What is the Bacterial Flora?

Only a fraction of bacteria cavort on the skin, in the mouth and throat, and in the vagina; the majority – between 400 and 1000 different species – are found in the small and large intestines. The substances produced by the bacteria are used by the intestinal cells. The bacterial flora protects the respective organ from colonization by other, disease-causing germs and often performs other functions in addition.

Example skin flora

The bacteria of the skin flora protect the skin from colonization by disease-causing germs, feed on the billions and billions of skin flakes that come off the skin every day, and also break down fats and bacteria-killing fatty acids that reduce the growth of additional bacteria. Certain regions of the skin are favored by the bacteria: moist areas such as groins, armpits and spaces between toes and fingers provide a better climate for most bacteria than dry or callused areas of skin. A large proportion of germs are located in the hair follicles, where they have excellent growth conditions, well protected from external influences.

Example intestinal flora

Although the intestinal flora also protect against colonization with disease-causing germs, their main tasks lie elsewhere: they regulate the parts of the immune system located in the intestinal mucosa by permanently training the body’s defenses, and even produce antibiotic substances. They produce vitamins and vitamin precursors such as vitamin K or B

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, thiamine or riboflavin, which are then absorbed through the intestinal mucosa. The metabolic processes of the intestinal flora produce substances that can be used by the intestinal cells to produce energy, and the bacteria even provide some digestive services, helping us to process food.