Are All Bacteria Bad, or are Some Actually Vital?

Beverage companies such as Olipop have been adding fibers to their products to help improve gut health. **Courtesy of Brad via Unsplash**

In a world with a looming fear of bacteria and their aversive effects on individuals, most people are unaware that we require some bacteria to survive. Our gut microbiome is a great example of the kinds of bacteria that keep us — specifically our gut — strong and healthy. Trillions of microorganisms live in your gut microbiome, creating a community that thrives off the nutrients provided when you eat, especially foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. The “gut” is a general term for where these bacteria live. In reality, they line the surface of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and small intestine.

The gut microbiome is completely unique to each person, almost like a fingerprint. Infants first acquire their microbiome during delivery, and it continues to develop with introductions to different foods and environments.

What relationship do we have with these small organisms living within our guts? As you may remember from biology class, there are three tiers of relationships organisms can have with one another: mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic. Humans generally have a mutualistic relationship with their microbiome, where both organisms benefit from the relationship. We receive digestive aids, immune system protection, gut-brain connection, and hormone regulation, while the bacteria receive a home with nutrients to sustain life.

Research has shown that the gut microbiome is shaped by our dietary choices. If you have been to the grocery store lately, you might notice the shelves teeming with products deemed to be “gut healthy.” What exactly is in these products that promotes the sustainability of our gut microbiome?

Some of the most active ingredients in these products are probiotics. Probiotics are live cultures of bacteria that supplement our already-formed microbiome. Like adding an extra member to your fantastic team, consuming probiotics aids the microbiome by adding additional members into the microbiome, therefore increasing its strength and efficiency. One of the cheapest and most popular ways to consume probiotics and other helpful bacteria is through yogurts or other fermented foods like kimchi. However, since the improvement of gut health has become a social media trend, food and beverage companies have been adding fibers to their products to improve gut health. Overall, establishing a positive relationship between you and your gut can lead to health benefits and a generally happy gut.