Good hygiene is the backbone of life and it’s how we build the immune system.

To live, we need to keep clean. But have we been taking cleanliness too far? Can slacken a little build our immune system?

A study shows that we may have tried too hard to clean up. The researchers involved have found that we need microbes to stay at the top of our game. Here’s more about what they are and their benefits.

How to Build Your Immune System with the Help of Different Types of Microbes:

1. Archaea

First of all, are archaea. These microbes resemble fossils. They fall into three categories, namely crenarchaeote, which can withstand extreme, acidic temperatures, euryarchaeon, which produce methane and kora chaeta, which we still need to understand.

Each of these archaea has different subtypes. Archaeoglobus produce methane gas, an offshoot of digestion. There are Halophiles, which thrive in salty environments, and Thermophiles, which survive in warm temperatures. Conversely, Psychrophiles live best in cold temperatures.

2. Bacteria

Everyone shies away from bacteria, but these microorganisms are more beneficial than you may realize. They play a part in breaking down nutrients and making them easy for the body to absorb.

They enable nutrients to release minerals like phosphorous, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Here are the different types of bacteria and their functions. Though they consist of only one cell, they are complex.

These creatures can survive extreme temperatures and take apart everything from sugar to iron. Some species can withstand radiation blasts that would kill us. They have thrived since dinosaurs existed.

3. Fungi

Fungi are microbes that can do anything. Add them to bread or use them to set up a compost pile. Fungi differ significantly in size. While some are microscopic, like yeast, others are huge mushrooms. The biggest fungus on record was a 3.5 mile-wide mushroom that covers Oregon’s Malheur National Forest. It earned the name ‘humongous fungus.’

This astounding mushroom started out as a tiny spore 2400 years ago and grew because of interconnected threads called hyphae. Though it takes many cells to make up a fungus, they are uniquely interconnected. Linked by cell walls, proteins, and nourishing fluids flow through them as if they are a single entity, each fungus is an incredible source of energy.

4. Protists

Plant-like algae are responsible for the oxygen you breathe. They make sure that life is in the balance. Known as Protists, you’ll find their DNA in a nucleus within a cell.

Conversely, bacteria are not cellular. Though they are neither plants nor animals, they behave enough like them for scientists to believe that they enabled evolution. They fall into four sub-groups which include algae, slime molds, water molds, and protozoa.

5. Microbial Mergers

Microbial mergers enable higher life forms. They fertilize plants and aid digestion. We need microbial mergers to help us digest food. In return for their help, we give them a stable environment and nutrients which they absorb from the food we eat.



They break food enzymes and draw nutrients out of them. Their function is to form mutually beneficial relationships with life forms. Some of these mergers are Rhizobia, which you’ll find on legume roots. They offer the plants nitrogen. In return, the roots give them the carbohydrates they need.

The Benefits of Microbes and Why We Need Them:

You may wonder what insignificant organisms can do for you. Experts explain the many ways they can boost your immunity.

1. They are the first line of defense

First of all, they defend your immune system. These beneficial organisms take up space inside it and protect it from pathogens. Because they take up the spots that nasty bacteria can get to, they boost our health. The process is similar to how growing plants on a plot of land prevents weeds from invading it.

A study by Loyola University revealed its defense capabilities. It explained how Bacillus, a beneficial bacterium found in the digestive tract, connect with the cells in our immune systems and prompt them to multiply. As a result, immunity increases. They could even help weakened bodies fight cancer.

2. They protect us from diseases

Consequently, microbes protect us from auto-immune diseases like diabetes. They can do so because they differentiate between themselves and harmful, invasive cells.

Researchers from Cornell University showed that putting a strain of E Coli into mice with diabetes enabled them to produce insulin. They hope that food products like microbial yogurt will prevent auto-immune disorders in the future.

3. They help us lose weight

Also, these beneficial bacteria also help us lose weight. By breaking down food and fermenting it, they help us keep in good shape. Experts suggest that shifting the microbial balance in our systems can cause obesity.

4. They fight stress

Furthermore, they fight off stress. These beneficial organisms absorb toxins from the air as we breathe. By doing so, they prevent oxidants from harming our bodies. Those who experience stress have fewer microbes in their guts.

5. They protect infants

Finally, they keep infants in good health. Those born via a Cesarean Section have fewer bacteria than those born naturally. That’s because bacteria from the mother cover the baby during the birthing process.

In all, microbes play a vital role in keeping us healthy. We need more information on their functions and how imbalances cause illnesses.

References:

  1. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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This Post Has One Comment

  1. Nick Mariano Jr.

    Probiotics, beneficial microbes

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