In the shifting focus from disease to wellness, microbiome science is an exciting new frontier. The makeup of your personal microbiome — the trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites and other organisms that live within and on you – play a vital role in your immune system and metabolism as well as your mental health. Multiple studies offer promise for optimal wellness and anti-aging as well as the elimination of chronic conditions. Historically medicine has focused on the dangers of pathogenic microbes, but less than 1% within a diverse, symbiotic system are actually harmful. Practices, such as the reliance on pharmaceuticals and super-sanitized lifestyles can actually diminish the body’s key interface with the environment and disrupt the microbiome, but unlike your genetic profile, you can take steps to restore your evolving complex community of organisms. On Thursday, March 16th, at 8:00 p.m., you have the opportunity to get solid scientific information instead of hype from integrative gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan ’87, who incorporates microbial optimization, nutritional therapy, mind-body techniques, and lifestyle changes into her therapeutic approach.
