The Microbiome and Viruses: What roles do they play?
I’m writing this in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic. This virus and societal response have disrupted all of our lives in so many ways. I’m going to discuss the microbial world of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, and the ways in which our microbiome can have a huge effect on the strength of our immune system and overall health.
For a more in depth discussion of viruses and the ways in which they affect human biology, I recommend watching Dr. Zach Bush’s presentation on The Microbiome Movement. Dr. Bush is a triple board certified M.D., and provides deep insight as to the truth about viruses, as well as the world of microbes including bacteria, parasites, and fungi, and the ways in which they play a vital role in our health as part of our microbiome. [See video at end of post.]
Viruses are the smallest known biological particle (the tiniest are only 20 nanometers in diameter). However, they are not biological organisms, so they are not classified in any kingdom of living things. They do not have any organelles and they cannot respire or perform metabolic functions, and they can’t reproduce on their own. This means viruses are not living organisms. So what exactly are they? A virus is basically a packet of information in the form of DNA or RNA, the building blocks of genes and life.
“Life on Earth would look very different without our viral co-inhabitants.” James Shapiro, a University of Chicago microbiologist notes that “we wouldn’t be here without them”.
It’s interesting to note that when the human genetic code was mapped in 2003, researchers found that 9% of our genetic material was from RNA or retroviruses, the same type of virus as Covid 19. For example, researchers speculate that more than 100 million years ago a viral infection in a primitive mammal uploaded a gene that helped the placenta evolve. Syncytin is a protein viruses use to fuse cells together in order to hop from one host cell to the next. In mammals it fuses placenta cells with the uterus, and allows the fetus to draw nutrients from its mother. Humans co-evolved over millions of years with viruses, and current science tells us that they provide updates to our genetic system. They keep our systems up to date with what is happening in the external environment.
If viruses and microbes are so intertwined with our genetic history, I’m sure you’re wondering why do they make us sick? This question is linked to the health and wellness of our microbiome.
Our microbiome is the totality of all the viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi living not only in our gut, but on our skin, in our mouth, nose, sinuses, and yes, even in our brain. The importance of the microbiome to our health is now indisputable, and researchers are finding new insights into the connection between our health and these microbes almost daily. Not only is the health of our microbiome directly related to our immune health, but it’s also critical to our digestive, brain, and skin health. A healthy microbiome has many different viruses called bacteriophages, which keep pathogenic bacteria in check. Our microbiome makes many important vitamins for us, and it impacts our energy by exchanging information with our mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. There is continual swapping of genetic information between our microbiome, our mitochondria and our genes. For more on the importance of mitochondria and our health, see my article “The Secret to Health, Wellness and Aging”.
In the few remaining hunter-gatherer cultures, researchers have found a very diverse microbiome, averaging over 30,000 different species. In many developed societies, microbiome species number 10,000 or less. There appears to be a direct correlation between the number and types of species in our microbiome and our overall health. All scientific evidence points to how important viruses, bacteria, and fungi are to our health.
Our microbiomes have been impacted by the overuse of antibiotics not just from over-prescription, but from the use of antibiotics in our food production. Animals are fed huge amounts of antibiotics because they accelerate growth, and because they’re necessary to maintain health in overcrowded factory farms. Food crops worldwide are also sprayed with millions of tons of glyphosate (Round-Up), which is a potent herbicide and antibiotic. Over-consumption of processed foods also has a negative impact on our microbiome.
The health of our microbiome plays a significant role in the ability of our immune system to appropriately respond to viruses and other microbes.
To optimize our health, we should focus on our microbiome health in addition to distancing and proper hygiene practices. Here’s what you can do:
Eat organic whole foods, especially high fiber root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and sweet potatoes
Eat more fermented foods such as homemade sauerkraut (Bubbie’s is my favorite) and kimchi
Avoid factory raised chicken, pork and beef. See this resource guide for better choices
Consider Dr. Bush’s Ion-Biome product for promotion of gut health. It is available at our office.
I believe it’s important to present the role viruses have on our genetic development and their interplay with the health of our gut microbiome. Perhaps we can replace fear with a healthy respect and understanding of viruses. My hope is that this understanding will empower you to take more control over your health.
For a more in depth discussion of viruses and the ways in which they affect human biology, I recommend watching Dr. Zach Bush’s presentation on The Microbiome Movement.
