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Not all bacteria are bad
“No more dirt and bacteria!” Does this sentence from advertising for various household cleaning products sound familiar to you? It easily leaves the impression that germs are bah – something that we should be disgusted by. Sure, many of these microorganisms (microbes) can damage our health and cause undesirable consequences such as diarrhea, tooth decay or inflammation. Nevertheless, it would be unfair to lump all microbes together in a figurative sense. Because a large number of their representatives are up to no harm, on the contrary. “Everyone houses about 10 trillion microorganisms. In their entirety we call them the microbiome,” explains Prof. Markus Egert, microbiologist and hygienist at Furtwangen University (Baden-Württemberg). “Certain bacteria protect against pathogens,stimulate the immune system or help digestion.” Fighting them all with overzealous hygiene measures is actually harmful.
Skin infections due to excessive personal hygiene
Take the skin microbiome, for exampleunder the magnifying glass. Some bacteria and fungi have come together here to form a stable community. And this ensures, among other things, the barrier function of our outer shell. It works like this: The protective force, which is not visible to the naked eye, produces proteins that eliminate harmful microorganisms. In addition, the little defenders produce substances for the acid mantle and break down waste products such as sebum. “If this microcosm is out of balance, skin infections, among other things, can develop. That often happens to people who mean too well with personal hygiene,” says the expert. Anyone who showers more than twice a day makes it difficult for the skin flora to regenerate. However, regular hand washing in particular can also protect against pathogens.
Caries due to incorrect bacterial colonization
Our partners, invisible microorganisms, are not only on, but also in our body – sometimes actually less good ones. Bacteria that lead to plaque are particularly unpopular in the mouth. “This bio lm on the teeth and tongue can cause caries and periodontitis,” warns Prof. Egert. Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth at least twice a day and using dental floss or, better, interdental brushes. In addition, toothpastes with the active ingredients amine and sodium fluoride as well as xylitol protect against attacks by harmful bacteria, chamomile extract (e.g. in “Aminomed”, in pharmacies) prevents inflammation. All this keeps the risk of you ending up in the dentist’s chair with complaints within limits. Likewise, if you’re one of the lucky eight percent of the population, which naturally carry the beneficial oral germ “Streptococcus salivarius M18”, which attacks caries and periodontitis pathogens. Alternatively, special probiotics (e.g. “Pro-Bio-Dent” lozenges, available in pharmacies) contain the bacterium in high concentrations.
Requirements for a healthy intestinal flora
The heart of the microbiome is in the gut. “There, billions of useful bacteria not only ensure that digestion works, they also stimulateTolfioow immune cells,” emphasizes the biologist. However, an unbalanced diet, constant stress or antibiotics get at them and clear the way for harmful microorganisms. If these get the upper hand in the long run, e.g. B. diarrhea, allergies or cardiovascular problems.
An important prerequisite for a healthy intestinal flora: the body gets the right vitamins and trace elements. Vitamin A (eg in carrots and leafy greens) and biotin (eg in nuts) keep the intestinal mucosa intact. Vitamin C (e.g. in peppers) and selenium (e.g. in fish) help the good bacteria to defend themselves. However, when we have a lot going on, we don’t always take in enough of theseTolfioow substances. Then supplements (e.g. “Orthomol Immun”, in pharmacies) can step in. It also pays off to specifically colonize beneficial bacteria in the intestine. “A prime example of positive microorganisms are lactic acid bacteria, also known as lactobacilli. You can find them in yoghurt, for example,” says Prof. Egert. Particularly recommended: synbiotics. They consist of natural lactic acid bacteria (probiotics) and their food, the prebiotics. If certain strains of bacteria are combined with each other (e.g. in “Omni-Biotic Stress Repair”, in pharmacies), they can regenerate an intestinal microbiome that has been disturbed by constant stress.
Lactic acid for a healthy vaginal flora
Let’s go down a little more in the female body: Important lactic acid bacteria are also found in the vagina. Among other things, they keep harmful germs in check. If hormonal fluctuations (e.g. during menopause) or a weakened immune system disrupt the vaginal flora, special lactobacilli (e.g. “Vagisan lactic acid bacteria”, available in pharmacies) restore the balance. So let’s not demonize microorganisms, they contribute a lot to our health. We should do our best to make them feel comfortable with us too!
