Some of you all may be wondering, what exactly is the human microbiome? The microbiome is the family of bacteria and other organisms that are living in and on the human body. When I hear the word bacteria, I immediately think of something that could cause an infection and make us sick. Surprisingly, the majority of the bacteria in our bodies are harmless and actually protect us. It was first believed that the microbiome and humans had a commensal relationship- they benefited off of the expense of humans while we remained unharmed. Now, it is believed that humans and microbes have a mutualistic relationship where microbiota and humans are able to benefit off the expense of one another. We actually have thousands of bacteria living in and on our human bodies. A super fun fact I can share is that we have way more microbes compared to human cells in our bodies.
The human microbiota benefit and enhance our health in many different ways. They help aid in digestion and therefore the body relies on its gut microbiota to digest fiber and nutrients. It is important for us to eat healthy because eating certain foods helps enhance our gut microbiota ultimately resulting in good health. Microbiota also protect us from infection and produce vitamins to keep us healthy. But if the opportunity arises, microbes can cause disease. In order for microbes to infect, they must enter the right portal of entry. For example, most people have Staph aureus living in their noses and are not infected. However, if this bacterium happens to get into a certain cut or wound, there will be consequences. There are so many wild bacteria out there and our microbiota deserves a round of applause for keeping us so healthy.
Genetic factors contribute to the composition of your microbiome. For example, the way you are born determines to whether you are healthy person or someone who is at risk of disease. When coming into the world, we are introduced to a series of microbes from our mothers via a natural birth. A baby who is delivered by a caesarian section will not be exposed to this microbiota. A microbiologist by the name of Maria Gloria Dominguez-Bello stated that children who were born via a caesarian section are at risk to have health issues including obesity, diabetes, and more. That is why a natural birth is preferred over a caesarian section because a baby needs to acquire microbes from the mother’s birth canal to keep them healthier in the long run. Breastfeeding is another important genetic factor because the breast milk is specifically feeding and enhancing the baby’s good microbiota. I find it crazy to think that just the way we are born and nurtured as a baby can either make or break us!
Carly's Blog 