Giulia Enders

But most of all, genes are plans. They are incapable of doing anything unless they are read and implemented.

Taken together, our gut bacteria have 150 times more genes than a human being. This massive collection of genes is called a biome.

The guts of obese people are often found to contain more bacterial genes involved in breaking down carbohydrates

Similar caution should be exercised with general dietary tips. Soy’s ability to protect against prostate cancer, cardio-vascular disease, or bone disorders, for example, has now been proven. More than 50 percent of Asians benefit from this effect. Among people of European heritage, the beneficial effect is found among only 25 to 30 percent of the population. This cannot simply be explained by human genetic differences. The difference is due to certain bacteria. They are found more commonly in the guts of Asians, where they are able to coax the health-promoting essence out of tofu and other soy products

In the industrialized world, about 90 percent of our nutrition comes from what we eat, and we are fed about 10 percent by our bacteria

In the industrialized world, about 90 percent of our nutrition comes from what we eat, and we are fed about 10 percent by our bacteria.

For humans, that can mean some people pile on the pounds even though they eat no more than others. It could be that their gut flora is extracting more energy from the food they eat

For humans, that can mean some people pile on the pounds even though they eat no more than others. It could be that their gut flora is extracting more energy from the food they eat.

Bacteria are not the only possible cause of subclinical infections—hormone imbalances, too much estrogen, lack of vitamin D, or too much gluten-rich food have all been observed to have a similar effect.

Even more impenetrable than the meninges are the coats that surround all the blood vessels passing through the brain. The only things that can make it through this tangled mess are pure sugar, minerals, and anything that is as small and fat-soluble as a neural transmitter