E.Coli Bacteria – Intestinal flora and infections

Some of us remember school lessons when we learned that the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) is normally found in our gut.

However, you have certainly heard, especially in recent times, of numerous cases of urinary tract infections or foodborne infections caused by E. coli, sometimes even fatal.

How can E. coli be both harmless and harmful?

The main reason is that there are many types of E. coli, called strains. The differences between them are so great that some of them can coexist with the normal intestinal microflora, and others can be dangerous if they enter our body or only if they reach the urinary tract.

Another reason, well known and scientifically confirmed, is that a healthy gut flora can control the activity of E. coli bacteria and can prevent the rapid development and spread of pathogenic strains in the digestive tract.

Antibiotic treatments destroy the normal flora, which plays a role of protection and natural barrier. It is shown that the intestinal microflora recover in about 6 months. Without the use of an effective adjuvant for the rapid recovery of the flora, immunity is considerably weakened during and after antibiotic treatment. Thus, the body becomes sensitive to bacterial strains with low aggressiveness.

The pathogenic E. coli strains in the intestine mainly cause serious digestive disorders, dominated by diarrheal episodes. For example, strain O157: H7 (EHEC) can cause acute diarrhea with blood and kidney damage (hemolytic uremic syndrome). The most affected are the people with weak immunity, the children and the elderly.

These pathogenic strains of E. coli are transmitted through the consumption of food contaminated with fecal matter. For this reason, it is recommended:

  • To wash our hands very well before and after preparing the food;
  • To cook food at high temperatures (over 80 ° C), especially those of animal origin;
  • Maintain hygiene in the kitchen and the toilet;
  • To drink water only from safe sources.

Urinary tract infections are the most common infections worldwide, especially in women, and in 90% of cases are caused by E. coli. These infections are manifested by pain in the abdominal and lumbar areas, frequent and disturbed urination, stinging and even fever.

The “guilty” bacteria reach from the intestines (where they cause no symptoms) to the bladder through fecal traces and attach to the urinary tract by means of formations called the limb.
Therefore, the hygiene of the intimate area is very important. In addition, it is advisable to wear light cotton underwear, go to the toilet as soon as we feel the need and drink as much liquid as possible.

Here you can learn more about how you can prevent the attachment of E. coli bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract, while maintaining the comfort of the intimate area naturally and efficiently.