From The Boston Globe · · 1m
Ancient Gut Health vs Modern Microbiome Shift
Scientists find hunter-gatherer gut bacteria may have been healthier than industrialized societies.
In brief
Scientists find hunter-gatherer gut bacteria may have been healthier than industrialized societies. Hunter-gatherer gut bacteria could have been healthier than modern microbiomes, raising health concerns from industrialization. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Microbiome Shifts Over Time
Scientists report the human gut microbiome was stable for tens of thousands of years before industrialization.
600+ Bacteria Species Identified
Researchers found over 600 bacterial species once common in guts but now rare in industrialized societies.
Justin Sonnenburg's View
Justin Sonnenburg, a Stanford microbiome scientist, says the microbiome shift may increase allergies and dementia.
“How bad could this be, the fact that we changed our microbiomes so much?”
Hunter-Gatherer Microbiome
The Hadza in Tanzania have 730 gut bacteria species versus 270 in average Californians.
Tsimane Comparison
The Tsimane in Bolivia share 848 bacterial species with Hadza but have distinct mutations from industrialized countries.
Microbial Evolution
Hunter-gatherer ancestors carried microbes that evolved into distinct species after migrating to the Americas 15,000 years ago.
Health Implications
The shift from ancient to modern microbiomes may trigger inflammation and other health issues.
The short version
Hunter-gatherer gut bacteria could have been healthier than modern microbiomes, raising health concerns from industrialization.
