How much do bacteria really influence our health compared to our genes?

[lightbulb27]

Branching off a question answered by @msc454 that genetics is the major factor in diabetes.

We are 10x bacteria... which have their genetics. Those bacteria are influencing our biological engine.

How much do you suspect bacteria are a major factor in your health?

How much of a factor is what you consume, think, believe and environment you are in a factor influencing the bacteria and cells?

I'm thinking... it's substantial...

In other words, you are not at the mercy of your genetic cells. You have substantial influence over the direction and outcomes...

[Kelley1]

With modern medicine and medical care, bacteria have a limited effect on our health. Before modern medical care, bacteria had a huge effect on our health.

In the past, about half died in childbirth or died of childhood illnesses before puberty. Those with good genes who survived to become adults typically had life spans similar to modern day life spans, often living into their 60s, 70s, and occasionally 80s. In the distant past, the average lifespan was 40 because when half the people die in single digit ages, the average lifespan is almost half of the average lifespan of people who lived to become adults.

[FreyaRed]

Depends what disease you mean. Diabetes isn't caused by bacteria. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

Environment and bacteria only has a major factor if a person suddenly moves into a different environment where their bodies haven't the developed the immune system to be there.

Good or bad health is nearly all dependent on genetics.

[lightbulb27]

interesting!

[exitseven]

Antibiotics and modern sanitation techniques have done a lot to increase the lifespan of humans so yes bacteria does effect our health

[lightbulb27]

Agree!

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO😎

[abc3643]

Remember: "You" are not just you.

About 2% of your mass is other microorganisms living on or inside your body. You live more or less symbiotically with them. Without them, you become ill because part of their digestion and metabolism affects your digestion and metabolism and immunity. Meanwhile, without you, they don't live long.

[lightbulb27]

yes, they are abundant, but apparently, very light!

[NathanDavis]

"the second brain"

[Anonymous]

Bacteria, Viruses, Protozoa and some other micro-organisms have significant influence,