by Alexis K. Heinz, 2017 ecology & evolutionary biology woody plants graduate student instructor; 2019 master of science, conservation ecology & master of landscape architecture
I recently learned that in the large intestine, the cecum is a location for recalcitrant plant material. Neighboring, the appendix is believed to house some of the human’s microbiome.
According to Sender, Fuchs, and Milo in 2016, in and on the human body,
The human microbiome contains
38 quadrillion cells = 38,000,000,000,000 cells =
3.8*10^13 cells = 3.8 times 10 to the 13th power cells.
The human body contains
30 quadrillion cells = 30,000,000,000,000 cells =
3.0*10^13 cells = 3.0 times 10 to the 13th power cells.
Wow. That’s a lot of cells. And the numbers are similar in magnitude.
When traveling, people interact with new microbial communities in nature and especially when eating with others. Locally grown food contains microbes from the specific location. I think traveling strengthens the microbiome.
The microbiome also has effects on the mind. In some situations, depression and mood problems have been linked to problems with one’s microbiome.
I think a diverse microbiome or gut flora is linked to diversity in the mind. Spending time close to the soil and local people is a way to add and enhance diversity of thought. And grow diversity of cultural understanding. And protect the diversity of ways of being and living.
Copyright 2020 by Alexis Heinz. For questions or permissions contact akheinz@umich.edu