The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases report the identification of new germs or microorganisms uncovered using genetic techniques on the human gut microflora. These microorganisms assist in the function of the immune system. The immune system provides a mechanism in the human body to recognize foreign material and supply a method to destroy the invaders before harm or damage occurs to the living organism.
The Innate and Acquired Immune System
According to "Nursing Standards" in 2008, the mechanical and cellular barriers in the gut, skin and other sites function as part of the innate immune system. Secretions act as mechanical barriers and microflora operate as cellular barriers. Granulocyte organs function in the innate immune system to produce white blood cells such as phagocytes, macrophages and neutrophils to protect against invading substances. According to the "British Journal of Nursing" in 2010, the acquired immune system produces antibodies, T lymphocyte cells and B lymphocyte cells. T cells activate macrophages to engulf and destroy invading pathogens or harmful germs. B cells produce antibodies to neutralize invaders. Vaccines stimulate B cells to generate antibodies and deactivate the invading pathogens.
Healthy Germs in the Human Gut
Less than 1 percent of bacteria organisms cause disease to humans. Good germs normally found in the gastrointestinal tract actually help the body absorb food, demolish some unhealthy organisms via the immune system and provide nourishment to the body. The human gut provides home to more than 1500 bacteria, according to "Mayo Clinical Proceedings" in 2008. Some of the common bacteria include Clostridium, Enterococcus, Escherichia and Helicobacter. Researchers use molecular methods via molecular fingerprinting to uncover the microbial community in the gut.
Probiotics
The "Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology" in 2009 defines probiotics as living microorganisms that create a health benefit to the human body when consumed in sufficient quantities. Probiotics exist as external sources of helpful germs. According to "Clinical Infectious Disease" in 2008, probiotics interact with the epithelial cells lining the top surface in the gut and with immune cells to turn on immune signals. Probiotic bacteria turn on immunoglobulin A or IgA to produce a barrier to harmful bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body. The DNA of the probiotic bacteria activates T cells, also, to switch on anti-inflammatory cytokines and prevent long-term inflammation. Probiotics prevent the overgrowth of pathogens.
Sources of Probiotics
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that fermented foods and cultured milk products appeared in antiquity as the first probiotic foods. Now, the probiotics, commonly, arise from two groups of bacteria. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two separate groups with multiple species. Examples of the different species include Lactobacillus aciophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus. According to "Clinical Infectious Diseases" in 2008, salient concerns currently exist about the extensive consumption and quality of probiotics products. Future research addressing dosage, uniformity of strains and viability will be essential to provide scientific evidence for the efficacy of probiotic use in different disease states.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Opportunities and Challenges in Digestive Diseases Research
- "Nursing Standard"; An Overview of the Immune System; M. Storey & S. Jordan; 2008
- "British Journal of Nursing"; The Pathogenesis of Infection and Immune Response; D. Weston; 2010
- Mayo Clinic: Germs-Understand and Protect Against Bacteria, Viruses and Infection
- "Mayo Clinical Proceedings"; Gut Microbiota and Its Possible Relationship With Obesity; J. K. DiBaise, MD, et al.; 2008
- "Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology"; Probiotics; V. Gupta & R. Garg; 2009
