I have amazing news that may gross you out and leave you questioning who you really are. Our skin is literally crawling with bacteria, fungi, viruses and little mites. Our body is comprised of significantly more DNA of exogenous bacterial organisms than it has of actual ‘human’ DNA. One immediately has to pose the question of who is actually running the show here, me or them? If I am predominately a colonization of various ‘conscious’ organisms symbiotically dancing with my host self. What is actually me? Is my perceived ‘I’ even the host or am I dependent on this concoction of creepy crawly creatures. Ahhhh, I’m freaking out man!
Our micro biome is getting a large amount of press as of recent for good reason. Our skin for example is inhabited by these various phyla of bacteria, fungus, virus and anthropods we call demodex mites. These organisms are serving and protecting us and at the same time they are feeding off of us and each other. This relationship is analogous with the acacia tree ants in Australia. These fearless ants defend the tree against vines that would deprive it of light if it weren’t for the ants snipping the vines on arrival. The ants defend against any outside invaders as the micro-organisms do for humans against destructive pathogens. The tree in return provides nutrition for the ants and a place to live. The ants are completely dependent on the tree for survival and the tree the ants. We are the tree and our micro biome the ants.
Now imagine if the tree suddenly suffered from a crazy delusion. The delusional tree believes ants are enemies and starts disinfecting itself 10 times a day to make sure the ants could not survive. It may seem nice for a day or so but the tree would very soon meet its demise if it kills off its main defense system. We as humans intentionally rid ourselves of these beneficial organisms with antibacterial soaps and toxic chemicals that we apply to our skin. In a sense, this is a psychobiological auto-immune disease. We consciously paralyze ourselves and leave our immune system defenseless because we find ourselves icky.
Not only does being a germaphobe weaken your immune system but it can throw your ability to attract a mate. Our bodies are constantly producing pheromones which naturally arouse potential sexual partners. We have been sold the idea that we better buy a product to cover this aroma up with an artificial one instead. I’m not saying stop showering (please keep bathing for the sake of everyone) I am simply asking you to be vigilant about the quality of the products you use to enhance your natural scent and be comfortable with a little dirt every now and again. It is ok to reinstate the 10 second rule for dropped food and daily antibacterial soap all over yourself will only compromise your body’s ability to naturally stay clean.