Bacteria have lived on planet Earth for more than 3.5 billion years. During this time they learned a lot and adapted to a lot. Now they help people. Bacteria and humans have become inseparable. The total mass of bacteria is enormous. It is about 500 billion tons.

Beneficial bacteria perform two of the most important environmental functions - they fix nitrogen and participate in the mineralization of organic residues. The role of bacteria in nature is global. They are involved in the movement, concentration and dispersion of chemical elements in the earth's biosphere.

The importance of bacteria beneficial to humans is great. They make up 99% of the entire population that inhabit his body. Thanks to them, a person lives, breathes and eats.

Important. They completely ensure his life.

Bacteria are quite simple. Scientists suggest that they were the first to appear on planet Earth.

Beneficial bacteria in the human body

The human body is inhabited by both useful and. The existing balance between the human body and bacteria has been refined over centuries.

Scientists have calculated that the human body contains from 500 to 1000 different types of bacteria or trillions of these amazing residents, which amounts to up to 4 kg of total weight. Up to 3 kilograms of microbial bodies are found only in the intestines. The rest of them are found in the genitourinary tract, on the skin and other cavities of the human body. Microbes fill the body of a newborn from the first minutes of his life and finally form the composition of the intestinal microflora by the age of 10-13 years.

The intestines are inhabited by streptococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterobacteria, fungi, intestinal viruses, and non-pathogenic protozoa. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria make up 60% of the intestinal flora. The composition of this group is always constant; they are the most numerous and perform the main functions.

Bifidobacteria

The importance of this type of bacteria is enormous.

• Thanks to them, acetate and lactic acid are produced. By acidifying the habitat, they suppress the growth of bacteria that cause rotting and fermentation.
• Thanks to bifidobacteria, the risk of developing food allergies in babies is reduced.
• They provide antioxidant and antitumor effects.
• Bifidobacteria take part in the synthesis of vitamin C.
• Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli take part in the absorption of vitamin D, calcium and iron.

Rice. 1. The photo shows bifidobacteria. Computer visualization.

Escherichia coli

The importance of bacteria of this species for humans is great.

• Particular attention is paid to the representative of this genus Escherichia coli M17. It is capable of producing the substance cocilin, which inhibits the growth of a number of pathogenic microbes.
• With the participation of vitamins K, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12), folic and nicotinic acids are synthesized.

Rice. 2. The photo shows E. coli (three-dimensional computer image).

The positive role of bacteria in human life

• With the participation of bifido-, lacto-, and enterobacteria, vitamins K, C, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12), folic and nicotinic acids are synthesized.
• Thanks to this, undigested food components from the upper intestines are broken down - starch, cellulose, protein and fat fractions.
• Intestinal microflora maintains water-salt metabolism and ion homeostasis.
• Thanks to the secretion of special substances, the intestinal microflora suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause rotting and fermentation.
• Bifido-, lacto-, and enterobacteria take part in the detoxification of substances that enter from the outside and are formed inside the body itself.
• Intestinal microflora plays a big role in restoring local immunity. Thanks to it, the number of lymphocytes, the activity of phagocytes and the production of immunoglobulin A increase.
• Thanks to the intestinal microflora, the development of the lymphoid apparatus is stimulated.
• The resistance of the intestinal epithelium to carcinogens increases.
• Microflora protect the intestinal mucosa and provide energy to the intestinal epithelium.
• They regulate intestinal motility.
• The intestinal flora acquires the skills to capture and remove viruses from the host’s body, with which it has been in symbiosis for many years.
• The importance of bacteria in maintaining the body's thermal balance is great. The intestinal microflora feeds on substances undigested by the enzymatic system, which come from the upper gastrointestinal tract. As a result of complex biochemical reactions, a huge amount of thermal energy is produced. Heat is carried through the bloodstream throughout the body and enters all internal organs. This is why a person always freezes when fasting.
• Intestinal microflora regulates the reabsorption of bile acid components (cholesterol), hormones, etc.

Rice. 3. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - lactobacilli (three-dimensional computer image).

The role of bacteria in nitrogen production

Ammonifying microbes(causing decay) with the help of a number of enzymes they have are able to decompose the remains of dead animals and plants. When proteins decompose, nitrogen and ammonia are released.

Urobacteria decompose urea, which humans and all animals on the planet excrete every day. Its quantity is huge and reaches 50 million tons per year.

A certain type of bacteria is involved in the oxidation of ammonia. This process is called nitrophification.

Denitrifying microbes return molecular oxygen from the soil to the atmosphere.

Rice. 4. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - ammonifying microbes. They subject the remains of dead animals and plants to decomposition.

The role of bacteria in nature: nitrogen fixation

The importance of bacteria in the life of humans, animals, plants, fungi and bacteria is enormous. As you know, nitrogen is necessary for their normal existence. But bacteria cannot absorb nitrogen in the gaseous state. It turns out that blue-green algae can bind nitrogen and form ammonia ( Cyanobacteria), free-living nitrogen fixers and special . All these beneficial bacteria produce up to 90% of fixed nitrogen and involve up to 180 million tons of nitrogen in the soil nitrogen fund.

Nodule bacteria coexist well with legumes and sea buckthorn.

Plants such as alfalfa, peas, lupine and other legumes have so-called “apartments” for nodule bacteria on their roots. These plants are planted on depleted soils to enrich them with nitrogen.

Rice. 5. The photo shows nodule bacteria on the surface of a root hair of a legume plant.

Rice. 6. Photo of the root of a legume plant.

Rice. 7. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - cyanobacteria.

The role of bacteria in nature: the carbon cycle

Carbon is the most important cellular substance of the animal and plant world, as well as the plant world. It makes up 50% of the dry matter of the cell.

A lot of carbon is contained in the fiber that animals eat. In their stomach, fiber decomposes under the influence of microbes and then gets out in the form of manure.

Decompose fiber cellulose bacteria. As a result of their work, the soil is enriched with humus, which significantly increases its fertility, and carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere.

Rice. 8. Intracellular symbionts are colored green, and the mass of processed wood is yellow.

The role of bacteria in the conversion of phosphorus, iron and sulfur

Proteins and lipids contain large amounts of phosphorus, the mineralization of which is carried out You. megatherium(from a genus of putrefactive bacteria).

Iron bacteria participate in the processes of mineralization of organic compounds containing iron. As a result of their activity, large amounts of iron ore and ferromanganese deposits are formed in swamps and lakes.

Sulfur bacteria live in water and soil. There are a lot of them in manure. They participate in the process of mineralization of sulfur-containing substances of organic origin. During the decomposition of organic sulfur-containing substances, hydrogen sulfide gas is released, which is extremely toxic to the environment, including all living things. As a result of their vital activity, sulfur bacteria convert this gas into an inactive, harmless compound.

Rice. 9. Despite the apparent lifelessness, there is still life in the Rio Tinto River. These are various iron-oxidizing bacteria and many other types that can only be found in this place.

Rice. 10. Green sulfur bacteria in Winogradsky’s column.

The role of bacteria in nature: mineralization of organic residues

Bacteria that take an active part in the mineralization of organic compounds are considered the cleaners (sanitors) of the planet Earth. With their help, the organic substances of dead plants and animals are converted into humus, which soil microorganisms convert into mineral salts, so necessary for the construction of root, stem and leaf systems of plants.

Rice. 11. Mineralization of organic substances entering the reservoir occurs as a result of biochemical oxidation.

The role of bacteria in nature: fermentation of pectin substances

The cells of plant organisms are bonded to each other (cemented) by a special substance called pectin. Some types of butyric acid bacteria have the ability to ferment this substance, which, when heated, turns into a gelatinous mass (pectis). This feature is used when soaking plants containing a lot of fiber (flax, hemp).

Rice. 12. There are several ways to obtain trusts. The most common is the biological method, in which the connection between the fibrous part and surrounding tissues is destroyed under the influence of microorganisms. The process of fermentation of pectin substances in bast plants is called retting, and soaked straw is called trust.

The role of bacteria in water purification

Bacteria that purify water, stabilize its acidity level. With their help, bottom sediments are reduced and the health of fish and plants living in the water improves.

Recently, a group of scientists from different countries discovered bacteria that destroy detergents found in synthetic detergents and some medications.

Rice. 13. The activity of xenobacteria is widely used to clean up soils and water bodies contaminated with oil products.

Rice. 14. Plastic domes that purify water. They contain heterotrophic bacteria that feed on carbon-containing materials, and autotrophic bacteria that feed on ammonia- and nitrogen-containing materials. A system of tubes keeps them on life support.

Use of bacteria in ore dressing

Ability thionic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria used for enrichment of copper and uranium ores.

Rice. 15. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - Thiobacilli and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (electron micrograph). They are capable of extracting copper ions to leach waste that is formed during the flotation concentration of sulfide ores.

The role of bacteria in butyric acid fermentation

Butyric acid microbes are everywhere. There are more than 25 types of these microbes. They take part in the process of decomposition of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Butyric acid fermentation is caused by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium. They are capable of fermenting various sugars, alcohols, organic acids, starch, and fiber.

Rice. 16. The photo shows butyric acid microorganisms (computer visualization).

The role of bacteria in animal life

Many species of the animal world feed on plants, the basis of which is fiber. Special microbes, located in certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract, help animals digest fiber (cellulose).

The importance of bacteria in animal husbandry

The vital activity of animals is accompanied by the release of huge amounts of manure. From it, some microorganisms can produce methane (“swamp gas”), which is used as fuel and raw material in organic synthesis.

Rice. 17. Methane gas as fuel for cars.

Use of bacteria in the food industry

The role of bacteria in human life is enormous. Lactic acid bacteria are widely used in the food industry:

• in the production of curdled milk, cheeses, sour cream and kefir;
• when fermenting cabbage and pickling cucumbers, they take part in soaking apples and pickling vegetables;
• they give a special aroma to wines;
• produce lactic acid, which ferments milk. This property is used for the production of curdled milk and sour cream;
• when preparing cheeses and yoghurts on an industrial scale;
• During the brining process, lactic acid serves as a preservative.

Lactic acid bacteria include milk streptococci, creamy streptococci, Bulgarian, acidophilus, grain thermophilic and cucumber sticks. Bacteria of the genus streptococci and lactobacilli give products a thicker consistency. As a result of their vital activity, the quality of cheeses improves. They give the cheese a certain cheesy aroma.

Rice. 18. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - lactobacilli (pink), Bulgarian bacillus and thermophilic streptococcus.

Rice. 19. In the photo there are beneficial bacteria - kefir (Tibetan or milk) fungus and lactic acid sticks before being directly added to milk.

Rice. 20. Fermented milk products.

Rice. 21. Thermophilic streptococci (Streptococcus thermophilus) are used in the preparation of mozzarella cheese.

Rice. 22. There are many varieties of mold penicillin. The velvety crust, greenish veins, unique taste and medicinal ammonia aroma of the cheeses are unique. The mushroom taste of cheeses depends on the place and duration of ripening.

Rice. 23. Bifiliz is a biological product for oral administration containing a mass of living bifidobacteria and lysozyme.

Use of yeast and fungi in the food industry

The yeast species mainly used in the food industry is Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They carry out alcoholic fermentation, which is why they are widely used in baking. The alcohol evaporates during baking, and carbon dioxide bubbles form a bread crumb.

Since 1910, yeast began to be added to sausages. Yeast of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for the production of wines, beer and kvass.

Rice. 24. Kombucha is a friendly symbiosis of a vinegar stick and yeast fungi. It appeared in our area back in the last century.

Rice. 25. Dry and wet yeast are widely used in the baking industry.

Rice. 26. View of yeast cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae under a microscope and Saccharomyces cerevisiae - “real” wine yeast.

The role of bacteria in human life: acetic acid oxidation

Pasteur also proved that special microorganisms take part in acetic acid oxidation - vinegar sticks, which are widely found in nature. They settle on plants and penetrate ripe vegetables and fruits. There are many of them in pickled vegetables and fruits, wine, beer and kvass.

The ability of vinegar sticks to oxidize ethyl alcohol to acetic acid is used today to produce vinegar, used for food purposes and in the preparation of animal feed - ensiling (canning).

Rice. 27. The process of ensiling feed. Silage is a succulent feed with high nutritional value.

The role of bacteria in human life: production of medicines

Studying the life activity of microbes has allowed scientists to use some bacteria to synthesize antibacterial drugs, vitamins, hormones and enzymes.

They help fight many infectious and viral diseases. Most often antibiotics are produced actinomycetes, less often – non-micellar bacteria. Penicillin, obtained from mold fungi, destroys the cell membrane of bacteria. Streptomycetes produce streptomycin, which inactivates the ribosomes of microbial cells. Hay sticks or Bacillus subtilis acidify the environment. They inhibit the growth of putrefactive and opportunistic microorganisms due to the formation of a number of antimicrobial substances. Bacillus subtilis produces enzymes that destroy substances that are formed as a result of putrefactive tissue decay. They are involved in the synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and immunoactive compounds.

Using genetic engineering technology, today scientists have learned to use for the production of insulin and interferon.

A number of bacteria are supposed to be used to produce a special protein that can be added to livestock feed and human food.

Rice. 28. In the photo, spores of Bacillus subtilis (colored blue).

Rice. 29. Biosporin-Biopharma is a domestic drug containing apathogenic bacteria of the genus Bacillus.

Using bacteria to produce safe herbicides

Today the application technique is widely used phytobacteria for the production of safe herbicides. Toxins Bacillus thuringiensis secrete Cry-toxins that are dangerous to insects, which makes it possible to use this feature of microorganisms in the fight against plant pests.

Use of bacteria in the production of detergents

Proteases either break down the peptide bonds between the amino acids that make up proteins. Amylase breaks down starch. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) produces proteases and amylases. Bacterial amylases are used in the production of washing powder.

Rice. 30. Studying the life activity of microbes allows scientists to use some of their properties for the benefit of humans.

The importance of bacteria in human life is enormous. Beneficial bacteria have been constant companions of humans for many millennia. The task of humanity is not to disturb this delicate balance that has developed between microorganisms living inside us and in the environment. The role of bacteria in human life is enormous. Scientists are constantly discovering the beneficial properties of microorganisms, the use of which in everyday life and in production is limited only by their properties.

Most people associate the word “bacteria” with something unpleasant and a threat to health. At best, fermented milk products come to mind. At worst - dysbacteriosis, plague, dysentery and other troubles. But bacteria are everywhere, they are good and bad. What can microorganisms hide?

What are bacteria

Bacteria means “stick” in Greek. This name does not mean that harmful bacteria are meant.

They were given this name because of their shape. Most of these single cells look like rods. They also come in squares and star-shaped cells. For a billion years, bacteria do not change their appearance; they can only change internally. They can be movable or immobile. Bacteria On the outside it is covered with a thin shell. This allows it to maintain its shape. There is no nucleus or chlorophyll inside the cell. There are ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoplasmic outgrowths, and protoplasm. The largest bacterium was found in 1999. It was called the "Grey Pearl of Namibia". Bacteria and bacillus mean the same thing, they just have different origins.

Man and bacteria

In our body there is a constant battle between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Thanks to this process, a person receives protection from various infections. Various microorganisms surround us at every step. They live on clothes, fly in the air, they are omnipresent.

The presence of bacteria in the mouth, and this is about forty thousand microorganisms, protects the gums from bleeding, from periodontal disease and even from sore throat. If a woman’s microflora is disturbed, she may develop gynecological diseases. Following basic rules of personal hygiene will help avoid such failures.

Human immunity completely depends on the state of the microflora. Almost 60% of all bacteria are found in the gastrointestinal tract alone. The rest are located in the respiratory system and in the reproductive system. About two kilograms of bacteria live in a person.

The appearance of bacteria in the body

A newly born baby has a sterile intestine.

After his first breath, many microorganisms enter the body with which he was previously unfamiliar. When the baby is first put to the breast, the mother transfers beneficial bacteria with milk, which will help normalize the intestinal microflora. It is not for nothing that doctors insist that the mother immediately after the birth of her child breastfeed him. They also recommend extending this feeding as long as possible.

Beneficial bacteria

Beneficial bacteria are: lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, E. coli, streptomycents, mycorrhizae, cyanobacteria.

They all play an important role in human life. Some of them prevent the occurrence of infections, others are used in the production of medicines, and others maintain balance in the ecosystem of our planet.

Types of harmful bacteria

Harmful bacteria can cause a number of serious illnesses in humans. For example, diphtheria, sore throat, plague and many others. They are easily transmitted from an infected person through air, food, or touch. It is the harmful bacteria, the names of which will be given below, that spoil food. They give off an unpleasant odor, rot and decompose, and cause diseases.

Bacteria can be gram-positive, gram-negative, rod-shaped.

Names of harmful bacteria

Harmful bacteria can stay in the body for a long time and absorb beneficial substances from it. However, they can cause an infectious disease.

The most dangerous bacteria

One of the most resistant bacteria is methicillin. It is better known as Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). can cause not one, but several infectious diseases. Some types of these bacteria are resistant to powerful antibiotics and antiseptics. Strains of this bacterium can live in the upper respiratory tract, open wounds and urinary tract of every third inhabitant of the Earth. For a person with a strong immune system, this does not pose a danger.

Harmful bacteria to humans are also pathogens called Salmonella typhi. They are the causative agents of acute intestinal infections and typhoid fever. These types of bacteria, harmful to humans, are dangerous because they produce toxic substances that are extremely dangerous to life. As the disease progresses, intoxication of the body occurs, very high fever, rashes on the body, and the liver and spleen enlarge. The bacterium is very resistant to various external influences. Lives well in water, on vegetables, fruits and reproduces well in milk products.

Clostridium tetan is also one of the most dangerous bacteria. It produces a poison called tetanus exotoxin. People who become infected with this pathogen experience terrible pain, seizures and die very hard. The disease is called tetanus. Despite the fact that the vaccine was created back in 1890, 60 thousand people die from it every year on Earth.

And another bacterium that can lead to the death of a person is It causes tuberculosis, which is resistant to drugs. If you do not seek help in a timely manner, a person may die.

Measures to prevent the spread of infections

Harmful bacteria and the names of microorganisms are studied by doctors of all disciplines from their student days. Healthcare annually seeks new methods to prevent the spread of life-threatening infections. If you follow preventive measures, you will not have to waste energy on finding new ways to combat such diseases.

To do this, it is necessary to timely identify the source of the infection, determine the circle of sick people and possible victims. It is imperative to isolate those who are infected and disinfect the source of infection.

The second stage is the destruction of pathways through which harmful bacteria can be transmitted. For this purpose, appropriate propaganda is carried out among the population.

Food facilities, reservoirs, and food storage warehouses are taken under control.

Every person can resist harmful bacteria by strengthening their immunity in every possible way. A healthy lifestyle, observing basic hygiene rules, protecting yourself during sexual contact, using sterile disposable medical instruments and equipment, completely limiting communication with people in quarantine. If you enter an epidemiological area or a source of infection, you must strictly comply with all the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological services. A number of infections are equated in their effects to bacteriological weapons.

Everyone knows that bacteria are the most ancient type of living beings that inhabit our planet. The first bacteria were the most primitive, but as our earth changed, so did the bacteria. They are present everywhere, in water, on land, in the air we breathe, in food, in plants. Just like people, bacteria can be good and bad.

Beneficial bacteria are:

• Lactic acid or lactobacilli. One of these good bacteria is lactic acid bacteria. This is a rod-shaped type of bacteria that lives in dairy and fermented milk products. These bacteria also inhabit the human oral cavity, intestines, and vagina. The main benefit of these bacteria is that they produce lactic acid as a fermentation, thanks to which we get yogurt, kefir, fermented baked milk from milk, in addition, these products are very useful for humans. In the intestines, they play the role of cleansing the intestinal environment from bad bacteria.
• Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract, just like lactic acid bacteria are capable of producing lactic acid and acetic acid, due to which these bacteria control the growth of pathogenic bacteria, thereby regulating the pH level in our intestines. Various varieties of bifidobacteria help get rid of constipation, diarrhea, and fungal infections.
• Escherichia coli. The human intestinal microflora consists of most microbes of the Escherichia coli group. They promote good digestion and are also involved in certain cellular processes. But some varieties of this stick can cause poisoning, diarrhea, and kidney failure.
• Streptomycetes. The habitat of streptomycetes is water, decomposing compounds, soil. Therefore, they are especially useful for the environment, because... Many processes of decomposition and combinations are carried out with them. In addition, some of these bacteria are used in the production of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.

Harmful bacteria are:

• Streptococci. Chain-shaped bacteria, which, when entering the body, are the causative agents of many diseases, such as tonsillitis, bronchitis, otitis media and others.
• Plague stick. A rod-shaped bacterium that lives in small rodents causes terrible diseases such as plague or pneumonia. Plague is a terrible disease that can destroy entire countries, and it has been compared to biological weapons.
• Helicobacter pylori. The habitat of Helicobacter pylori is the human stomach, but in some people the presence of these bacteria causes gastritis and ulcers.
• Staphylococcus. The name staphylococcus comes from the fact that the cells resemble a bunch of grapes in shape. For humans, these bacteria cause severe diseases with intoxication and purulent formations. No matter how terrible bacteria are, humanity has learned to survive among them thanks to vaccination.

The beneficial bacteria that inhabit the human body are called microbiota. They are quite vast in number - one person has millions of them. Moreover, they all regulate the health and normal functioning of each individual. Scientists say: without beneficial bacteria, or, as they are also called, mutualists, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and respiratory tract would instantly be attacked by pathogenic microbes and would be destroyed.

What should be the balance of microbiota in the body and how it can be adjusted to avoid the development of serious diseases, AiF.ru asked General Director of the biomedical holding Sergei Musienko.

Intestinal Workers

One of the important areas where beneficial bacteria are located is the intestines. It is not without reason that it is believed that this is where the entire human immune system is founded. And if the bacterial environment is disturbed, then the body’s defenses are significantly reduced.

Beneficial intestinal bacteria create literally unbearable living conditions for pathogenic microbes - an acidic environment. In addition, beneficial microorganisms help digest plant foods, since bacteria feed on plant cells containing cellulose, but intestinal enzymes cannot cope with this alone. Also, intestinal bacteria contribute to the production of vitamins B and K, which ensure metabolism in bones and connective tissues, as well as release energy from carbohydrates and promote the synthesis of antibodies and regulation of the nervous system.

Most often, when talking about beneficial intestinal bacteria, they mean the 2 most popular types: bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. At the same time, they cannot be called the main ones, as many people think - their number is only 5-15% of the total. However, they are very important, since their positive effect on other bacteria has been proven, when such bacteria can be important factors in the well-being of an entire community: if they are fed or introduced into the body with fermented milk products - kefirs or yoghurts, they help other important bacteria to survive and reproduce . For example, it is very important to restore their population during dysbacteriosis or after a course of antibiotics. Otherwise, it will be problematic to increase the body’s defenses.

Biological shield

The bacteria that inhabit the skin and respiratory tract of humans, in fact, stand guard and reliably protect their area of ​​​​responsibility from the penetration of pathogenic organisms. The main ones are micrococci, streptococci and staphylococci.

The skin microbiome has undergone changes over the past hundreds of years, as humans have moved from a natural life in contact with nature to regular washing with special products. It is believed that human skin is now inhabited by completely different bacteria that lived before. The body, with the help of the immune system, can distinguish dangerous from non-dangerous. But, on the other hand, any streptococcus can become pathogenic for a person, for example, if it gets into a cut or any other open wound on the skin. An excess of bacteria or their pathological activity on the skin and in the respiratory tract can lead to the development of various diseases and the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Today there are developments based on bacteria that oxidize ammonium. Their use makes it possible to seed the skin microbiome with completely new organisms, as a result of which not only the smell disappears (the result of the metabolism of urban flora), but also the structure of the skin changes - pores open, etc.

Saving the microworld

The microcosm of each person changes quite quickly. And this has undoubted advantages, since the number of bacteria can be updated independently.

Different bacteria feed on different substances - the more varied a person’s food is and the more it matches the season, the more choice beneficial microorganisms have. However, if food is heavily loaded with antibiotics or preservatives, bacteria will not survive, because these substances are precisely designed to destroy them. Moreover, it does not matter at all that most of the bacteria are not pathogenic. As a result, the diversity of a person’s inner world is destroyed. And after this, various diseases begin - problems with stool, skin rashes, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, etc.

But the microbiota can be helped. Moreover, it will take only a few days for a slight correction.

There are a large number of probiotics (with live bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that support bacteria). But the main problem is that they work differently for everyone. Analysis shows that their effectiveness against dysbiosis is up to 70-80%, that is, one or another drug may work, or it may not. And here you should carefully monitor the progress of treatment and administration - if the remedies work, you will immediately notice improvements. If the situation remains unchanged, it is worth changing the treatment program.

Alternatively, you can undergo special testing that studies the genomes of bacteria, determines their composition and ratio. This allows you to quickly and competently select the necessary nutritional option and additional therapy, which will restore the fragile balance. Although a person does not feel slight disturbances in the balance of bacteria, they still affect health - in this case, frequent illnesses, drowsiness, and allergic manifestations can be noted. Every city resident, to one degree or another, has an imbalance in the body, and if he does not do anything specifically to restore it, then he will probably have health problems from a certain age.

Fasting, fasting, more vegetables, porridge from natural cereals in the morning - these are just a few options for eating behavior that beneficial bacteria love. But for each person, the diet should be individual in accordance with the state of his body and his lifestyle - only then can he maintain an optimal balance and always feel good.

The totality of bacteria inhabiting the human body has a common name - microbiota. In a normal, healthy human microflora there are several million bacteria. Each of them plays an important role for the normal functioning of the human body.

In the absence of any type of beneficial bacteria, a person begins to get sick, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract is disrupted. Beneficial bacteria for humans are concentrated on the skin, in the intestines, and on the mucous membranes of the body. The number of microorganisms is regulated by the immune system.

Normally, the human body contains both beneficial and pathogenic microflora. Bacteria can be beneficial or pathogenic.

There are many more beneficial bacteria. They make up 99% of the total number of microorganisms.

In this situation, the necessary balance is maintained.

Among the different types of bacteria that live on the human body are:

• bifidobacteria;
• lactobacilli;
• enterococci;
• coli.

Bifidobacteria

This type of microorganism is the most common and is involved in the production of lactic acid and acetate. It creates an acidic environment, thereby neutralizing most pathogenic microbes. Pathogenic flora ceases to develop and cause processes of rotting and fermentation.

Bifidobacteria play an important role in a child’s life, since they are responsible for the presence of an allergic reaction to any food product. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect and prevent the development of tumors.

The synthesis of vitamin C is not complete without the participation of bifidobacteria. In addition, there is information that bifidobacteria help to absorb vitamins D and B, which are necessary for a person to function normally. If there is a deficiency of bifidobacteria, even taking synthetic vitamins of this group will not bring any results.

Lactobacilli

This group of microorganisms is also important for human health. Thanks to their interaction with other inhabitants of the intestine, the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms is blocked and pathogens of intestinal infections are suppressed.

Lactobacilli are involved in the formation of lactic acid, lysocine, and bacteriocins. This is a great help for the immune system. If there is a deficiency of these bacteria in the intestines, then dysbiosis develops very quickly.

Lactobacilli populate not only the intestines, but also the mucous membranes. So these microorganisms are important for women's health. They maintain the acidity of the vaginal environment and prevent the development of bacterial vaginosis.

Escherichia coli

Not all types of E. coli are pathogenic. Most of them, on the contrary, perform a protective function. The usefulness of the genus E. coli lies in the synthesis of cocilin, which actively resists the bulk of pathogenic microflora.

These bacteria are useful for the synthesis of various groups of vitamins, folic and nicotinic acid. Their role in health should not be underestimated. For example, folic acid is necessary for the production of red blood cells and maintaining normal hemoglobin levels.

Enterococci

This type of microorganism colonizes the human intestine immediately after birth.

They help absorb sucrose. Living mainly in the small intestine, they, like other beneficial non-pathogenic bacteria, provide protection against excessive proliferation of harmful elements. At the same time, enterococci are considered to be relatively safe bacteria.

If they begin to exceed permissible limits, various bacterial diseases develop. The list of diseases is very long. Starting from intestinal infections, ending with meningococcal.

Positive effects of bacteria on the body

The beneficial properties of non-pathogenic bacteria are very diverse. As long as there is a balance between the inhabitants of the intestines and mucous membranes, the human body functions normally.

Most bacteria are involved in the synthesis and breakdown of vitamins. Without their presence, B vitamins are not absorbed by the intestines, which leads to disorders of the nervous system, skin diseases, and decreased hemoglobin.

The bulk of undigested food components that reach the large intestine are broken down precisely by bacteria. In addition, microorganisms ensure the constancy of water-salt metabolism. More than half of all microflora is involved in the regulation of the absorption of fatty acids and hormones.

The intestinal microflora forms local immunity. It is here that the bulk of pathogenic organisms are destroyed and the harmful microbe is blocked.

Accordingly, people do not feel bloating and flatulence. An increase in lymphocytes provokes active phagocytes to fight the enemy and stimulate the production of immunoglobulin A.

Beneficial non-pathogenic microorganisms have a positive effect on the walls of the small and large intestines. They maintain a constant level of acidity there, stimulate the lymphoid apparatus, the epithelium becomes resistant to various carcinogens.

Intestinal peristalsis also largely depends on what microorganisms are in it. Suppressing the processes of decay and fermentation is one of the main tasks of bifidobacteria. Many microorganisms develop for many years in symbiosis with pathogenic bacteria, thereby controlling them.

Biochemical reactions that constantly occur with bacteria release a lot of thermal energy, maintaining the overall thermal balance of the body. Microorganisms feed on undigested residues.

Dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of bacteria in the human body . In this case, beneficial organisms die, and harmful ones actively reproduce.

Dysbacteriosis affects not only the intestines, but also the mucous membranes (there may be dysbiosis of the oral cavity, vagina). The names that will prevail in the analyzes are: streptococcus, staphylococcus, micrococcus.

In normal conditions, beneficial bacteria regulate the development of pathogenic microflora. The skin and respiratory organs are usually under reliable protection. When the balance is disturbed, a person experiences the following symptoms: intestinal flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, frustration.

Later, weight loss, anemia, and vitamin deficiency may begin. From the reproductive system there is abundant discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Irritation, roughness, and cracks appear on the skin. Dysbacteriosis is a side effect after taking antibiotics.

If you notice such symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor, who will prescribe a set of measures to restore normal microflora. This often requires taking probiotics.