The Bacterial Genome
There are 3 genomes that exist within the human body.
The previous genetic narrative told the story that the human genome controlled it all. That we could simply take a genetic test to tell us our predisposition to certain diseases, give us insight on our specific nutritional practices, what exercise habits that work well for us, and all with incredible accuracy that comes with a high price point.
However, genetic testing only covers a small snip of what is actually true about the human genome and here’s why;
Genetic tests are only testing the human genome and this will only tell us what’s true one third of the time. Within these testings we are not taking into consideration the other 2 genomes at play;
“The Mitochondrial Genome” and the “The Bacterial Genome”
There are 3 distinct and different genomes that exist within the body that are constantly in communication with each other, yet only one is being tested. All three genomes can actually be influenced and changed through external factors, especially the bacterial genome.
Research has shown that there are more genes in your microbiome than in your human genome. Showing that we have hundreds of microbial genes that are all linked to aging, longevity and disease.
The body is in constant communication with itself. Food is signal, food is gene activation and only the microbes are the one’s able to communicate these signals efficiently and effectively. With the right bacteria in place, we will able to slow down the aging process, lose weight more effectively as we can now use food in the correct way.
Our Microbiome has been shown to “cross-talk” with the mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome contains bacteria or “signal-transporters” that signal cellular metabolism, ATP production, Apoptosis and much more.
The only way that all 3 genomes can remain in constant conversation with each other is through bacteria. More specifically; Bifidobacteria. Optimizing bifidobacteria (the master bacteria in the gut) will optimize our gut health on a genetic level.
The first thing to note here is that our master bacteria; bifidobacteria, is a colon dweller. It resides and takes home in the colon.
Bifidobacteria uses these enzymes called “glycoside hydrolyses” to break down fibres. And here’s the most interesting part of it all. Of these enzymes that break down fibres and carbohydrates within the gut, the Human Genome contains 17 genes that encode this. In ONE single species of bifidobacteria, it has 57 genes that encode this! There is no argument that the bacterial genome is where you break down fibres. Not the human genome.
This is why it is possible to reverse things like gluten and lactose intolerance. (Previously we thought it was the human genome that dictated something like a lactose intolerance). All we have to do is repopulate the right bacteria in the gut while simultaneously taking in small amounts of our trigger food to train your body on how to re-digest it.
If we can work to increase levels of bifidobacteria, we can optimize our bacterial genome to better break down fibres and carbohydrates and utilize them correctly.
With all of our hacks, the most simplest way to start promoting the production of bifidobacteria is through HMOs (human milk Oligosaccharides) which contain 2-fucosyllactose. A milk sugar that which has been shown, tested and proven to feed our master gut bacteria effectively.
Another thing to note of why to optimize the bacterial genome is that bifidobacteria locks in immunity early in life. If it’s not there you will tend to struggle with problems with immunity throughout your life.
Check out our other articles and posts on HMOs, Macrophages (immune cells) to learn more about optimizing our digestion.
