The digestive tract contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia, and Streptococcus thermophilus. These bacteria aid in digestion, produce vitamins, and protect against harmful bacteria. E. coli can cause digestive disease, but some strains are beneficial.
There are many types of bacteria found in a person’s digestive tract. Some are digestive bacteria that aid in the digestion process and help ensure good health. Other types of bacteria can reside in the digestive tract and cause health problems. Among the types of bacteria found in the digestive tract are Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Escherichia.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria that lives in a person’s small intestine. It is considered a beneficial type of bacteria for a few reasons. This bacterium synthesizes vitamin K and has the ability to metabolize lactose, which is a type of sugar found in dairy products. It also produces substances that prevent harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying in the digestive tract. If a person doesn’t have enough of these bacteria in their digestive tract, digestion can be impaired.
Often people focus on the ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus to hinder the growth of harmful bacteria. However, this digestive bacteria also helps the body produce the B group of vitamins. The bacteria are also said to help keep cholesterol at normal levels.
Bifidobacterium is another type of friendly bacteria found in a person’s digestive tract. It lives in a person’s large intestine and plays an important role in protecting the body from certain types of harmful rather than helpful yeasts and bacteria. This bacterium can interfere with the bacteria that inflame the intestines and cause diarrhea in the affected person. It works by hindering the ability of bacteria to grow. It can also help the body produce vitamin B.
Streptococcus thermophilus is a digestive bacterium that helps the body produce lactose enzymes. These enzymes are important for the digestion of dairy products. This bacterium also helps protect a person’s gastrointestinal lining as milk and dairy products pass through the digestive process. In fact, this bacteria is said to help people avoid the unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Many people have heard of Escherichia coli, commonly shortened to E. coli. This type of bacteria is often the culprit when someone develops digestive disease, such as those that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Escherichia coli is a whole bunch of bacteria, though, and some of them are friendly. Some strains of this digestive bacteria help the body digest plant foods. Some also help the body make vitamin K.
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