What the F** is a Microbiome?

Most everyone has heard about the extensive information that can be gleaned from the human genome. Commercial DNA testing now allows individuals to easily get results about their genetic profile through companies like 23andMe. While these tests sequence genetic material from our own cells, there are trillions of other cells in and on our body that are integral to its function, including bacteria, fungi, and (bacteria-like) archaea. In fact, for every human cell in our body, we have about 10 microbial cells.

These microorganisms comprise what has been termed our “microbiome,” and although research is still in its early stages, it appears that the composition our microbiome may be just as important and telling as what’s written our own DNA – and even more unique. The NIH’s Human Microbiome Project found that, in contrast to our genetic profiles, which are about 99% the same, our microbial profiles are usually only about 50% identical. Our profiles are dictated by genetics, diet, early life events, and other aspects of our physical environment and experiences.

So what role do our bugs play?

Our microbes are vital for digestion, the synthesis of essential vitamins and nutrients (e.g. Vitamin K), crowding out or warding off pathogens (disease causing microorganisms), and training the developing immune system to distinguish between harmful and innocuous substances.

Crucially, they may also dictate if and when we get sick – healthy humans don’t typically carry bad pathogens in their microbiome, but there are opportunistic bugs living in balance in our systems that can cause illness when immunity is low or when things get out of whack. Research suggests that our microbiome plays a role in autoimmune conditions such as Irritable Bowel disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma, as well as in tooth decay, and possibly even obesity and mental illnesses. With a growing understanding of how these processes work, we may one day be able to treat many illnesses by adjusting microbial balance.

If you’re curious about your own microbiome, uBiome can sequence it and compare you to others. As the research grows, you just might want a snapshot of how your bugs stack up.

There’s a few cool TED talks on this….this is a good introductory one….listen for POO-Tea.

Baby Nat

Warm Up:
(Two Rounds)
20/20 Banded Shoulder Press
30 Face pulls
Handstand hold (accumulate 1 min) 
Then: 
5 Minute EMOM 40sec Glute Bridge & 20sec Rest

Tech:
a) Power Clean 3×3+1 + Jerk
b) Max L-sit – Three Rounds on parrelets, boxes or ground *(sub for hollow rocks if L’s were done day yesterday)

Workout: “Sprint it”
40 Wallballs (20/14)
20 TTB
30 Wallballs
15 TTB
20 Wallballs
10 TTB
*(Consider Toes to Rings and V-snaps for TTB Progression)