Читать онлайн книгу Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics: How you can Supercharge Your Immune System and Fight Infection - Литагент HarperCollins USD страница 9
Some strains have been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
They enhance the ability to digest milk and its products by producing the enzyme lactase, which is absent or deficient in almost half the adults on earth, and many children, especially if they are of Asian, African or Mediterranean descent.
Because they produce lactic acid (as do all bacteria with ‘lactobacillus’ as the first part of their name), they help to create an environment which encourages colonization by the bifidobacteria (they are therefore known as ‘bifidogenic’ bacteria) and by L. acidophilus, by helping to prevent colonization by other, undesirable microorganisms.
STREPTOCOCCUS THERMOPHILIC
This is a transient (non-resident) bacteria of the human intestine which together with L. bulgaricus (see above) is a yogurt culture, also found in some cheeses. It performs a number of useful roles, such as:
Some strains produce natural antibiotic substances.
They enhance the ability to digest milk and its products, by producing the enzyme lactase.
They produce lactic acid, thereby helping to create an environment which encourages colonization by the bifidobacteria and by L. acidophilus, and which discourages colonization by other, undesirable microorganisms.
STREPTOCOCCUS FAECIUM
This is a natural resident of the human intestine. It is found in human feces as well as on some plants and insects. Its characteristics include:
It is used as a part of the manufacture of cheeses (in some dairies, not all).
Its potential benefits to humans remain a possibility but not a certainty.
It manufactures lactic acid from carbohydrates and so enhances the environment for colonizing friendly bacteria.
STREPTOCOCCUS FAECALIS
This is a resident of the human intestine which is known as an enterococcus. It is found in feces, some insects and some plants. Its characteristics include:
the manufacture of lactic acid from carbohydrates, thereby enhancing the environment for colonizing friendly bacteria
the production of substances called amines, which can be toxic. Tyramine, for example, is associated with migraine headaches, and histamine with allergic and inflammatory reactions.
has been associated with urinary tract infections
overall there is little evidence that S. faecalis is beneficial for humans; on balance it would seem to have a harmful potential.
Some additional (usually useful) lactobacilli found in the digestive tract include:
L. casei – a transient bacteria of the intestine, found in cheese and other dairy products; manufactures lactic acid, so reducing the chances of invading bacteria being able to colonize the area
L. plantarum – a transient bacteria of the intestine, found in dairy products, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables; manufactures lactic acid
L. brevis – a transient bacteria of the intestine, found in dairy products (especially kefir, a fermented milk drink); manufactures lactic acid
L. salivarius – a natural resident of the mouth and digestive tract; manufactures lactic acid
L. delbrueckii – a transient bacteria of the intestine, found in grains and vegetables which have been fermented; manufactures lactic acid
L. caucasicus (known as L, kefir) – a transient bacteria of the intestine, found in kefir grains and drinks; manufactures lactic acid (as well as alcohol and carbon dioxide). It therefore inhibits undesirable bacteria.
The Not-so-friendly Bacteria and the Superbugs
The prospect of control over superbugs lies in the future; for the present we need to have a degree of understanding and awareness of the nature and potentials of the major antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
This bacterium is present in almost everyone, usually living in the nose. It is commonly involved in infections of
the skin (boils and abscesses, for example)
conjunctiva of the eyes (conjunctivitis).
When it has entered the body, often in a hospital, possibly after surgery, it can be the major cause of infections of;
the lungs (pneumonia)
the brain (meningitis)
the bones or bone marrow (osteomyelitis)
the heart (endocarditis).
Or it can be involved in some horrendous, often fatal, conditions such as:
