Many of us dread the thought of having bacteria inside our bodies. If you feel the same way, then you will change your view on that after reading this column.
Many different types of bacteria coexist in perfect harmony in our digestive tracts. When the protective “beneficial” internal bacteria, our intestinal microflora, are tipped off balance by bad eating habits (too much sugar, caffeine, fast food, red meat), drugs, and antibiotics, infection-causing (diarrhea, vomiting) “harmful” bacteria (ameba, E. coli) invade the body. With the recent increase of antibiotics, exaggerated sanitation in the developed world, and unbalanced nutrition, our natural intestinal protection has been disturbed, leaving the digestive system and overall health defenseless and exposed to microorganisms and viruses. By losing innate symbiosis, balance, our microflora has become endangered and our intestinal tracts incapable of protecting us from disease. Over 50 percent of our immunity lies in the digestive system, starting from the mouth and ending in the intestines.
One of those both “helpful” and “harmful” microorganisms is Helicobacter pylori. When multiplied by acidic conditions, yeast, and germs, they usually disrupt the gastric tract equilibrium, causing acid reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers and cancer. Because of the terrible suffering and fear of cancer, both doctor and patient do not hesitate to eradicate the bacterium with powerful doses of antibiotics, which create equally disturbing gastric symptoms along with a foul taste in the mouth even long after ending the medication. That is not all. By wiping the bacteria, we have put ourselves in a dichotomy!
According to microbiologist Dr. Martin Blaser of New York University School of Medicine, eradicating Helicobacter pylori has given rise to other problems like obesity and increase in esophageal cancer. Dr. Blaser warns against eliminating Helicobacter pylori, because in adequate amounts the bacteria create equilibrium in the digestive tract of humans who have always enjoyed their protection. Until the introduction of antibiotics, the harmonious existence between “good” and “bad” bacteria maintained optimum health. Because the bug is the stomach’s acid regulator, the gastric tract remains in good condition with it around. When H. pylori become overpowering in its surrounding, the bacteria overwhelm the stomach with a toxic chemical, prompting hyperacidity, ulcer and cancer. On the other hand, with the disappearance of the bug, stomach acid also gets out of control and rises up the esophagus, leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eventually cancer.
Moreover, children who no longer have the bacteria seem to be more likely to be afflicted with asthma. Dr. Blaser and his team have found that children with reasonable amounts of H. pylori are 60 percent less afflicted by asthma than their uninfected counterparts, whose immune systems become more reactive to foreign bodies, proteins and allergens.
How does the bug protect against obesity? The human body produces two hormones that affect appetite: ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin signals hunger, whereas leptin gives the feeling of fullness. While its existence within gives more control over food consumption, the absence of H. pylori gives more appetite and urge to overeat. Such imbalances also justify the prevalence of obesity in developed countries.
Hence, it would be wise for us to protect the balance of necessary internal “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gastric tract. Such equilibrium enhances immunity in order to prevent invasive pathogens and disease. Eventually, procedures such as colonizing children’s stomachs with the effective strains of “good” bacteria would become necessary to maintain health and well-being.
Meanwhile, to reinforce a healthy balance, we require the intake of probiotics, healthy nutrition (live culture yogurt, fermented foods, pickles, miso, leafy greens, seaweed), and the reduction of fast foods, sugars and unnecessary drugs. Such a natural balance should be protected rather than disturbed!
