2. Bacterial Bad Guys: Salmonella, E. Coli, and Campylobacter
Picture this: you’re at a barbecue, enjoying a juicy burger. Life’s good until you realize that the patty wasn’t cooked properly. Meet Salmonella, E. Coli, and Campylobacter: the bacterial rogues frequently found in undercooked or contaminated food. Unlike viruses, these bacteria are vulnerable to antibiotics, which offers a silver lining if you’re hit with a bout of bacterial gastroenteritis.
You’d think these bacteria only reside in food, but the plot thickens. They’re incredibly versatile and can also survive on countertops, kitchen utensils, and human hands. In fact, Salmonella can even flourish in the intestinal tracts of animals like birds and reptiles, making your adorable pet turtle a potential carrier.
There’s an interesting science behind how these bacteria impact your gut. Salmonella and Campylobacter kickstart an inflammatory response in the intestines, resulting in damage to the gut lining. E. Coli takes a different route and produces toxins that harm the intestines, paving the way for symptoms to manifest. Despite being bacterial in nature, their impact is as varied as their forms. (2)
