Microbes in Disease and Health

• The microbes that normally live in association with humans on the various surfaces of the body (called the normal flora), such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, are known to protect their hosts from infections and otherwise promote nutrition and health.
• They help purify waste water in waste water treatment facilities.
• They help reduce atmospheric nitrogen and transform it to ammonia important for agriculture.

Negative Effects of Microbes

An estimated 30% of bacteria are disease causing pathogens. According to health care experts, infectious diseases caused by microbes are responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other single cause.  It is estimated that, at beginning of the 20th century, more than half the people who ever lived died from smallpox, caused by a virus, or malaria, caused by a protozoan.   Bacteria, too, have been the cause of some of the most deadly and widespread diseases in human history.   Bacterial diseases such as tuberculosis, typhus, plague, diphtheria, typhoid fever, cholera, dysentery, and pneumonia have taken a huge toll on humanity.

There are many ways that bacteria and other microbes can negatively affect human life.

• Micro-organisms, especially moulds, can trigger respiratory infections and allergies if they grow in our workplaces or homes.
• Microscopic growth can also lead to fungal staining of carpets and algal growth on paint, which can be difficult and costly to remove.
• Bacteria and fungi are common causes of malodour in home textiles, clothing, and footwear.
• Bacteria and other microbes are frequent contaminants of food and water, which can lead to food poisoning and serious illness.
• Microbes are the agents of food spoilage and decomposition of clothing and sheltering materials

Fighting Against Microbes

In the same manner that we harness the benefits of microbes, where appropriate, we fight micro-organisms where they can do harm. There are many ways to combat microbial growth, and most involve simple measures that we can employ at home or in the workplace. For example:

• High temperatures can kill microbes, and low temperatures can slow down their growth. This is why it is so important to properly cook, clean and/or to refrigerate food properly.
• Through thorough cleaning – of both hands and various environmental surfaces – we remove microbes and the debris that they feed on, which can help reduce cross-contamination from the environment to food and other exposed areas.
• Micro-organisms need humidity to grow. By keeping moisture at bay through ventilation and heating, it is possible to prevent the growth of mould and other microbes.

Pathogenic Disease occurs when a germs / infectious agents (i.e. Pathogenic Bacteria, Virus, Fungi / Yeast or protozoa) causes disease or illness to its host – Such a germ is called a pathogen.

Some bacteria which are a normal part of the body’s flora, can become pathogenic, if their numbers get out of control or they move to and multiply in an area where they are not supposed to be.

Pathogens can infect the body by various transmission routes – affected by the widely varying length of survival of the microorganism outside of the body:

• Droplet contact – coughing or sneezing on another person
• Direct physical contact – touching an infected person, including sexual contact
• Indirect contact – usually by touching contaminated soil or a contaminated surface
• Airborne transmission – if the microorganism can remain in the air for long periods
• Fecal-oral transmission – usually from contaminated food or water sources
• Vector borne transmission – carried by insects or other animals

The Body’s Flora (Indigenous Bacteria in the Human Body)

About one hundred trillion bacteria live inside you – Up to a 1000 species and more than TEN TIMES the number of cells you have in your body! These indigenous bacteria are referred to as the body’s flora and live in many areas of your body, including the skin, intestines, mouth, nose, pharynx, urethra and vagina

Organisms are considered either “friendly” or “unfriendly” – when “Friendlies” and “Unfriendlies” have an appropriately balanced presence, the body can better maintain health

Friendly Bacteria

• “Friendly” bacterial flora provide many health benefits to the body
• “Friendly” bacterial flora thrives on dietary fibre – and other so called prebiotic foods.
  • Unfriendly organisms – includes pathogenic bacteria, friendly bacteria multiplying out of control, and fungi, such as yeast e.g. Candida albicans;
• When uncontrolled by “Friendly bacteria”, the “unfriendlies” can cause disease or illness to their host
• The “Unfriendly” organisms in your body thrive on sugar – imagine the “party” those pathogenic bacteria and fungi (incl. yeast) are having when you feed them!

Health Benefits of Beneficial Flora

Beneficial flora / probiotics have at least 30 known pharmacological actions.

• Anti-infective – antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal
• Immune system-supportive – upregulates glutathione (GPX) and certain glycoproteins that help regulate immune responses, including IL-4 (Interleukin-4), IL-10, IL-12; more than 60% of your I.S. is in your gut.
• Antiproliferative – apoptopic (promotes natural self-destruction of cells); Inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitor, NF-kappaB, epidermal growth factor receptor, +++
• Protective – antioxidant, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, radio- and chemo-protective
• Anti-allergenic
• Antidepressive – the vagus nerve (10^th cranial nerve) connects your gut to your brain, each affecting the other, explaining the link between neurological disorders and GI dysfunction (E.g. ADHD, autism). Intestinal health has been found to profoundly influence mental health.
• Detoxifying – probiotics appear to have a role in detoxing harmful chemicals.

How do beneficial flora /probiotics work against pathogens?

• Beneficial flora are antagonistic / competitive towards pathogenic bacteria.
  • Probiotics help normalize acid/alkali balance in the intestine – “Friendly” bacteria decrease colonization of pathogenic organisms in the gut by secreting acids that are toxic to local pathogenic bacteria – by liberating hydrogen peroxide and organic acids (E.g. Lactic, butyric and acetic acids) in the intestines, the local luminal pH is shifted downward to create an unfavourable environment for growth of pathogenic flora.

Williams NT. Probiotics. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 2010;67:449-458.

Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy. Clin Infect Dis. 2001;32:1567-1576.

• They compete with pathogens for adhesion sites on intestinal wall (epithelium)

Macintyre A, Cymet TC. Probiotics: the benefits of bacterial cultures. Compr Ther. 2005;31:181-185.

• They compete with pathogens for nutrients
• They produce bacteriocins (protein toxins) to inhibit pathogens
  • They Modify pathogen-derived toxins
• They stimulate immune mechanisms of intestinal mucosa
  • By increasing cytokine activity
  • They increase lymphocyte activity / intestinal macrophage phagocytosis – by causing local macrophages to increase antigen presentation to B-lymphocytes and increase secretory antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA) production both locally and systemically;
  • They reduce immune system reaction to food antigens
  • They help stimulate the production of the protective mucus layer lining the GI tract – they can also line the mucus layer to add an extra level of defense keeping out pathogenic bacteria
• Beneficial Flora produce beneficial metabolic enzymes
• They digest undigested polysaccharides / mucin / fibre – g starch, glycogen, cellulose and chitin.
• They produce the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose – thereby benefiting those who are lactose-intolerant;
• Induce synthesis of B group vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12, also folic acid and biotin;
• Improve uptake and absorption of calcium;
• Help reduce cholesterol;
• Regulating levels of an enzyme that is involved in production of cholesterol within body
• Acting directly on cholesterol in the GI tract

How to increase body’s beneficial flora

The most important thing to do is to avoid anything that reduces the body’s beneficial flora.

The following factors reduce the presence of beneficial flora in favour of pathogenic organisms – such as pathogenic bacteria, and fungi (e.g. the yeast Candida Albicans):

• Antibiotics – including those given to livestock for food production and antibacterial soaps
• Poor nutrition /glucose – sugar/fructose, refined grains, processed foods, high glycemic index foods (E.g. potatoes, yams, corn, white rice, pasta), almost exclusively feed pathogenic bacteria and fungi (E.g. Candida albicans) in your digestive system, allowing them to proliferate. Lack of necessary nutrients handicaps your immune system such that it cannot deal with the pathogens.
  • Sugar may be the most important factor in GI candidiasis – Candida ferments and rapidly proliferates in the presence of simple sugars, which significantly increase Candida’s ability to adhere to epithelial mucous cells.
• Toxins – chlorinated/fluoridated water, environmental pollution, agricultural herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, smoking etc;
• Drugs – including NSAIDS, steroids, corticosteroids, hormonal drugs (E.g. contraceptive pill, HRT), alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.
  • NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory aids) E.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen – thin the intestinal mucus layer, making it more difficult for probiotics to survive;
• Stress – surgery
• Bottle feeding
• Although this is sometimes unavoidable, certain illnesses / conditions – Diabetes, Lupus or Thyroid problems, pregnancy.

Encourage body’s beneficial flora

• Minimize sugar consumption – food for pathogenic bacteria, yeast and fungi; includes sugar/fructose, refined grains, processed foods, high glycaemic index foods
• Consume and/or supplement probiotics – high quality, multi-strain, high organism count supplement and probiotic-containing foods (e.g. sauerkraut and yogurt, kefir (at the discretion of your DBM Physician/practitioner)
• Choose organic, locally-grown fruits and vegetables, and meat, dairy and butter from animals that ate grass and organic foods – Raw milk and products are best (if you can obtain them from a reputable source). Avoid chemicals in food.
• Drink natural spring water and/or filter chlorinated /fluoridated /contaminated water sources – chlorine and fluoride harm probiotics;
• Include prebiotics (food for probiotics) in your daily diet to feed beneficial flora (See Nutrition – Pre- and Probiotics)
• Avoid NSAIDS – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories e.g. acetaminophen, ibuprofen; NSAIDs thin the mucus layer making it more difficult for probiotics to survive.
• Don’t use anti-bacterial soaps
• Have rest and relaxation time and get sufficient sleep – to strengthen immune system

Parasites – “Uninvited Guests”

(Related Links: See Parasite Cleanses)

Parasites – inside me?

• Parasites are now being recognized as the cause for many undiagnosed diseases
• There are more than 130 different kinds of parasites that can inhabit the human body – which range from a microscopic size to single and multi-celled worms.

How do parasites Gain entrance into the body? 

• Produce, dairy, undercooked meat
• Infected water
• Through a transmitting agent – g.  a mosquito
• From pets – which host numerous parasites
• From the air – which can carry microscopic parasites and fungi
• From one another – through blood, saliva, semen, through sexual contact, the nose, skin and breast milk; meaning by kissing on the mouth, sex, nursing and child bearing.

Where do Parasites Reside in the Body?

• Most parasites live in the digestive tract
• Many are in the blood and lymphatic systems
• Parasites can also settle in the joints and muscles – forming cysts which create inflammations with the resulting pain often attributed to arthritis.
• CNS – Their toxic by-products (mainly ammonia) can attack the central nervous system often resulting in restlessness, depression, anxiety, hypertension and fatigue.
• Parasites tend to hang out in areas where heavy metals are lodged – heavy metals E.g. mercury, cadmium, kill good bacteria which would normally kill parasite larvae.

Human INTESTINAL parasites worms Symptoms

The symptoms of a fungal or parasitic infection are often identical to those of a bacterial or viral infection, resulting in false diagnoses.

• Eating more than normal but still feeling hungry
• Gastrointestinal / Digestive Problems – constipation, diarrhea, stomach bloating, gas; bulky stools with excess fat in faeces; food insensitivities / environmental tolerance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
• Anaemia
• Allergies – parasites can irritate, inflame, and perforate the intestinal lining. This increases the permeability of the intestinal walls allowing large undigested molecules to pass into the blood stream leading to food allergies.
• Asthma
• Weakened immune system – Chronic fatigue, chronic bacterial or viral infections
• Nervousness – restlessness, anxiety
• Joint and muscle pains and inflammation often assumed to be arthritis
• Hives, rashes, weeping eczema, cutaneous ulcers, swelling, sores, papular lesions, itching dermatitis (can occur if parasites penetrate the skin );
• Experience multiple awakenings during the night particularly between 2 and 3 am
• Drooling while sleeping – damp lips at night and dry lips during the day
• Grinding teeth while asleep
• Depressed, apathetic, lethargic
• Difficulty gaining or losing weight – no matter what you do
• Chronic candida – did a candida program which either didn’t help at all or helped somewhat but you still can’t stay away from bread, alcohol, fruit, or fruit juices;
• Yeast infections
• Itchy ears, nose, anus (especially at night)
• Chronic ear or sinus infections
• Forgetfulness, slow reflexes, unclear thinking
• Loss of appetite
• Yellowish face
• Fast heartbeat, heart pain, pain in the navel
• Pain in the back, thighs, shoulders, navel arthritic pains
• Heart pain
• Numb hands
• Bed wetting
• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Problems with menstrual cycle / Prostate problems or sexual dysfunction in men
• UTIs
• Hemorrhoids
• Cysts/Fibroids
• All skin problems
• Water retention (mostly from tapeworms)
• Crawling feeling under skin
• Floaters
• Liver/gallbladder trouble

People with intestinal parasite infections are usually:

• Under-nourished and weak
• Infected with viruses, fungi, or bacteria
• Have various types of chemical and metal poisoning
• Present in any disease, in any person, at any age

Parasites are a menace to the immune system and an underlying cause for many health problems because they:

• Secrete toxins – parasites release toxic wastes – actually their feces and urine. Parasite urine is practically pure ammonia, very harmful to the brain.
• Steal vital nutrients from our bodies
• Can irritate or exaggerate other health problems you may be experiencing

Go to our Parasite Cleanse page for more information or contact your DBM Practitioner / Physician.

Adapted from Source:

http://www.life-materials.com/microbes-and-human-life.html

Shirley Emmons – Heal Yourself.