With all the anxiety about the latest super bugs like Ebola and the bird flu, and with Jamaica's recent experiences with malaria and dengue, many of us may not realise that not all germs are bad. There are good germs and bad germs.

The human body itself is filled with lots of these germs. Experts estimate that for every single cell in our bodies, there are at least 10 bacteria. In fact, certain germs are necessary for the healthy functioning of the body. The health of your intestines is a good example of this. Your intestinal tract runs from the mouth to the anus, and is not just a hollow passage through which your food passes.

The internal environment of the body is a delicate ecosystem. Your intestines are populated by an immense number of 'friendly bacteria' that are essential to health. The bowel movement that, hopefully, you had this morning contained more bacteria than there are stars in the known universe!

Digestive disorders

Many common stomach and digestive disorders are related to an imbalance between the good and the bad germs in the intestines - gas, bloating, indigestion, acidity, stomach ulcers, gastritis, enteritis, diverticular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis and even colon cancer, to name a few.

Two particular species of healthy bacteria are - Lactobacillus acidophilus (acidophilus) and Bifidobacterium (bifidus). Just look at this list of things that these health bugs do for us: They are called probiotics (meaning, for life), in contradistinction to antibiotics, which literally means against life.

They control the growth of Candida albicans, a yeast or fungus which can contribute to many health problems, and they prevent food poisoning by producing natural antibiotics to control other germs like salmonella.

They also control the growth of another 'bad bacterium' - Helicobacter pylori - the germ now known to cause stomach ulcers, gastritis and may even play a role in stomach cancers.

They manufacture vitamin A, vitamin K, and several B vitamins, including B12. Vitamin A helps maintain good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system. Vitamin K assists blood clotting, bone formation and protection against cancer. The B vitamins help fight physical and mental stress and aid good circulation and heart function.

They promote a healthy immune system, thus reducing the occurrence of allergies and inflammation.

They further help prevent cancer by limiting the growth of other bacteria that produce cancer-causing chemicals like nitrates. They also eliminate carcinogens, for example, pesticides, that are now common in our food.

They facilitate digestion by producing additional digestive enzymes, and by keeping the membranes lining the intestines clean and healthy.

BOOSTING GOOD BACTERIA

1) Be cautious with your use of antibiotics. They kill good bacteria.

2) Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. They create a healthy intestinal environment because of their high fibre, vitamin and mineral content.

3) Eat fermented foods, for example, natural yoghurt, tempeh, miso and other soy products. They contain beneficial bacteria. Avoid added preservatives as these destroy the good bacteria.

4) Minimise your intake of sugar, refined flour products and alcohol, as disease-causing bacteria and fungi feed on sugar, especially refined sugar.

5) Take probiotic supplements that provide additional healthy bacteria and fibre to your diet. I particularly recommend one called Florafiber, in combination with an aloe vera-based drink called Herbal Aloe. They will boost the population of healthy bacteria in your intestines. Green tea, in addition to its many other health benefits, helps maintain the balance of healthy bacteria in your body.

So, use your friendly germs to help take care of you.

Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at Vendryes@mac.com, log on to www.anounceof prevention.org, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on POWER 106 on Fridays and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.