The Impact of Bacterial Microbes on Your Health

Bacteria often get a bad rap. We scrub them off our hands, disinfect our counters, and try to keep them far away from our food—rightfully so. But these microbes are everywhere, including inside your body, and they’re not all out to get you!

In fact, many bacteria are essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being. However, when harmful strains multiply and throw things off, a bacterial imbalance can develop, affecting everything from gut health to immune function.

So, what makes some bacteria beneficial and others bad? In this blog, we’re zeroing in on the troublemakers—AKA toxic bacteria—to learn how they influence your health and explore some of the most common culprits that could be causing issues.

Understanding Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that have been around for billions of years, long before humans roamed the earth. They’re some of the most adaptable life forms on the planet, even thriving in extreme environments such as deep-sea vents, acidic hot springs, and frozen glaciers.

Unlike human cells, bacteria lack a nucleus and multiply incredibly fast—one bacterium can turn into millions in just a few hours!

Some form sticky biofilms or protective layers that make them resistant to antibiotics and immune attacks. This is why infections like chronic sinusitis or UTIs can be so stubborn.

Bacteria outnumber your human cells, forming an intricate ecosystem known as the microbiome. This microbial community is essential for:

✔ Breaking down food and absorbing nutrients
✔ Producing vitamins like B12 and K2
✔ Supporting immune function and reducing inflammation
✔ Protecting against harmful invaders

When the microbiome is balanced, everything runs smoothly. But when certain bacteria multiply too much or end up where they don’t belong, they disrupt this balance, leading to issues that can affect your gut, skin, Immune System, and even mental health.

If you want to support the good guys in your microbiome, check out our blog, “How to Choose a Probiotic.”

 

When Good Bacteria Go Bad

Not all microbes in your body are friendly, though. Some live quietly in your gut, mouth, or skin without causing harm—until conditions shift in their favor.

So, what tips the scales, allowing toxic bacteria to take over? Here are some triggers:

• Chronic stress can alter gut bacteria and put stress on the Immune System.
• Poor diet, especially excess sugar, can fuel harmful bacteria.
• Environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and pollutants, can disrupt the microbiome.
• Sleep deprivation alters gut bacteria and increases inflammation.
• Low stomach acid reduces the body’s ability to kill off harmful bacteria before they reach the intestines.
• Overuse of antibacterial products can wipe out beneficial bacteria on the skin and in the gut.
• Oral health plays a big role in how bacteria enter the body. Gum inflammation can open an entranceway for mouth bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

 

If your body can’t efficiently clear out bacterial waste, these microbes can become a bigger problem, leading to persistent imbalances and chronic stress on your system. Some bacteria are considered stealth organisms because they can evade the Immune system. This makes them challenging to detect, and they may be behind many chronic health issues.

Your drainage pathways—including the liver, lymphatic system, kidneys, and colon—are essential for removing toxins and excess bacteria. When these pathways get sluggish, toxic bacteria can multiply unchecked. This is why supporting drainage is as critical as addressing bacterial overgrowth.

Want to support your drainage pathways? Get our Free Reset Your Body guide.

 

Meet Some Toxic Troublemakers

While some microbes are only dangerous under certain conditions, others are stealthy opportunists waiting for the right moment to cause problems. Let’s look closer at some of the most well-known toxic bacteria, how they disrupt health, and the major systems they impact.

Actinomyces

Actinomyces bacteria are naturally present in the mouth, respiratory tract, and, occasionally, the digestive tract. They break down organic material and usually live without harm, but they can cause serious infections, particularly if the mucosal barrier is disrupted (e.g., during dental procedures or trauma). Infections can range from minor abscesses to actinomycosis, a slow-growing but serious infection that’s difficult to clear. This bacteria may also be in damp, water damaged buildings.

It primarily affects the Respiratory and Digestive Systems.

Borrelia burdorferi

This is a corkscrew-shaped (spirochete) bacteria transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks and other biting insects like mosquitos, fleas, and mites. Borrelia is the hallmark bacteria of Lyme disease. This stealthy bacteria interacts uniquely with its host and may halt the adaptive portion of your Immune System. By delaying the body’s antibody response, Borellia can evade detection, exit the bloodstream, and move through tissues. This contributes to multi-system stress affecting the:

• Nervous System
• Locomotor System
• Blood System

 

Borrelia may disrupt the Locomotor system by degrading collagen, leading to imbalances in key nutrients required for collagen production, including Vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, as well as the amino acids glycine, proline, and lysine.

Cutibacterium acnes 

Known for leading to acne and skin issues, C. acnes can also contribute to chronic inflammation and post-surgical infections. While it’s usually harmless on the skin, it can overgrow if hair follicles become clogged, triggering immune responses that lead to pimples or cystic acne.

This primarily impacts the Integumentary System (skin).

Prevotella 

Found in the mouth, gut, and respiratory tract, Prevotella typically coexists peacefully with other microbes. However, it can contribute to chronic inflammation and infection when it overgrows.

Certain species of Prevotella are linked to periodontal disease, leading to gum inflammation, jaw drainage, and even deeper infections that affect the bone.

Beyond oral health, Prevotella has also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis and gut dysbiosis.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

One of the few bacteria that can survive the stomach’s acidic environment, H. pylori burrows into the stomach lining and can lead to peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. In severe cases, it may cause vomiting blood or black stools. H. pylori is easily passed from person to person and possibly through contaminated food or water. Over 50% of the global population is estimated to carry H. pylori, though many never develop symptoms.

It primarily affects the Digestive System but can also contribute to nutrient deficiencies (such as iron and B12) due to malabsorption.

Salmonella

Salmonella bacteria are best known for causing food poisoning. They are found in contaminated poultry, eggs, and raw produce. Once inside the body, they infect the intestines, triggering severe diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop within 6 to 72 hours after exposure and can last several days to a week.

The curious thing about salmonella is how it interacts with the gut microbiome. Some gut bacteria work together to protect the host from this pathogen.

There is more than one kind of Salmonella strain! Certain strains, like Salmonella typhi, can stress many systems like the liver and the spleen.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

E. coli is a group of bacteria found naturally in the intestines of humans and animals. Many strains of E. coli are supporters of your gut microbiome, helping to synthesize vitamins such as the B vitamin group and Vitamin K.

We commonly think of the E. coli group as toxins that can lead to foodborne illnesses, and they can. The more dangerous strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, are often contracted through contaminated food, particularly undercooked beef, unpasteurized dairy products, and raw vegetables.  E. coli can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), and vomiting.

Klebsiella 

Klebsiella is a genus of bacteria that includes several species. Some of these bacteria naturally reside in the gut without causing harm. However, certain strains can contribute to gut inflammation and dysbiosis. They may even be linked to autoimmune conditions if they overgrow or move into areas where they shouldn’t be.

Among these strains, Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most well-known and problematic. This more aggressive pathogen is often responsible for pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

Streptococcus (Strep) 

Streptococcus bacteria are classified based on their characteristics as Group A and Group B.

Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) can be linked to various health issues. It’s commonly known for causing throat infections, such as strep throat, but it can also affect the skin.

When this bacterium enters through cuts, wounds, or insect bites, it can lead to skin conditions such as impetigo (sores and blisters), cellulitis (redness and swelling of the skin), and, in severe cases, necrotizing fasciitis (a fast-spreading infection that destroys tissue).

In susceptible individuals, this bacteria can also trigger an immune response that may mistakenly attack brain tissue, potentially leading to PANDAS, where strep infections may trigger sudden-onset OCD, anxiety, tics, and behavioral changes.

Group A Streptococcus is also associated with rheumatic fever, which can impact the heart valves if not addressed. On the other hand, Group B Streptococcus, often seen in newborns and pregnant women, can also lead to complications and disrupt the Immune System in different ways.

 

 

Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

Clostridium difficile is part of the normal gut flora in a small percentage of the population but can become pathogenic when the normal intestinal flora is disrupted, often due to antibiotics.

This disruption allows C. diff to thrive and produce toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the colon, resulting in symptoms like severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. C. diff infections are commonly found in healthcare settings, where people may already be vulnerable due to weakened immune systems or prior antibiotic use.

Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)

Staph is a common bacterium that lives on the skin and in the nasal passages of many healthy individuals. However, if it enters the body through a wound, surgical incision, or catheter, it can cause infections.

One of the most concerning strains is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This strain​​ resists many common antibiotics, making infections difficult to tackle. It is also noted as a stealth infection as many people may not know they have it.

MRSA’s ability to form biofilms on medical devices, like catheters or prosthetic joints, makes it incredibly challenging to eliminate in some people.

Each of these bacteria has a unique way of disrupting the body’s systems, but they all share the ability to trigger serious infections and become toxic bacteria!

Simple Steps to Support Your Health Against Toxic Bacteria

Of course, it goes without saying that eating well, sleeping well, and managing stress are all essential for keeping your body healthy and balanced. But here are a few more practical ways to further support your health and protect against toxic bacteria.

Think about ways to strengthen your Immune System with nature’s powerful tools. Honey, for instance, is a fantastic natural antibacterial, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. You can also add herbs like oregano to your cooking, which has strong antibacterial qualities that can help ward off unwanted invaders.

Nurturing your gut is another simple yet effective way to bolster your health. Your gut is a central player in immune function, so keeping it in balance is key. The right supplements can make a big difference, and bioenergetic testing takes it further by identifying remedies to bring body stress back into balance.

For instance, our Full Scan offers an in-depth look at the stress in our body systems and gives a detailed report of food and environmental sensitivities, as well as nutritional and hormone imbalances, all from a bioenergetic perspective. From there, it provides a customized balancing regimen, whether it’s herbs, homeopathics, or nutritional supplements—energetically aligned specifically for you.

By combining these thoughtful practices, you can enhance your body’s resilience and feel more in tune with your health, giving you the confidence to handle whatever comes your way!

 

DISCLAIMER: Balanced Health, LLC/CBH Energetics and any parent, subsidiary, affiliated or related entities and companies do not provide medical advice or services. The bioenergetic products and services offered by Balanced Health, LLC/CBH Energetics including, but not limited to, bioenergetic tests, bioenergetic scans, bioenergetic reports and related products and services (collectively the “Bioenergetic Products and Services”) are designed for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, condition, complaint, illness or medical condition and are not a substitute for professional services or medical advice.