How viruses, bacteria, and other active microorganisms may enhance and transform your health
Microbes may be microscopic, but they are mighty.
“Microbiome” is genetic material from trillions of microbes that live inside and outside of the human body. Microbes inhabit just about every part of the head and body, taking up considerable space on the skin and in the gut. Other sites of prolific microbial environments include the nose, the vagina, and the brain.
Growth and maturation of healthy microbiome communities in the body are deeply influenced by genetics, environment, long-term dietary patterns, exercise, and healthy lifestyles. In some instances, microbes can cause sickness but most of the time these collections of microorganisms live contentedly and symbiotically with their human hosts, says Steve Rosenfeld, a founding member of the Global Microbiome Council and president and CEO of Columbia Skincare.
Powerful microbiome: helpful or harmful?
Microbiomes can be both exceptionally helpful and potentially harmful, depending where they are and what type of cells are coming to the rescue. “Parasitic invaders like fleas are not normal microbiome residents and an infestation may need medical attention,” says Rosenfeld.
Smaller collections of microbiomes are known as pathogenic, or disease-promoting. “Mites and head lice are two more examples of abnormal microbes—parasites—that interfere with healthy flora and bacteria in different parts of the body,” he says.
Experts say that what’s good for your brain and your heart is also essential for disease-fighting fungi and viruses. Exercising moderately (and consistently), eating a low-fat diet, plus avoiding cigarette smoke and excessive alcohol, are all positive traits that make for marvelously balanced microbial communities.
Clear indicators of healthy microbiomes may include:
• Glowing skin. Well-functioning bacteria and a clean, clear complexion are intricately and symbiotically related.
• Minimal bloating. Occasional gas and bloating are normal, but excessive amounts point to microbe imbalances in the intestines.
• Regular bowel movements. Normal, painless pooping (one to three times a day) indicates efficient digestion and waste elimination in the gut microbiome.
• Steady energy. Healthy bacteria support your stamina throughout the day because of improved nutrient absorption from the foods you eat.
Signs of unbalanced or unhappy microbiomes
Components of the human microbiome will naturally change over time. When a patient is sick or taking antibiotics, for example, cells making up a microbiome may shift as one bacterial species is affected or begins taking over the microbiome environment. According to studies from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the microbiome can return to a state of equilibrium in response to positive physiological factors— including medication—and environmental interventions like smoking cessation.
Many skin diseases are associated with changes in microbiome, and variations in the delicate skin microbes are linked to inflammatory conditions. For example, specific bacteria called cutibacterium can build up on the skin, leading to common epidermis irritation:
• Acne
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Rosacea
• Types of staphylococcus
Since humans tend to spend the bulk of their modern-day lives inside, there are literally trillions of highly active microbial passengers hitchhiking on your skin, cruising along for the ride.
Microbes are particularly fond of your large and small intestines
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem teeming with interspecies interactions that may be both curative and harmful. “Research shows there can be extensive rewiring of the networks of bacteria within the gut microbiome system,” says senior study author Brent L. Williams, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Gut bacteria are active, key regulators of digestion along the gastrointestinal tract, and these distinct bacteria play important roles in the synthesis and absorption of the nutrients we glean from food. These vital macronutrients include lipids (fats), amino acids, minerals, and brain-boosting fatty acids, says Williams.
Good gut bacteria protect against pathogens and also stimulate vitamin production, Williams says. In recent years, the medical community has begun to recognize several medical conditions that are clear indications that gut-based microbiomes may not be working effectively, and needs investigation:
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Allergies
• Inflammatory bowel disease
Interestingly, the healthy gut microbiome develops in newborn babies as they pass naturally through the birth canal. One of the biggest advantages of giving birth naturally, then, is how the baby automatically, holistically absorbs its mother’s protective bacterial cells during labor and beyond. This incredible microbiome transfer strengthens all immune function, guides the baby’s digestion, and promotes other physical advantages for the newborn.
“The brain seems to contain a highly specific set of microbes that influences immune response and brain chemistry.”
– Steve Rosenfeld, a founding member of the Global Microbiome Council and president and CEO of Columbia Skincare
Trending research on the brain microbiome
The concept of a brain microbiome is a relatively new and exciting area of research, according to Rosenfeld. “The brain contains its own community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.”
While less diverse than gut microbes, he says, the brain seems to contain a highly specific set of microbes that influences immune response and brain chemistry.
Immune response
A balanced microbial response is crucial for brain health and helps decrease harmful inflammation. Without it, the body becomes more susceptible to disease and potentially deadly bacterial strains of E. coli.
Mental health
Research suggests a connection between the gut microbiome and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. If the brain microbiome plays a similar role, it may also influence mood, emotional regulation, and susceptibility to mental health issues.
Brain development
Brain microbes play a role in early childhood brain development, influencing growth and health of new brain cells. Every mammal on the planet maintains their own unique set of microbiomes shaped by factors such as genetics, diet, aging, geographic location, and overall wellness. It makes good sense—for your skin, body, and brain—to keep those symbiotic microbes thriving and fulfilled all year long.
