Harmony in Complexity: The Symbiotic Symphony of the Human Body

-

Author - Ravi Kulkarni 

Ceiba trees in Costa Rica are ecologically significant and complex components of the rainforest ecosystem. Towering above the canopy, these trees are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide array of wildlife including birds, mammals, insects, and a variety of epiphytes like orchids and bromeliads. All of them and the tree live in total harmony; supporting and nourishing each other while not dominating or exploiting each other.

Human body is similarly a large ecosystem consisting of thousands of species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and many other microorganisms. They colonize pretty much every part of the body but largely congregate in the colon. They play a vital role in digestion, extraction of essential micronutrients from foods and even synthesize certain vitamins such as B12, which the human body is unable to do by itself. Most major diseases are associated with some known or unknown disturbance somewhere in this complex system.

Humans disrupt the ecological balance in nature through practices such as monoculture, which depletes soil nutrients and reduces biodiversity, and the excessive use of chemicals like pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, leading to soil degradation and water pollution. Introducing non-native species disrupts local ecosystems. These practices contribute to environmental issues like soil erosion, water shortages, and declines in pollinator populations, ultimately impacting the sustainability of agricultural systems.

Similarly, through the use of antibiotics, which, while treating infections, also harm beneficial bacteria. Dietary habits, particularly high intake of processed foods and sugars, negatively affect gut bacteria. Excessive hygiene practices and the use of antibacterial products can disturb the skin microbiome. Environmental exposure to pollutants alters the microbiome across various body parts, and lifestyle factors like stress, inadequate sleep, and lack of exercise further impact microbial balance. These disruptions can lead to a range of health issues, including digestive problems, weakened immunity, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Protect the Ceiba tree in you. It will serve you well!!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Insulin Resistance - A Slow Motion Train Wreck

-
Image
Ravi Kulkarni (kulkarnr@gmail.com) Editor: ChatGPT Disclaimer : This is not medical advice and I am not a medical professional. Please consult a board certified physician for your personal health issues. Introduction Insulin resistance is a basic mechanism of the body that, while it exists to protect the body, can end up damaging and destroying it. While insulin resistance is extremely common, it hardly gets any attention unlike its bigger cousins, pre-diabetes and diabetes. This article is an attempt to spotlight insulin resistance, explain the terrible damage it can eventually cause, and what you can do to prevent, slow, or reverse it. Confronting an Impending Crisis Dialysis Machine Imagine the challenges of living with a missing limb or the constant worry of monitoring blood sugar levels and restricting oneself from enjoying favorite foods. Millions of individuals worldwide who suffer from type 2 diabetes (T2D) live this nightmare. According to the US National Diabetes Surveillance
Read more

The dose makes the poison!!

-
Image
Author - Ravi Kulkarni   This principle is the cornerstone of modern toxicology practice. The idea is that even harmful substances, such as poisons, are safe to consume in very small doses. For example, many heavy metal poisons such as Arsenic or Lead are ever present in our environment. Therefore, they are also present in many foods we consume in minute quantities. Toxicology experts have studied their effects on the body and that knowledge has been incorporated into the regulatory guidelines such as those provided by the FDA for foods that are marketed in interstate commerce.    But this principle is not only about poisons. Even harmless substances such as water can become poisonous if consumed in large quantities. Our diets have gone so far out of whack with our nature that most people end up suffering the consequences of overdosing on foods that become poisons.    Since I have been wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a while, I have noticed how the dose does make the poi
Read more

My Living Room - A perspective!!

-
Image
Author - Ravi Kulkarni Let me tell you a story. In my little town, I was known for my charming but quirky home. One day, a small leak developed in the ceiling of my living room. At first, the leak was just a drip - a tiny nuisance. I placed a teacup under it, amused by the occasional plink of water. But as time passed, that drip became a constant stream. I turned my living room into a maze of bowls, cups, and pots to catch the water. It was a sight to see, and my friends found it amusing. The real trouble began when the water started damaging my furniture. My favorite chair, a relic passed down from my grandmother, was the first casualty. Its fabric bloomed with damp spots, and the legs weakened. But I was too caught up in my solution to see the problem. Instead of fixing the roof, I threw a party to unveil a new, expensive armchair I bought, thinking it could simply replace the old one. Unfortunately for me the new armchair didn’t last long either. In addition, several other issue
Read more