Bacteria: The Good and Bad

Like it or not, we all have bacteria, both inside and outside of our bodies. Some of it is good and some of it is bad. Good bacteria is crucial for optimal health, whereas bad bacteria is harmful. In our efforts to eradicate the bad bacteria, we often also kill the good bacteria. If we don't somehow replenish the good bacteria, the bad bacteria can take over, causing an imbalance of bad vs. good bacteria. Bacterial imbalances can lead to serious health problems. It's important to understand the difference and how we can promote a healthy bacterial environment.

Good bacteria

Mature, adult bodies contain approximately 1-2 kg of bacteria. Most of it is the good kind, such as gut bacteria. If your gut bacteria is perfectly balanced, you should be healthy. Take any antibiotics and it can take up to 2 years to re-colonize the healthy bacteria in our stomachs! This can lead to all kinds of issues from stomach aches to diarrhea. Healthy gut bacteria is important for a wealth of reasons, including (but not limited to):

• Proper digestion and preventing weight gain

• Blood sugar regulation and reducing risk of diabetes

• Promoting good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol (helping prevent heart disease)

• Preventing infection and disease

• Producing serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation and sleep

• Regulating mood and cognition

• Faster recovery time after surgery and reduced risk of infection

Bad bacteria

Bad bacteria are the kinds that cause all kinds of health problems (in some cases even death), like certain strains of E coli, strep, staphylococcus shigella and salmonella . We’ve all heard horror stories of people dying from staph infections, E. coli, salmonella, etc. There are lots of other kinds of bad bacteria, as well. For example, certain bad gut bacteria have been linked to diabetes and heart disease.

Keeping good bacteria and getting rid of the bad

We have lived in fear of bacteria for so long, that we have become hyper-vigilant of all types of bacteria. We use an excessive amount of antibacterial agents - hand sanitizers, anti-bacterial soaps, anti-bacterial cleaners, etc. This eradication of all bacterial species actually contributes to the destruction of our immune systems, by a) killing the good bacteria who play a role in our immune function, and b) not allowing our immune systems to grow stronger by fighting the bad bacteria.

It has been a struggle for years to find a way to keep the good bacteria and kill only the bad. At this time, there is no known way to do this, so we must rely on common sense and balance. Here are some suggestions:

• Use anti-bacterial agents in the places we KNOW bad bacteria are found:
  
  
  • Places where mice have congregated
  
  
  • Places where mold grows
  
  
  • After working with raw meat
  
  
  • Counter tops, toilets, and sinks
  
  
  • Garbage cans
  
  
  • During cold and flu season on handles, kids toys, books and binders
  
  
  • On cuts and scrapes (especially if you live in a warm climate)
  
  
  

• Don’t go overboard with anti-bacterial agents - allow friendly bacteria a chance! Over kill, while it may seem like the safest bet, can be just as harmful as it is helpful.

• Allow your toddler to get dirty and play in the mud.

• Don’t overuse antibiotic medicines - if you have to take them, use a good probiotic afterwards

• Use essential oils instead of store-bought anti-bacterials

Why use essential oils as anti-bacterial agents?

Man made anti-bacterias and antibiotics are generally made from chemicals with at most 3-6 constituents and limited possible combinations. Bacteria are incredibly smart. They learn very quickly how to adapt and overcome these constituents and combinations, leading to ineffective anti-bacterial agents. Essentials oils contain dozens and dozens of constituents. When these are mixed together, it becomes nearly impossible for the bacteria to adapt and develop immunity. The possible combinations of constituents are infinite. Bacteria will never be able to adapt or learn how to defend itself.

Auntie Septic essential oil blend: a natural anti-bacterial agent

This blend has been well researched. The individual oils used have well-documented anti-microbial, anti bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. Some of the studies have been mentioned in the World journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. It is full strength and needs to be diluted before using.

Contains: Lemon Eucalyptus, Clove, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, Palmerosa, and Lavender.

Natural anti-septic cleaner recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (optional)

• 20 drops Auntie Septic Essential oil

• 1 tsp liquid soap (preferably non scented - acts as an emulsifier so the oil doesn’t just float at the top)

• 1 spray bottle

Instructions:

1. Mix 1 tsp soap with essential oil in measuring cup.

1. Slowly add water, mixing well.

1. Add rubbing alcohol last.

1. Pour into spray bottle.

1. Use in washrooms, campers (especially if mice have gotten in), counter tops, around windows, showers and tubs, toys, hands after working with raw meat.