You're Not What You Think You Are!

This cell is one of the numerous components that make up your body and is essential to what makes you, well, you! Apart from that, your body contains about ten more tiny creatures that are vital to your survival for each and every single cell. You now carry within you a unique collection of 100 trillion germs that you have accumulated over your life through various entry sites such as your mouth, ears, and other areas. That is to say, only a little portion of who you really are is represented by what you think of as yourself.

This is known as the microbiome, and these microscopic organisms have around 22 million genes of their own DNA. These genes not only enable the microbes to live, but they also regulate hundreds of bodily functions. They support healthy immunological function, aid in food digestion, control appetite, and help you feel satisfied. Are you under stress? In fact, mice raised in sterile surroundings that do not take up these microbes are less successful than normal mice at reacting to stress stimuli. They also create chemicals for that.

Do you know what a poop transplant is? It exists! Certain illnesses are really brought on by a microbiome that is undiversified, leaving the person vulnerable to pathogens.

Furthermore, it has been shown that the most effective way to cure these illnesses besides using antibiotics is to transfer the cultures from a healthy person's feces into the stomach of a sick person. Even with the same diet, scientists have shown that transplanting the microbiome of lean mice into obese mice causes them to lose weight far more successfully. Because these microbes are so important and integrated into who you are, in the future, physicians could diagnose your microbiome rather than you.

The amazing thing is that, although your cells make up just 10% of who you are, you have the ability to alter the remaining 90%. The microbiome is influenced by everything you eat, unlike genetics inherited from your parents. For example, foods containing probiotics and prebiotics introduce good bacteria that can support the growth of existing ones. However, processed meals like the chicken nuggets you're eating are sprayed with chemicals to destroy harmful germs, which unluckily also kills some of your beneficial bacteria.

In actuality, compared to other civilizations that eat mostly whole foods, the western world has far fewer diverse microbiomes. This is caused by consuming more processed food in addition to using antibiotics and antibacterial soap. It could also help to explain why allergies and autoimmune illnesses are far more common in western societies.

Thus, even if you could be experiencing a crisis of identity or meaning, never forget that you are in charge of this enormous cell organism. Additionally, if you take excellent care of your tiny life partners and eat well, they will look after you. or the 10% of you that is truly you, at the very least.

* * * ** * ** * ** * * * ** * * * ** * * * ** ** * * * * ** * * * * * * * * ** * ** * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * ** * ** * * * ** * * * * * * ** * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * ** * * ** * ** * * * * * * ** * * * ** * **