Please note this blog was originally posted here: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/m9WEXOFZJso2c
We currently live in a fast-paced world and society. One that contains readily open access to materials such as food and entertainment devices. And because of these open accesses, we’ve become lazy. This, of course, is not the only reason behind this laziness. For example, because of how our society is constructed and because of individual setbacks, it’s become so complex that even some of us cannot catch up. However, it isn’t too late to take care of yourself and to understand the importance of taking care of yourself, precisely in understanding the importance of microbial diversity and ecology and its
correlation to human health.
With the creation of fast food enterprises and manufactured foods, it’s become harder to control ourselves. Although it isn’t bad to splurge and eat these items, we should also consider incorporating more diverse foods into our diet. Since “junk food” or processed foods have been seen to decrease our microbial diversity leading to the rise of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. To add, vegetables and fruits that we consume can contain soil microbes which can contribute to greater diversity in our
gut. This increase in diversity can then help us and our body to increase immunity (Fun fact: Soil diversity is so immense, our gut diversity only constitutes about 10% of soil diversity (1)). Similarly, in a biochemistry aspect, increasing fiber can lead to a “healthier” and more diverse gut not only because of the soil pathogens introduced but also because of an increased introduction to cellulose, a type of structural sugar that plants contain and a type of insoluble fiber in humans. This increased uptake in fiber can then contribute to smoother bowel movements due to diverse microbial interactions. However, this isn’t the only contributor, as it has been shown that the type of environment can contribute to our
human gut health as well. For example, in a study conducted in 2019, researchers found that our environment does in fact contribute to our human gut health. They found that children with early exposure to outdoors and less hygienic surfaces are more likely to develop better immunity against autoimmune diseases as soil pathogens and increased microbial diversity contribute to human immunity (1). Illustrating that our modern lifestyles and introduction to antibiotics have affected us in a good and bad manner. Likewise, with modern advances, we need modern solutions, which is to lead to amore active lifestyle along with attempting to diversify our food reach. Similarly, it’s important for us as humans to take care of ourselves and build our immunity due to these advances and due to the fact that there is an ongoing antibiotic crisis.
Note: This blog does not put into perspective income, expenses, bullying, societal expectations, and mental health challenges such as eating disorders. However, I hope this blog can empower someone to take a step for themselves regardless of what they’re going through because even if someone’s circumstances aren’t the best, I want them to know that they are strong and can overcome whatever comes their way. And if they feel like no one is rooting for them, they’re wrong because this stranger is writing this blog is rooting for them.