Cultures in different regions of the world have their own ideas about the human body and its workings. Even in modern times, some of these beliefs endure and continue to influence our thinking. One such example is the notion that there are evil, harmful bacteria lurking within us at all times. The older generation will often warn their children to be careful what they eat or drink to avoid pathogenic bacteria, as if such entities are lurking everywhere in great numbers and can infect us with a single sip of water or bite of apple. Fortunately, there is much more truth to this than fiction. There are many different types of bacteria that live inside the human body—usually without any noticeable impact on day-to-day life; in fact, they perform useful functions on a regular basis. However, when things go wrong and these microorganisms gain an abundance of nutrients, it can cause infection and disease. Human bodies need to deal with pathogenic bacteria so they don’t become a threat to health.

The Importance of Pathogenic Bacteria

Humans are hosts to a huge array of different bacteria, both good and bad. It is estimated that our bodies contain 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells. This is called the microbiome and is essential to health. Bacteria are essential to digestion, providing vitamins, training the immune system and providing a barrier to infection. Without bacteria, we couldn’t thrive. Pathogenic bacteria are found in all parts of the body and can cause disease. They are found in the mouth, the gut, the skin, the air and water. Bacteria can be transferred from person to person through direct contact, or by touching objects that have been contaminated with bacteria, like a toilet seat or door knob. Pathogenic bacteria are an important part of our microbiome. They play a critical role in the development of a healthy immune system. As young children, we have very few bacteria in our microbiome. This makes our immune systems less effective and more susceptible to infection.

How to Get Rid of Pathogenic Bacteria

There are many ways to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from your body. The most common way is through medication, such as antibiotics. Although antibiotics are designed to kill pathogenic bacteria, they also kill good bacteria. This leaves the body with an unbalanced microbiome, which can lead to bacterial overgrowth and subsequent disease. There are safer ways to rid your body of harmful bacteria, while protecting the good bacteria in your microbiome. Here are a few of the simplest and most effective ways to cleanse your body of harmful bacteria:

• Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
• Choosing healthy foods helps your body get the nutrients it needs, which boosts your immune system and helps your body fight off harmful bacteria. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and zinc, such as citrus fruits, bell peppers and strawberries, are especially helpful for boosting your immune system. Other nutrients that can help your immune system include B vitamins, iron, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements such as Quercetin, that are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, is another highly efficient source of support to assist your body in the cleansing of any harmful bacteria overgrowth.
•  Drink Lots of Clean Water 
•  Drinking clean water helps flush out toxins from your body. It also helps prevent kidney stones, which are often caused by pathogenic bacteria. To be considered clean, water must be filtered and purified, or bottled water must have an expiration date within one year. Avoid drinking tap water, as it may contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants. 
•  Practice Good Hygiene - Pathogenic bacteria have been around for a long time. As a result, our immune system has evolved ways to fight them off. However, as we become more immune to their presence, we may not even realize we have been infected. This is why it is important to cleanse your body of harmful bacteria.

Probiotics to Eliminate Pathogenic Bacteria

Probiotics are live bacteria that are beneficial for your health. They help boost your immune system, support digestion and maintain a healthy microbiome. There are many different probiotic strains to choose from. The most common probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. People who suffer from an imbalance of good and bad bacteria may want to consider taking a probiotic supplement. 

•  Research the Benefits - You can research the benefits of probiotics online or at your local health store. There are many different probiotic strains available and many differ in how long they last in your system. It is important to choose one that is right for you. 
• Take a High-Quality Supplement - You can find probiotic supplements in almost any health store. They are usually available in pill form and can be taken once or twice a day. Be sure to choose a high-quality supplement that features a variety of bacterial strains. 
• Don’t Forget to Eat Your Yogurt - Eating yogurt with live and active cultures can help boost your immune system as well. However, yogurt does not provide the same bacterial strains as a probiotic supplement does.

Antibiotics to Eliminate Pathogenic Bacteria

Antibiotics are one of the best ways to rid your body of harmful bacteria. They are designed to kill bacteria in your system, but do not affect your microbiome. There are many different types of antibiotics available. They are used to treat a wide range of diseases. Antibiotics are often prescribed as a way to treat disease or infection caused by pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, which can disrupt the microbiome and lead to a condition known as dysbiosis. - Research the Disease - Before taking antibiotics, it is important to research the disease you are trying to treat. This will help you determine which antibiotics are best to use. For example, antibiotics like amoxicillin and azithromycin are effective against viral infections but are not effective against bacterial infections like strep throat. - Read the Label - It is also important to read the label to make sure you are taking the correct dosage. Taking too much antibiotics can cause more harm than good. It can lead to antibiotic resistance and disrupt your microbiome. - Be Careful About Over-the-Counter Medications - Be wary of antibiotics that can be purchased over-the-counter. These medications do not require a prescription and are often times not as effective as prescription antibiotics. They can also cause side effects, such as allergic reactions and upset stomach.

Conclusion

Humans are hosts to a huge array of different bacteria, both good and bad. It is estimated that our bodies contain 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells. This is called the microbiome and is essential to health. Bacteria are essential to digestion, providing vitamins, training the immune system and providing a barrier to infection. Without bacteria, we couldn’t thrive. Pathogenic bacteria are found in all parts of the body and can cause disease. They are found in the mouth, the gut, the skin, the air and water. Bacteria can be transferred from person to person through direct contact, or by touching objects that have been contaminated with bacteria, like a toilet seat or door knob. There are many ways to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from your body. The most common way is through medication, such as antibiotics. However, it is important to choose the right antibiotic for the right infection. There are also many ways to cleanse your body of harmful bacteria, while protecting the good bacteria in your microbiome.