In order for food to be broken down and absorbed sufficiently, all animals with a digestive system feature a stomach that includes enzymes and bacteria to assist with the process. In humans, these bacteria differ greatly from one person to another due to the wide range of food products that a human digestive system is introduced to throughout a person's lifetime. Each of these bacteria help digest a different type of food product in a different manner; however, all ultimately assist in providing fuel to the body.
Helicobacter Pylori
While the overall number of different bacteria that can survive in the human stomach is low, those who live within the digestive walls are very resistant to extreme biological conditions. According to MicroOrganisms.com, Helicobacter pylori is one such species of bacterium. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that prefers to live directly in the stomach of humans; it produces the enzyme urease, which helps regulate the acidity of the stomach. When a stomach has an abundance of this bacteria, however, gastric ulcers can develop. Another complication associated with an abundance of Helicobacter pylori is gastric infection inflammation, known as gastritis.
Deinococcus Radiodurans
Another extremely versatile and acid-resistant bacteria found in the human digestive system is Deinococcus radiodurans, or D. radiodurans for short. This bacteria can survive in atmospheres that would kill most organisms, such as radioactive waste dumps and hot springs, not to mention the human digestive system. This bacteria is so resilient to extreme conditions that many scientists have deemed D. radiodurans as "Conan the Bacterium."
Lactobacillus Casei
While typically only found in the intestines and stomach of humans who regularly drink fermented milk or consume foods containing the bacteria, Lactoacillus casei is an extremely helpful bacteria for people suffering from a variety of digestive ailments. According to a study conducted by the British Society of Immunology, after L. casei was administered to a group of lab mice suffering from colitis, all presented with drastically lower inflammation shortly after treatment. While more research needs to be conducted to determine the further benefits of L. casei to humans, the small amount already found within the stomach provides some insight as to the regulatory internal process associated with digestion.
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