In the last six to eight years, there’s been a fundamental change in our understanding of the extremely important role that microbes living in - and on - our bodies have in maintaining our health.
It’s no exaggeration to say that there’s been a scientific revolution in understanding of the human microbiome – the trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that we live with and are now known to be essential both for normal development and for healthy function of our gut, our brain, our immune systems, and our metabolism. Each of us is a “superorganism” in which our human cells and organs need to work in co-operation with an almost equal number of cells of various non-human microbial species to maintain the health of the whole multi-species community that we call “our bodies.” Many, but by no means all, of these micro-organisms live in our guts – so our gut health is a major driver of (and is a reflection of) our overall health.
All the details are still being discovered, but it’s clear that this new information is leading to powerful new approaches to gut disorders, obesity, diabetes, asthma, allergies, etc. Potential products are being tested right now for acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. Already, ulcerative colitis can be treated by a special probiotic and one life-threatening infectious disease can be prevented by treatment with a donation of a healthy person’s poop.
Perhaps a similar treatment will turn out to be the best way to prevent obesity. But along the way, there may be some “dead ends” – for example, many of the probiotics for sale today seem likely to be useless for most people. Still, this exciting new area of medical treatment is showing great promise.
John North received his PhD in immunology from the University of Cambridge, England. He spent the majority of his career developing novel pharmaceuticals, retiring to the Island in 2012 after nearly a decade leading a UBC spin-off biotech company.
Join Dr. John North at the Philosophers’ Café at 7 p.m. on June 5 at the Berwick as we explore this new insight into the workings of our bodies. We’ll discuss what this means for maintaining our health, and where new health research may lead.
Once a month a speaker will introduce a theme to the Café, and then all who attend can join in respectful, non-partisan conversation, or just sit back and listen. You are welcome to propose topics and introduce them at future Cafés. Themes should be of broad interest and national significance, and have an element of controversy to them. Note that this is the last Café before returning in September.
As with each Café, John North will have just 10 minutes to introduce the topic, and then the floor is open for 50 minutes of moderated discussion.
The next Philosophers’ Café takes place from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5 at Berwick Comox Valley (1700 Comox Ave., Comox), in the community room. This is a free event.