Microbes

Lactobacilli are very good for gut health. They produce lactic acid, which may prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines. They also help the lining of the intestines to stay intact. There are lots of different species of lactobacilli which all do slightly different jobs.

Yeasts synthesise microbial and other useful substances needed for plant growth from the amino acids and sugars secreted by photosynthetic bacteria, organic matter and plant roots. Bioactive substances such as hormones and enzymes produced by yeasts promote active cell and root division and provide food for effective microbes such as lactobacilli.

Photosynthetic Bacteria are a group of independent, self-supporting microbes, synthesising amino acids, nucleic acids, bioactive substances and sugars, all of which support healthy human, plant and animal growth. They use sunlight and soil heat as sources of energy.

In any environment only around 5% of microbes are beneficial or regenerative to life, and around 5% are detrimental or degenerative to life and the remaining majority are simply opportunistic. The opportunistic microbes support whichever microbes are dominant.

If the degenerative microbes become dominant, the opportunistic ones will gravitate towards them so there is a negative effect, for example a sudden bout of food poisoning, a tummy bug or a plant pest.

If the regenerative microbes are dominant then the opportunistic ones will support the positive effects. Using products that contain beneficial microbes boosts the numbers of regenerative microbes so that the detrimental ones do not have the chance to flourish.

All natural environments have a cycle of life and death, and microbes are important at every step. They are the building blocks of life. They break down organic matter so it can be used again for regenerating life. Microbes are good at completing the cycle, a skill we humans have not mastered.

See our infographic on the cycle of life here and also watch Jeff’s video.

The healthy breakdown of organic matter is critical in the cycle of life process. This can happen in two ways: putrefaction or fermentation. In putrefaction matter is broken down, often without the presence of oxygen, producing a rotting smell due to toxic gases like methane and ammonia being released.

In fermentation matter is broken down into its constituent parts, mostly carbohydrates, nitrates and phosphates, which are then readily available for other organisms to use. Fermentation can take place with or without oxygen.

The presence of free radicals, or unstable molecules, subjects our cells to continuous damage, known as oxidation. This process makes us age, converts healthy cells into cancerous ones, elevates the blood pressure, hardens the arteries, promotes inflammation in arthritis and asthma, and causes infertility. Oxidation is exacerbated by pollution and our increasing use of chemicals.

Antioxidants keep us healthy by delaying or preventing cell damage. Antioxidants are found in a variety of foods including Bio-Live and bring health benefits by neutralising free radicals and protecting cell stability.