Introduction to Our Microbiota
Our human microbiome encompasses all of the microbiota residing inside and on our bodies. Despite how foreign the word “microbiome” sounds, we are supposed to have what is referred to as “normal microbiota” meaning essential and expected microorganisms in our body to help us with different functions. Dr. Cramer teaches in her microbiology class that benefits of the microbiome include aiding digestion, producing by-products, oral tolerance, and fighting off infection. All of these benefits are reasons why I am thankful for my microbiota. But, there are theories that our microbiota are capable of even more than our daily bodily functions. Some scientists believe that understanding our microbiota and learning how to harness its benefits is what will lead to the cure for immunodeficiency disorders, or how to appear younger for longer periods of time. I will be looking into some of the potential “extra” benefits of our microbiota.
Can microbiota keep us younger?
I came across an article from Medical News Today, which grabbed my attention due to its title: Can the gut microbiome unlock the secrets of aging? I would love to know the secret of aging, so I was interested in reading more about how the microbiota could affect it. The article discussed a study on mice, in which there was a transfer of gut microbiota from older mice to younger mice. Increased intestinal growth and neurogenesis was observed in the younger mouse. Through control factors and more testing, it was concluded that with healthy microbiota transplants, results with reflect the state of the microbiota, regardless of the initial state of the recipient. The broad claim that microbiota could potentially keep us younger is born from this idea since theoretically microbiota transplants could create healthy, younger functioning systems in older adults or those with declining systems, could experience improvement with the introduction of healthy microbiota. While I think that the claim the microbiota can keep us younger is a bit ahead of its time, I do think there is the potential for it to be possible in the future after more studies have been conducted.
Upsetting Our Microbiota
For the those skeptical that our microbiota hold the secret to eternal youth, there are still more well developed arguments concerning the importance of our microbiome. One of those arguments comes from the state of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis occurs when there is an imbalance amongst our microorganisms, specifically when bad microbiota begin to outcompete the good microbiota. According to a Very Well Health article, dysbiosis can occur due to the use of antibiotics, poor dieting, substance abuse, and experiencing high levels of stress. The consequences of the unhealthy microbiota outnumbering the healthy microbiota can result in obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis , eczema, and many other conditions. Overall, I am interested in keeping my microbiome healthy because there are many benefits, such as the prevention of certain illnesses, the normal functioning of my body’s symptoms, and potential undiscovered benefits (like the secret to youth).
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