Not All Bacteria In Your Body Are Bad. Some of Them Are Keeping You Alive and Thriving. Here’s How.

Glowing health probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when we think about bacteria in our bodies, but the fact of the matter is that not all bacteria in your body are bad. In fact, many of them – as in, literally billions – are helping to keep you alive and healthy. Not all bacteria are created equal, and the ones that we call “probiotics” serve a variety of essential purposes when it comes to our digestion, immune system, and even neurological health. Today, we’re going over some of the differences between the good and bad bacteria we come into contact with, diving deeply into why the good ones are so important. Let’s get started.

Bacteria: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Pathogens, some of which are “bad” bacteria, are microorganisms that can cause diseases when they come into contact with us. These illnesses can range in severity: from something as mild as the common cold to something as deadly as tetanus, bacteria can cause symptoms that go from inconvenient to life-threatening. These pathogens are the reason why virtually every healthcare professional, from the WHO to your family medicine physician, encourages consistent hand-washing on an everyday basis and precautions like masks and social distancing if you’re feeling sick.

With that said, by no means are all bacteria “bad.” In fact, some of them are crucial members of our own organisms, playing essential parts in keeping us alive and healthy. These “good” bacteria, also known as probiotics, live primarily in our gut. From the moment we are born, these probiotics make our organisms their home, and they take home maintenance seriously: probiotics aid our digestive process, keep our immune systems going, and even ensure that important neurological functions occur. Let’s dive a little deeper.

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A Closer Look at Your Microbiome

Each person’s microbiome consists of billions of good bacteria, and the mix of probiotics in your organism is completely unique. Your microbiome communicates with your body’s immune cells when pathogens enter your system, helping to define the speed at which and way in which your body responds to invading “bad” bacteria. “Good” gut bacteria are also crucial for successful digestion: they help to break down fiber and breast milk, and they can help your body break down medicines – like antibiotics – without suffering adverse side effects like diarrhea.

As more research is done into the microbiome, it is becoming increasingly probable that these gut bacteria play a much larger role in our overall well-being than we initially thought. Gut bacteria have been shown to respond to the same neurochemicals as the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, melatonin, and acetylcholine. New research shows links between gut bacteria and the central nervous system: inflammation in the gut microbiome has been linked to a variety of neurological afflictions in animals, including anxiety, depression, and even Parkinson’s disease. There’s plenty left to learn about the role that our microbiota play in our holistic health, but one thing is for certain: maintaining good gut health is an important part of achieving holistic long-term wellness.

How to Keep It Thriving

There’s plenty you can do to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, and it starts with diet. Be sure to consume a well-balanced diet that’s rich in whole, plant-based foods. It’s also a great idea to regularly consume foods that are high in probiotics (as well as other nutritional benefits), including kombucha, Greek yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, and even pickles. At the same time, try to minimize your intake of processed or high-sugar foods, like soda, alcohol, candy, and fried foods. There are numerous lifestyle habits that can have a great positive impact on gut health: regular exercise, eight hours of sleep per night, and avoiding smoking are all important aspects of not just gut health, but overall wellness.

Not all bacteria in your body are bad, and keeping the good ones healthy is a major building block of overall health. Interested in learning more about your unique microbiome? Check out Dr. Stacey’s video all about the importance of gut health.

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