The Life That Lives on The Human Body

It is a known fact that the body must have bacteria. But here we talk about the presence of bacteria that may or may not result in illness or infections. Many types of bacteria normally exist in the body and are called ‘essential bacteria’ due to the fact that have a beneficial, symbiotic relationship with the human body. Some are there to assist with creating vitamins, other help the body to digest food, or just chase out other species of bacteria that could harm the body.

More than 600 million individual bacteria live on the skin alone. More than a dozen types of bacteria make their homes on the skin, in the saliva of the mouth and in the lower part of the digestive system. Saliva contains at least six types of bacteria, some of which can cause dental plaque, tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, several fungi, a virus and a type of mite share the body of even a healthy person.

The large bowel is rich in bacteria. The bacteria in the bowel do not harm as long as they stay where they are, and they actually prevent other disease-causing bacteria (which may be swallowed accidentally) from multiplying. But should they escape to other parts of the body – for instance as a result of an ulcer – they can cause peritonitis (an inflammation of the abdominal cavity), blood-poisoning and urinary infections.

Some bacteria also manufacture vitamin B12 – normally found only in meat – from plan sources. The vitamin helps in the formation of blood cells.

Therefore, take a new look at the ‘squatters’ in and on our bodies – they are there for our benefit.

 Image source