The Dire Consequences of Our Depleted Microbiomes, Part 1

Is the human microbiome an endangered species? Dr. Martin Blaser, author of “Missing Microbes: How the Overuse of Antibiotics Is Fueling Our Modern Plagues,” has now been featured in a new documentary, “The Invisible Extinction,” that explores the dire consequences of our depleted microbiomes. Antibiotic overuse, C-sections, lack of breastfeeding, ultra-processed food, lack of exposure to nature, and chlorinated water conspire to deplete our bodies of beneficial bacteria; these imbalances in intestinal flora have profound far-reaching effects, not just on digestive disorders, but on immunity, metabolism, and brain function. Conditions like insulin resistance, obesity, Parkinson’s Disease, depression and anxiety and many more have been linked to microbiome deficits. What lessons do stool samples from indigenous peoples offer us? There may be a trans-generational effect of microbiome depletion. Dr. Blaser has gone so far as to advocate a Microbiome Vault to preserve our bacterial heritage. Are fecal transplants and poop pills the answer? “Vaginal seeding”? What role do high-fiber diets play? Are fermented foods beneficial? What about probiotics? Dr. Blaser describes measures we need to take now to recover our microbial diversity. Click HERE for part 2.