Unlocking the Secrets of Tiny Microbes
Microbes are among the tiniest living creatures in our world. Although invisible to the naked eye, microbes have an incredible impact on all life forms, from the smallest plant, to the largest mammal. In fact, from bacteria and fungi, to viruses and other single-celled organisms, our very existence depends on these unseen guardians of life. So, what are some of the hidden ways these microbes interact with human life?
The Unseen and Essential Benefits of Microbes
Microbes play a fundamental role in keeping our ecosystems in balance. From forests to oceans, microbes act like tiny nutritive tanks, delivering essential elements that support life. But microbes also deliver important benefits to our own health by helping us to digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from pathogens. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits.
Digestion: Aiding in the Breakdown of Food
All organisms, from plants to humans need to obtain nutrients from food. In doing so, we depend on enzymes secreted by microbes. These enzymes act as shields for the body’s cells, breaking down complex molecules of protein, carbohydrates, and fats into smaller molecules and fueling our bodies with the energy we need to grow and thrive.
Producing Important Vitamins
Certain types of bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium, are key players in producing vitamins. Specifically, they help us to synthesize biotin and vitamin K- two important vitamins that we can’t obtain externally. Biotin helps us to absorb fats and carbohydrates, while Vitamin K helps us to process calcium and form healthy bones.
Protection of our Body: Combatting Pathogenic Bacteria
Microbes also play an essential role in protecting our bodies from pathogenic bacteria. Through a process called competitive exclusion, helpful microbes act like a shield, preventing harmful bacteria from making their way through our intestine walls and infiltrating our bodies.
The Diversity of Microbes
Microbes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. While bacteria are single-celled organisms, fungi are more complex with branching filaments. Viruses, however, are much smaller and interact with living cells more like parasites. A large variety of organisms thrive in various environmental conditions and can be found in trees, soil, oceans, and even in the air we breathe.
Bacteria
Bacteria are the most plentiful microbe on our planet. While they are most commonly known to cause illnesses, the majority of bacteria are actually harmless, or even beneficial. Bacteria can be broken down into two main types: anaerobes and aerobes. As their names suggest, the former group survives in anaerobic (strictly no oxygen) environments, while the latter group thrive in oxygen rich conditions.
Viruses
Viruses are much smaller and simpler than bacteria. Though they are also single-celled organisms, they do not possess a true nucleus and therefore, do not fit the criterion of ‘living’ organisms. Generally, viruses can only reproduce inside their host cells.
Fungi
Fungi are organisms that are much more complex than bacteria and contain filamentous structures, ranging from mushrooms to molds. Primarily, fungi feed on decaying organic matter, living in soil, rock, water, and even air. However, they can also cause human diseases, such as vaginal candidiasis, athlete’s foot, and thrush.
The Impact of Microbes on Human Life
In a nutshell, microbes are necessary for our well-being and survival. World renowned chemist and microbiologist, Louis Pasteur said it best: “The microbe is nothing, the terrain is everything.”
Maintaining Microbial Balance
To maintain an optimal balance of microbes, an individual needs to consume a balanced diet rich in fiber, as well as supplement with probiotics. Although microbes are everywhere, antibiotics play a huge role in protecting us from their ill-effects.
The Positive Effects of Probiotics
Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria, that offer health benefits when consumed. Research has uncovered a number of benefits, including aiding in digestion and boosting immunity. Typical sources of probiotics are fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir. Other sources include probiotic supplements, which come in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, and even powder.
The Negative Impact of Antibiotics
While antibiotics are extremely important in protecting us from certain bacteria, the long-term use of antibiotics can have a negative effect on the body, wreaking havoc to the delicate balance of our microbiome. Misuse or overuse of antibiotics may lead to an imbalance of harmful and beneficial bacteria, which in turn, can lead to a variety of issues, including digestive issues and susceptibility to illness.
Celebrating the Microbes
From synthesizing vitamins to shielding us from ill-effects, microbes are key players in keeping us healthy and alive. Though, for the most part, invisible to the human eye, microbes are miracle workers, making up a huge portion of the living matter on our planet.
Without microbes, our planet could not sustain life and very few things would grow and thrive. In light of their enormous beneficial contributions, it’s important to recognize the importance of these microscopic beings and do our part in maintaining a balanced and healthy microbiome.
