Are there harmful and beneficial examples of bacteria in Ayurveda? - #16753

I’ve always heard about bacteria in a negative way, like how they cause infections and diseases, but recently, I came across some articles saying that not all bacteria are bad. This got me thinking about how Ayurveda looks at bacteria. I know that modern medicine classifies different types of bacteria based on their role in the body, but does Ayurveda also differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria? For example, I was diagnosed with a stomach infection a few months ago, and the doctor said it was due to H. pylori, which is one of the well-known examples of bacteria that cause gastric issues. I had to take a long course of antibiotics, and afterward, I started having digestive problems—bloating, constipation, and discomfort after eating. I read that antibiotics kill not just harmful bacteria but also the beneficial ones that help with digestion. So now I’m wondering if my gut flora got disturbed. I also read that some examples of bacteria are essential for immunity and digestion, and they are present in fermented foods like yogurt and pickles. If that’s the case, should I be consuming more probiotic-rich foods to restore balance? Does Ayurveda have its own method to restore gut bacteria naturally? Additionally, I’ve had recurring skin infections in the past, like boils and acne, which might be linked to certain examples of bacteria. Are there Ayurvedic herbs that work as natural antibacterial agents but don’t disturb the body’s healthy bacteria? I’ve heard about neem, turmeric, and triphala—would they help in maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria in the body? I’m really interested in understanding how Ayurveda views the role of bacteria in digestion, immunity, and skin health. Are there specific dietary recommendations or herbal treatments that help maintain the right balance? Would love to hear more about Ayurvedic perspectives on harmful and beneficial examples of bacteria.