Did you know that some viruses, often associated with disease, live within us in harmony?
In your gut microbiome exists multitude of different viruses that form a "virome"
...Which actually includes many strains of coronavirus!
These viruses form a vital part of our bodies and immune system, existing in symbiosis and supporting our health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked fear and misconceptions around viruses, particularly regarding the nature of disease.
Understanding your virome can shed light on the ways these microorganisms contribute to our health rather than endanger it.
Introducing… Your Wonderful Virome
Our view of viruses is shaped by germ theory, the idea that disease stems from external pathogens invading the body.
This theory suggests that bacteria and viruses act as foreign enemies to be eliminated at all costs.
But there’s another perspective known as terrain theory, which emphasizes the internal state of our body—our “terrain”—in determining our health.
Terrain theory highlights:
The importance of gut health, a balanced microbiome, and virome for overall health.
How lifestyle choices like diet, stress, and environment influence our body’s resilience to illness.
The idea that a strong internal terrain may reduce susceptibility to infections, as opposed to purely focusing on fighting pathogens.
The Virome's Role in Health
Our virome is as essential to us as the probiotics in the gut microbiome.
Viruses inside us can influence immunity, cellular health, and even genetic adaptability.
According to recent research, the virome may play roles such as:
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Supporting gut health: A balanced virome helps regulate gut bacteria, supporting digestion and nutrient absorption.
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Boosting immunity: Certain viruses interact with the immune system, “training” it to recognize and respond to harmful pathogens.
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Improving resilience: A healthy virome contributes to mental well-being, and a robust gut-brain axis may reduce stress-related inflammation and improve mood.
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Enhance skin health: A healthy virome may even influence skin conditions by improving the body’s response to inflammation.
Key Takeaways:
We coexist with a multitude of viruses.
Not all viruses are harmful; many support vital functions, just as bacteria do in our microbiome.
The virome plays a role in immunity, gut health, and even mood regulation.
Scientific Insights on the Virome
A 2017 study, The Blood DNA Virome in 8,000 Humans, found that 42% of people without illness carried a diverse set of viruses, such as herpes and influenza.
Meanwhile, a 2019 study emphasized the gut virome’s role in immunity:
“It has been suggested that directly or indirectly altering the virome may improve health outcomes in disease phenotypes associated with virome perturbations.
The use of prebiotics (e.g., inulin and fructooligosaccharides) and probiotics, for instance, may indirectly target the virome since these may potentially affect bacterial membership and function."
Practical Tips for a Balanced Virome and Terrain
A healthy virome requires cultivating a supportive internal environment.
Here are a few ways to nurture your virome and microbiome alike:
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Consume prebiotics and probiotics: Including foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut supports good bacteria, which in turn positively affects the virome.
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Diversify your diet: Eating a range of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables feeds beneficial microbes and viruses.
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Limit artificial sweeteners and processed foods: These disrupt the gut environment and can negatively affect both microbiome and virome balance.
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Reduce stress: Chronic stress impacts the gut and can alter your body’s microbial environment. Consider practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation.