Both bacteria and the lining cells of the intestinal tract have to have mutual attractive proteins. These will allow the bacteria affect the other cells. Many do not and they have no bad effect. We do have billions of bacteria that are beneficial and not harmful. The digestive tract is their normal habitat.
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Avoid eating contaminated food. In some cases, intestinal flora overgrowth can be caused by eating food that has become contaminated with bacteria, such as salmonella or e. coli. Avoid acidic foods. Acidic foods can cause indigestion, which can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines, and lead to an overgrowth of intestinal flora. Avoid complex carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to digest, and may cause intestinal flora to grow and multiply. Avoid starch and eat simple carbohydrates, such as fructose and glucose. Eat yogurt. Fermented yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that competes with intestinal flora for nutrients. Eating extra acidophilus will reduce intestinal flora overgrowth. Take antibiotics. In many cases, taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracycline, will thin out the amounts of bacteria throughout the body, effectively treating an overgrowth of intestinal flora.
The intestinal mucosa produces mucus, which helps protect the lining of the intestines from damage by stomach acid, enzymes, and other substances. Additionally, the intestinal mucosa produces digestive enzymes that help break down food for absorption in the intestines.
The unicellular exocrine glands found in the intestinal mucosa are called goblet cells. They secrete mucus to protect and lubricate the lining of the intestines.
Bacteria can translocate from the gut to other parts of the body when the intestinal barrier is compromised, allowing bacteria to cross into the bloodstream. This can happen due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, radiation therapy, or severe trauma. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria can cause infections in other organs and tissues.
The intestinal hormone that stimulates mucus secretion by the submucosal duodenal glands is called secretin. Secretin is released in response to acidic chyme entering the duodenum, signaling the pancreas to release bicarbonate-rich fluid to neutralize the acidity and protect the intestinal lining.