The Inner Ecosystem of Microbes in Our Bodies
Humanity often boasts dominion over the Earth, but microscopic entities have been our planetary predecessors for billions of years. These microbes, our tiniest ancestors, make up significantly more life on this planet than us humans. As of the most recent research in 2018, we humans only represent .01% of Earth's biomass, while microbes constitute around 13-15%. In truth, you are as much microbial as you are human.
Your very being is teeming with a host of tiny lives—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa—that, collectively, form your microbiome, the unseen world within you. This word microbiome signifies the invisible barrier that envelops you, growing on all your surfaces. It's where life unfolds, bridging the gap between you and the world.
Your inner garden doesn't just sustain your own life but that of countless other creatures as well. Your gut microbiome aids digestion, synthesizes critical vitamins, and moderates your metabolism. It also helps develop and maintain your immune system, distinguishing between innocuous antigens and harmful pathogens. The well-being of hundreds of trillions of microbes within you does not just affect your physical health, it intertwines with your mental health too. Emerging research hints at a pathway of communication between your gut microbiome and your central nervous system, often referred to as the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Intriguingly, your gut contains around 168 million neurons—a kind of second brain—and studies suggest that gut microbiota can produce or stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which significantly impact your mood. Beyond your own biological processes, microbes are essential for the survival of many creatures. Corals thrive due to a symbiotic relationship with microbes, while termites rely on gut microbes that break down tough matter like wood. Leafcutter ants maintain fungal farms, fostering microbes that transform leaves into nutritious food. Even bioluminescent deep-sea creatures, such as squids and anglerfish, rely on glowing bacteria to survive.
Microbes also play a pivotal role in maintaining planetary health. They contribute to the inner workings of soil, helping with nutrient cycling, decomposition, and pollution remediation. Healthy soil microbiomes are critical in the global carbon cycle, determining how much carbon can be stored versus released into the atmosphere. They are our allies in the fight against climate change, helping to maintain a healthy soil balance that sustains the Earth.
In an era of seemingly unmanageable problems, it can be easy to forget that much of life exists beyond our immediate detection. It's easy to feel isolated, but remember: We are communities. We are kept alive by communities, and so is the Earth. As you go about your day, consider nurturing your inner garden, as well as the gardens around you. Bask in the awe-inspiring intricacy of life at all its scales.
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- The microbiota-gut-brain axis suggests a communication pathway between your gut microbiome and your central nervous system, shedding light on the intertwined relationship between physical and mental health.
- The unseen garden within us, our microbiome, is teeming with life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, and plays a crucial role in various aspects of our health-and-wellness, such as digestion and immune system development.
- Corals, termites, leafcutter ants, and even bioluminescent deep-sea creatures depend on microbes for their survival, highlighting the essential role these unseen entities play in maintaining the health of our planet's diverse creatures and ecosystems.
- Healthy soil microbiomes, vital in the global carbon cycle, determine how much carbon can be stored, making them key allies in the fight against climate change.
- In the face of complex issues, remember that we are all part of various communities, from our own human communities to the vast ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.
- As a member of our community, Biome, you will not only support our work but also receive a complimentary subscription to Atmos Magazine, inviting you to delve deeper into the fascinating world of art, culture, science, climate, environment, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and climate change.
