System #23: The Superhuman Organism

We believed that mapping the human genome would allow us to control and eradicate all disease. However, since its completion in 2003, we've learned that our genes aren't the only players. There's epigenetics—the expressing and repressing of genetic material based on environmental factors—and the colonies of bacteria that live in and around us. So prevalent are these bacteria that they live on our skin, mouths, stomachs, and intestines. Not only that, but they also coexist with us in our dwellings. When these colonies are healthy, we are healthy, but when they fall into disarray, diseases ensue. So much so that bacterial disharmony has been implicated in diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, autism, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ADHD, mood disorders, tooth decay, and many, many others.

Antibiotics, hand sanitizer, body wash, and mouthwash should be used with care and understanding—you are actively killing the good bacteria. These bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check. But without them, the bad bacteria get a free slate to ravish and rampage.

Antibiotics

Emerging studies link early antibiotic exposure to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. By disrupting the delicate balance of gut microbiota early in life, antibiotics may interfere with brain development and immune regulation.

The effects of antibiotics extend beyond individual health and into the food industry. Antibiotics are commonly used in industrial chicken farming to increase yield, promoting rapid weight gain in poultry. The same principle applies to humans—excess antibiotic use can alter gut bacteria in ways that contribute to metabolic disorders and even early-onset puberty.

Additionally, a baby's first exposure to bacteria happens at birth. As we've talked about before, Vaginal births allow newborns to inherit beneficial bacteria from their mother’s microbiome, whereas C-section babies miss out on this initial microbial transfer and instead get whatever lands on them from the environment. This early bacterial inheritance plays a crucial role in kick starting their skin, mouth and gut microbiome even allowing them to digest their mother's milk which can drastically affect immune system development and long-term health.

This proper gut bacteria helps to extract nutrients and synthesize essential vitamins and minerals. When these bacteria are wiped out, nutrient absorption is impaired, leading to deficiencies and chronic health issues. Fortunately, rebuilding gut flora is possible with deliberate effort. Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, cheese, kefir, kombucha, and yogurt introduce beneficial bacteria, while fiber-rich foods feed and sustain them, fostering a more balanced microbiome.

Hand Sanitizer and Body Wash

Not just in your body, but also on it, excessive sterilization has its downsides. Overuse of antibacterial soaps and sanitizers fosters the evolution of bacteria that are resistant to these chemicals. Often, it’s the harmful bacteria that adapt and survive, leading to the emergence of so-called superbugs.

The skin microbiome is also an essential player in maintaining skin health. Good bacteria on our skin help create essential B vitamins, which contribute to hydration and wound healing. For instance, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacillus are responsible for producing most of your skins folate, and biotin. Isn't that crazy?! Even others are responsible for creating niacin, and even others to turn it into niacinamide, the compound that people pay to add to their skin creams!

Excessive washing strips the skin of these beneficial microbes, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, infections, and conditions like eczema. To restore the skin’s natural balance, exposure to natural elements such as dirt, sand, ocean water, and even contact with other people who have a healthy microbiome can help replenish beneficial bacteria until our medicine finally catches up.

Mouthwash

Another culprit is mouthwash. Historically promising fresh breath, but at what cost? Recent research shows that beneficial oral bacteria play a crucial role in producing nitric oxide, a molecule that improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and supports cardiovascular health. When mouthwash indiscriminately kills oral bacteria, nitric oxide levels drop, potentially leading to negative health consequences.

Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, and its deficiency has been linked to a range of diseases. A lack of nitric oxide can contribute to hypertension, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to impaired vasodilation and poor blood circulation which ultimately leads to an untimely death.

Additionally, it has been associated with endothelial dysfunction, a condition where blood vessels lose their ability to relax properly, leading to chronic cardiovascular issues. Beyond heart health, low nitric oxide levels are implicated in insulin resistance, contributing to type 2 diabetes, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, where poor blood flow to the brain accelerates cognitive decline. Without sufficient nitric oxide, the body's ability to regulate immune response and muscle function also weakens, making it a critical molecule for overall health and longevity.

All this from mouthwash? Maybe instead of chemical-laden mouthwash, consider natural alternatives that support oral health while preserving good bacteria. Fibrous vegetables, such as celery and carrots, mechanically clean teeth and feed good bacteria. Miswak, a natural toothbrush with antimicrobial properties, has been used for centuries to maintain oral hygiene. Additionally, cloves and oil pulling with coconut oil offer gentle yet effective methods for maintaining a balanced oral microbiome.

Conclusion

The more we learn, the clearer it becomes: We are not just the sum of our genes. Our health is an intricate interplay between genetics, microbiomes, and environment. The bacteria living within and around us are not enemies—they are partners in our well-being.

Rather than waging war against microbes with excessive antibiotics, sanitizers, and mouthwashes, we should strive for balance. Nourish the good bacteria, and they will protect, sustain, and enhance your health in ways that go beyond anything written in your DNA.

Take back control of your health, get back to balance with your enviroment. You are not the victim but the shepherd. Instead of fearing what you don't understand, dispel that ignorance with knowledge. The knowledge that the world is ultimately conspiring to your benefit; make your flock happy and sustained and they will in turn sustain you. Give, and it will be given back to you.