Day 10 .:: Bacteria, Fermented Foods, & Health ::.

None of us are indispensable. All of us are expendable resources from Nature's perspective.
Yes, we all want to survive. In our pursuit for survival, are we doing the right thing for ourselves, our society, and our environment? Do we even know what is wrong from what is right? Elimination of the weakest link is the unspoken law of natural evolution. Complaining and fighting for entitlement will NOT ensure survival. Strengthening and evolving will keep us alive. Being mentally and physically strong is the only solution. (I avoid intellectual and spiritual evolution because it is beyond scope of survival instinct and this topic. My perspective is we need intellectual and spiritual capabilities to THRIVE not survive.)

Just a reminder, bacteria has thrived for 1.5 billion years. We, however, have evolved from higher primates around 3.5 Million years ago. First modern human is recorded in the fossil record about 2 million years ago. In this perspective, 5000 years of recorded history is minuscule. Modern scientific data of 100 years is not even the tip of iceberg of human evolution. Throughout evolution we have consumed bacteria from the soil and the environment and made it an extension of the human organ system. Co-evolution is achieved, and makes it often hard to differentiate gut bacteria and functional nature of normal intestines. It is said that 90% of human body is of bacterial origin. In other words,​ we are only 10% human!!! ​ Skin, lungs, reproductive tracts, and the whole of the gut from the mouth to the anus is lined by bacteria. A newborn has its immune system turned off, so that it gets exposed to almost every essential bacteria in mother's vaginal tract, skin, breast milk, local water, and soil; all of which are inoculated into this child. This beautiful natural vaccination process is turned off by most parents today by medications for simple colds, upper respiratory infections, and running bowels with doses of antibiotics.

Our gut microbiota​ , ​ or the microbial system, contains tens of trillions of bacteria – ten times more cells than in our body. These bacteria and intestines are today called “The Second Brain.”There are more than 3 million microbial genes in our gut microbiota –150 times more genes than in the human genome. Scientists have recognized gut bacteria that produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), all of which play a key role in joy, happiness, depression, anxiety and mood swings. Certain gut microbiota also affect how people metabolize these compounds, in turn controlling the amount that circulates in the blood and brain. Gut bacteria may also generate other neuroactive chemicals, including one called butyrate, that have been linked to reduced anxiety and depression. Scientists have shown that some microbes can activate the vagus nerve, the main line of communication between the gut and the brain. In addition, the microbiome is intertwined with the immune system, which itself influences mood and behavior. The loss of balance in gut microbiota is called dysbiosis. Dysbiosis may be linked to health problems such as functional bowel disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, obesity and diabetes. Dysbiosis is being rigorously studied, and the future of treatment for chronic diseases might be achieved with balancing gut bacteria.

There is a war being waged against bacteria through advertising and the use of excessive hygienic precautions have been recognized as the cause of excessive sensitivity in modern day humans. Hypersensitivity to pollens, recurring common cold, and asthma can be easily fixed by fixing this gut flora.

Gut microbiota are sensitive to foods we eat, as they are directly responsible for digestion. The air we breathe also has numerous bacteria which gets ingested along with foods. The ancient Indian concept of Ayurveda focused on eating different foods for different seasons. The rationale behind this practice can be directly explained by gut microbiota.

Asava and Arista are Ayurvedic concoctions of fermented herbs and organic materials used for different diseases. Their effectiveness can be explained by understanding the interaction between fermented foods and gut microbiota. These fermentations are prepared by seasonal extraction, and at specifically determined times, which explains the microbial availability in the environment. Other Ayurvedic preparations like Murabba, dry fermented foods in which seasonal fruits are sun dried with jaggery or salt, also help in the treatment of numerous diseases. Pickling and wines of specific foods have been explained in detail in Ayurvedic texts that need to be revisited. The detailed explanations in ancient Indian texts might, after all, NOT be voodoo.

We have identified a few specific cures from ancient texts for Rheumatoid Arthritis and it involves dietary modifications. Understanding gut microbiota, immunology and Ayurveda helps to present better explanation and treatment for diseased.

Dr.A