteria from taking root in your intestine. Bacteria in your intestine also contribute to the muscular development of the intestine so it can continue doing its job.

    Streptococcus Diacetilactis

    • Many bacteria contribute to the fermentation of dairy products. While many bacteria can spoil food, making it go rotten, others work to create many dairy products we all consume. Streptococcus Diacetilactis is a species of bacteria that makes sour cream and buttercream. Propionibacterium shermani is one bacteria that gives Swiss cheese its flavor and holes. Other species of bacteria create cottage cheese, yogurt, cheddar and other kinds of cheeses. Each of these bacteria species gives us a variety of food to eat.

    Can't Live With Them

    • Our bodies are covered with bacteria. It doesn't matter how much you wash, they belong there. We have a symbiotic relationship with them. They get a place to stay, a place to keep warm and eat. In return, they keep away pathogenic bacteria, the kind that can make us sick. The peaceful relationship between a host and bacteria is called commensialism. The micorflora or bacteria that cover our bodies and protect us from pathogens are called commensals.

    Evolving Immunity

    • When we are infected with a pathogenic bacteria, our immune system works to alarm the body and fight off the infection. Over time, we individually develop immunity to certain bacteria. In the 20th century, antibiotics helped fight bad bacteria, but the bad bacteria evolved. Studies show that the use of other good bacteria, or probiotics, ingested through food, can work to fight off the newer, antibiotic-immune pathogenic bacteria.

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