When we hear the word “bacteria” we think of nothing good. We tend to associate bacteria with “Yuck – get rid of it”. So the protozoa are wiped and scrubbed. We couldn't live without them.
rags and mops offer an ideal environment for bacteria, as various residues accumulate in their fibers
bacteria are tiny, measuring just 0.001 millimeters. And they are living beings in their own right, even if they only consist of a single cell. They multiply by dividing and have everything they need to live: cell machines that produce proteins to supply themselves with energy and genetic material. Bacteria are self-sufficient.
Armed with a mop and scrubber
Most of us probably see bacteria as something gross. They are everywhere – especially in the home. According to “Statista”, the ordinary mop tops the list of bacteria: on average, one billion bacteria can be found per ten square centimeters on the “Saubermacher”. One billion? That's a one followed by nine zeros: 1,000,000,000. Although the well-tried mop should wipe everything clean and clean, it literally attracts bacteria.
The household is an ideal collecting tank for bacteria
Even the household sponge, which is popular in many countries and is primarily intended to ensure cleanliness and cleanliness in the kitchen, is not all that clean itself. If we have already used the household sponge more often, it has 100 million bacteria per ten square centimetres: 100,000,000.
Household sponges and rags provide an ideal environment for bacteria, as they are almost always damp and various food particles collect in their fibres. We use it to wipe all sorts of surfaces or use it to wash dishes.
Cleaning the sponges with detergent in hot water or in the microwave can reduce the number of bacteria for a short time, but the bacteria have the ability to survive.
One of the most common bacteria found in sponges, for example, belongs to the Acinetobacter group, and these are often resistant to antibiotics. If they enter the body through wounds, for example, they have the potential to trigger diseases such as pneumonia. Older people and people with weak immune systems in particular have an easy time of it.
Household sponges should be disposed of regularly become
Put the sponge away
Sponges should therefore be changed regularly. There is no general recommendation as to when sponges should be changed, but most sponges can be seen or smelled. Then they should definitely end up in the trash immediately.
By the way, there are around 124,000 bacteria per 10 square centimeters in the trash can, 71,000 on the door handle and, according to Statista, around 33,000 bacteria per ten square centimeters on the edge of the toilet.
Surprisingly, there are far more bacteria in the fridge than in the toilet. It's around 113,000 per ten square centimetres. So for most of us, the toilet seems to be cleaner and more hygienic than the fridge, where we store a lot of our groceries.
A weighty issue
The bacteria that are in and on us weigh quite a bit: around 1.5 to 2 kilograms. In addition to the intestines, the tongue, pharynx and the pockets in the gums are a popular place for bacteria to stay because they offer an almost perfect environment. American researchers found around 4,150 different bacterial genes in the pharynx, almost 8,000 on the tongue and even more than 14,000 different bacterial genes in the gum pockets, and these can then lead to serious inflammation.
“Good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria
A total of around 5,000 bacterial species are known, and not all of them are dangerous. However, 200 bacteria can cause diseases. These include, for example, diphtheria and cholera, tuberculosis and whooping cough. But the other bacteria are quite useful. For example, they help our digestive system to work.
They supply a large number of enzymes to the intestinal flora. They help us to break down our food, break it down and thus support our digestion. Bacteria break down certain carbohydrates in the large intestine and convert them into fatty acids. Our body can then use it as an energy supplier. All these steps require a well-functioning interaction between the bacteria and the intestinal cells.
Bacteria find enough food in our body and help us in return. We have a dense bacterial film on our skin that protects us against invaders. Bacteria protect our body against pathogens. They also help us with the immune system because they produce important vitamins. We couldn't survive without bacteria.
The fight against “bad” bacteria
In the case of bacterial infections, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics. They kill the pathogens or inhibit their growth. They can no longer multiply unless the bacteria develop resistance. Bacteria are extremely inventive.
So that antibiotics can no longer harm them, they change their metabolism, for example, and thus develop dangerous resistances against which antibiotics are powerless. The bacteria themselves are extremely resilient. In this way, some manage to survive 10,000 times the dose of radioactivity that kills us humans.
Bacteria are important for babies
Bacteria play an important role even at birth. In the birth canal, the newborn comes into contact with the mother's bacteria. They help the newborn build up its own immune system – a clever move of nature.
This is different for caesarean births. They don't pick up the mother's bacteria. C-section children are more susceptible to infections, their immune systems are not as strong as those of children who see the light of day in the normal way. They have to develop their own strategy to ensure their bodies absorb important bacteria and thus protect themselves against various diseases in the first place.
So bacteria don't deserve to be lumped together and labeled ” Yuck” and “bah, how gross”.
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Colorful activity!
The immune system needs many different fuels. They deliver fruit and vegetables. Eat as colorful as possible: oranges, red peppers, green leafy vegetables, red cabbage provide a colorful potpourri of vitamins and lots of natural vitamin C.
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Check vaccination status!
In order to bring your immune system up to date, you should have all the necessary vaccinations. Adults often forget to refresh their childhood vaccinations. So look at the vaccination card: Is the immunization against tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis, pneumococci, meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, flu and others still available? It's best to ask the doctor!
Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Run away from viruses!
Scientific Studies suggest that regular muscle training (jogging, Nordic walking, walking) for 20 minutes three times a week has been shown to increase the immune system. But be careful: if you overwork yourself, you also exhaust your immune system.
Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Sleep well!
Sufficient sleep ensures not just for recreation. During the deep sleep phases, messenger substances are released that also mobilize the immune system.
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Have fun!
Studies show that a good mood and enjoying life promote a strong immune system. Laughing and playing not only bring more quality of life, but also increase the immune system!
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Avoid stress!
Negative stress stimulates the release of adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones paralyze the immune system. Conscious stress and time management helps the body to rest and recharge its batteries. Targeted relaxation exercises such as meditation, autogenic training and yoga can significantly support the immune system.
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Go for a walk!
Walks in the fresh air bring changing temperature stimuli and exercise – both stimulate the immune system. In addition, the mucous membranes benefit from better blood circulation and, thanks to the higher humidity, they are better able to cope with virus attacks.
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Viruses and bacteria don't stand a chance – with a strong immune system
Beware of sugar!
Studies have shown that when short-chain sugar is burned, many vitamins are consumed, which bodies are then no longer available.
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No chance for Viruses and bacteria – with a strong immune system
Warm and cold!
“Change showers” train the heat regulation and the blood vessels. Warm-cold-warm-cold is the motto. You can support the shower with a vigorous massage with a massage sponge or a brush. This additionally stimulates the immune system.