​           Microbiome, The Symbiosis Connection, Fermentation and Hygiene 
These topics are connected as they focus on  the positive role of microorganisms in creating health.

Microbiome
The word microbiome is everywhere these days but what is it actually? The microbiome includes a multitude of microscopic organisms which live in and on our bodies. These microscopic organisms include bacteria, fungi, viruses and some larger organisms. For many decades now western societies have believed that these organisms were the enemy and  have worked hard to eliminate them. Now science is realizing that this was  too simplistic a view, that in fact microbiomes are sophisticated environments. There is a constant interplay between  organisms and their human hosts. Some of the actions of these organisms play roles in maintaining human health including: producing vitamins, assisting in digestion, supporting the immune system, etc. Our bodies hold different microbiomes each supporting unique populations. The gut microbiome is best known but microbiomes are also found in the lungs, on the skin, in the armpits, etc.
 A number of the emerging understandings of microbiome are completely counter to what we have learned so keeping an open mind may be what is needed here.

This short animated video  entitled  How Your Gut Microbiome Influences Your Mental and Physical Health is an excellent primer of the gut microbiome.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/01/07/how-gut-microbiome-influences-health.aspx

In this  interview with Dr. Natasha Campbell McBride  entitled "What Can Damage Your Gut Flora" she discusses factors she finds undermining the gut lining of her patients. I was impressed that she mentioned the birth control pill which I do not feel is examined enough as to its role in women's health or lack of it. The book she wrote entitled Gut and Psychological Syndrome is the book which educated me on this topic. It is highly recommended.

In this Ted talk, Mind Altering Microbes:how the microbiome affects the brain and behavior, Elaine Hsiao mentions links between autism,depression and MS with the gut microbiome.

Exciting research is emerging connecting the gut to thoughts and feelings. Emeran Mayer M.D. a gastroenterologist and neuroscientist working in California studies the role of microorganisms in the gut and how they interact with the brain. In 2018 he published a very readable book entitled "The Mind Gut Connection". For anyone interested in this emerging science this is well worth a read.To listen to Dr. Mayer talking about his thoughts this podcast from the Polymath Project is a great introduction.

A primer exploring some of the ideas and research on the gut microbiome is available on the BBC World Service in a program entitled Gut Microbiome. This is an audio file which presents an excellent introduction to this new field of research.

Rodney Dietert PhD of Cornell University published a book in 2016 entitled  " The Human Super-organism: How the Microbiome is Revolutionizing the Pursuit of a Healthy Life". Dr. Dietert's interest is in immunology and preventing illness. His work really broadens our understandings and focus of the microbiome. Understanding the diverse role of microbes to human day to day functioning is key to improving the lives of our children. This you-tube talk will introduce you to his ideas.

Rodney Dietert's work on the microbiome led him to work on a British film project entitled  Microbirth  which explores the importance of the birthing process in developing life long health. I observe an emerging interest and literature  in the health of parents before conceiving children in the prevention of childhood difficulties. This exciting video available on vimeo takes these ideas to the next logical step-childbirth aimed at transferring a healthy microbiome to the newborn.

Bone broth has the ability to help heal a damaged gut lining. This article discusses the significance of bone broth. This is something I have found personally.

For those with an interest in more of the theoretical science related to the microbiome The Sonnenburg Lab of Stanford University in the United States offers cutting edge research with real world applications.

 The Symbiosis Connection
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Why are all these organisms living in our bodies and why might we want them there? This has to do with symbiosis which is an ecological term used to describe relationships between organisms. There are usually three types of relationships described; commensalism, parasitism and mutualism. This short youtube video shows you are standard way of viewing these relationships.
With our mechanistic thought we have come to look at the relationship between organisms in our gut as parasitism but as we wipe out organisms (through antibiotic use and disinfectants) or try to control them (vaccination) humans begin to experience new health concerns (often autoimmune).  I observe this view is beginning to shift.

Related ideas:
This segment of David Suzuki's " Nature Of Things"  entitled "The Autism Enigma" is an interesting exploration of ideas around autism.

A segment on "Ideas" an excellent documentary series found on CBC Radio explores ideas of health benefits utilizing worms entitled  "Worthy Parasites: A Villains Silver Lining". This podcast was presented by Rosemary Drisdelle, a specialist in parasitology.  She is author of a book entitled " Parasites; Tales of Humanities Most Unwelcome Guests". This is exactly the sort of research which broadens our thinking.
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Fermentation

Fermentation is hitting the food world by storm. It can play a significant role in improving the health of your microbiome. I became interested in a natural way to take probiotics. If someone has serious gut damage probiotics are very important but fermented foods can also play a big role. Some fermented foods which have been found to be beneficial are fermented vegetables, kefir, yogourt, etc. Fermented vegetables include sauerkraut, kimchi, in fact many vegetables can be fermented. Kefir comes from fermenting kefir grains which are a yeast/bacterial fermentation starter. Traditionally milk is fermented with the kefir grains but  coconut milk can also be used. The end product is similar to yogurt.
Always it is important to remember that each of us is unique. Fermentation supports the microbiome of many individuals but not all. I personally find my body does not respond well.

Sandors Katz has been a major player in reintroducing fermented vegetables over the last 20+ years. His website entitled Wild Fermentation introduces you to his writing and projects he's involved with. This 6 minute you tube video tells you all you need to know about what fermented vegetables are and  how to ferment your own vegetables .

Donna Gates has been a leading spokesperson for using both probiotics and fermented foods in addressing children's issues, particularly autism. Her website introduces you to her work. In this you tube video Donna Gates introduces newcomers to making fermented vegetables.

Hygiene
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The societal fixation on hygiene and sanitation has also been connected to health. In our effort to prevent disease it seems we have killed many of the organisms in our bodies which help create health. Books are popping up which explore these connections. These are a few I have come across:

"The Dirt Cure" written by Maya Shetreat-Klein,MD. This is a talk she gave on resilience based on her views.

"Eat Dirt" written by Dr. Josh Axe, a chiropractor who connects leaky gut syndrome with a lack of contact with dirt and germs. This you tube interview introduces you to his thoughts on this.