Bacteria outnumber human body cells by a factor of 10:1. Our skin, mouth, ears, stomach, gut, and private parts carry trillions of bacteria. Prior to the advent of DNA & RNA identification we had no idea how many bacteria the body had. Now the estimate of unique varieties of bacteria numbers 10,000. Four hundred to six hundred new varieties of bacteria have been discovered by this DNA/RNA technique.
Because bacteria are small; they only make up 1-3% of our body mass or 4-6 pounds per person. Fifty percent of our feces is composed of bacteria.
Almost all of these bacteria helps us thrive and survive. For example, the bacteria in our gut might influence Diabetes and weight. Researchers have found that fat mice who receive fecal transplants from lean mice lose weight and are no longer diabetic. If timid mice have fecal transplants from more adventurous mice they become more adventurous and vice versa. A clinic in Australia has been experimenting with fecal transplants for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Crohn’s disease and other gastro intestinal diseases for a decade, with much success. Studies utilizing fecal transplants are also taking place at various disease centers in the US.
Some researchers are looking into how the lack of certain bacteria may cause other conditions such as psoriasis, Crohn’s Disease, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and psychological changes. Our gut has bacteria that actually impacts our mood. Seotonin, Noerphinephrine and other chemicals that influence mood and emotions reside in our intestines.
H Pylori which has been implicated as causing stomach ulcers can also be helpful in preventing other illnesses which are present only in individuals who do not have H Pylori in their bacterial flora
So the next time you think of bacteria, remember that it’s more helpful for your health than you might have realized.
REFERENCES:
www.nih.gov › News & Events › News Releases
www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?…humans…bacterial…human…
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080603085914.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_microbiome
http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/100-trillion-good-bacteria-call-human-body-home-3683153.php