Do our intestines contain germs?

Yes, our intestines do contain germs! In fact, our gastrointestinal tract is home to a complex and diverse community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. This comprises hundreds of different species that perform numerous functions essential for our health including aiding in digestion, providing energy from food absorption, regulating immune system responses, and producing vitamins and other compounds. The microbes inside us outweighs all of our human cells combined!

This microbiome contains both good bacteria (such as Bifidobacteria) which are beneficial for health and bad bacteria (such as Escherichia coli) which can cause infection when present in large numbers. Studies have shown that an unhealthy balance between these two types can lead to various illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy balance within the gut so as to optimize its functioning and ultimately keep us healthy overall.