The roles gut microbes play in health, disease and strategies

Microorganisms are fascinating components in life on earth. Many functions that used to be attributed to bigger life forms or their organs, are actually performed by microorganisms that have adjusted to a specialized niche, and effectively have become part of that life form.

When we observe the water-cleansing properties of a natural or constructed wetland, the filtration happens in the root system of the plants, while the processing of the filtrated substances is done by the microbes attached to the fine roots, and supplying them with nutrients. We talk of symbiosis, but it really is an integrated part of the plant’s organism. This is easier to understand when we perceive even individual beings as ecosystems – intelligent collaborations with buffering systems and multiple methods of self-organization. Continue reading →