Some Germs Provide a Vital Purpose

Did you know that you and I are not completely human? That’s right. If you go strictly by cell count, you will find that the human body is 90 percent bacteria. There are an estimated 100 trillion bacteria living on your skin or inside your body, most of them live in your gut.

Can I get a big, “EWWWW!”  Before you gross out, understand that good germs do good deeds for your body. They serve a vital purpose. Not only do we live in harmony with these beneficial bacteria but they are also actually essential to our survival.

Now it’s true that many microbes carry diseases and can wreak havoc with your health.  Those bad guy germs are the ones your mother warned you about. The bad guy germs have spurred an entire industry of hand sanitizer and cleansing products.  I’m not talking about those little terrorizers. I want to focus on the good germs.

You can learn about the benefits of setting goals, the essentials of sleep and other health issues at the Montana Health and Fitness Expo with the 50+ Expo in August. It is a two-day event that focuses on living well. Local businesses will join forces to teach, inspire and guide you toward better health and fitness – regardless of age.

Meantime, here are just a few why a peaceful symbiotic relationship with these little life forms called germs is recommended.

• Imbalances in gut bacteria have been linked to diseases ranging from diabetes and obesity to autism. It’s even been thought that gut bacteria in obese people are more efficient at pulling calories out of food, leading to fat build up.
• Germs can help calm you down. Some bugs are thought to affect the production of chemicals that have a calming effect on the brain.
• Bacteria that live on the skin help to keep your outer layer in tip-top shape. Washing your hands too often or overuse of hand-cleaning detergent can get rid of these bugs and lead to conditions like acne.
• Bacteria may influence the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.  People with atherosclerosis (a thickening of arterial walls caused by cholesterol) have different bacteria in their guts than healthy people.  It’s thought the bacteria in healthy people help produce carotenoids, an antioxidant that helps shield people from angina and stroke.
• Some bacteria help with the absorption of medicines. This makes it easier for some people to take substances like Tylenol, for example.
• Some researchers believe some bacteria in your body may combat cancer.  They see a relationship between inflammation of the gut, a decrease in beneficial bacteria, and increase of E. coli, and occurrences of bowel cancer.

Editor's Note: Adella Sutton is not a medical professional. She is an avid reader, Googler, magazine subscriber, blog-devouring, Pinterest-loving collector of information. This article is an amalgamation of information gleaned from those sources. Much of it is common sense, paying attention to what my doctor says and things I read at the gym. Pay attention to your own doctor and his or her medical advice. My hope with this article is that you will take control of your own health and well-being.