When the word “bacteria” appears in our mind, most of us would think about pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Escherichia coli, all of which are responsible for a variety of illnesses, ranging from moderate to severe. Once they gain access into the host through an open injury or breaches in the skin barrier, these infectious bacteria have the ability to reproduce at a rapid rate, interrupting normal cell functions and releasing toxins that damage surrounding cells. However, there are also healthy bacteria that can benefit a person’s bodily functions. Within the human body reside trillions of microorganisms, most of which are located in the large and small intestine. These bacteria are called the “gut flora”, and they play the vital roles of producing vitamins, controlling metabolic processes, enhancing the immune system, and forming short-chain fatty acids by breaking down fiber.

Having a healthy lifestyle and diet is essential to the maintenance of a balanced gut microbiome. An unbalanced gut microbiome can lead to a multitude of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic disorders, diabetes, and cancer. In order to balance or restore the gut flora, probiotics are usually taken through the form of dietary supplements or fermented food products. Yogurts, for instance, contain the Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria and Streptococcus thermophilus bacteria. These bacteria enhance immunity, provide aid in digestion, prevent diarrhea, improve lactose digestion, prevent intestinal inflammation, enhance skin health, improve renal function, reduce unhealthy cholesterol, lower blood pressure, control blood sugar levels, and stimulate the growth of other probiotics. Aside from yogurt, other types of fermented food such as kombucha, kimchi, miso, gouda cheese, natto, buttermilk, and sauerkraut are also naturally rich in probiotics and provide the essential benefits to improving your overall health.

Besides taking dietary supplements and eating probiotic food, it is also very important to exercise and eat balanced, healthy meals every day to positively impact your intestinal bacteria.