What We Have In Common With Sponges

Questioning our perspective: The Human Sponge

Did you know that our skin is the largest organ in the human body? Did you also know that the skin is porous? The skin is an incredible organ that preforms several different regulating functions for our body. One ability is to sweat. This rare adaptation granted to very few animals, helps with thermoregulation, removes toxins and metals, and eliminates damaged cellular debris. It also aids in the metabolic process of fat reduction via lipolysis and vitamin absorption. Like a common dish sponge, we humans can soak up and hold negative inflammatory compounds within us if not routinely “wrung” out. According to this study our ability to reduce overall buildup of toxic particulates is greatly improved by capitalizing on this amazing adaptation. Don’t be a dirty sponge, sweat it out!

What is the Microbiome?

The bacteria that grow and live inside our intestines is known as the microbiome. It’s a living ecosystem of symbiotic organisms that help regulate nutrient absorption, intestinal health, and immune function. This fragile microscopic world inside every one of us is a tremendous asset to overall health and wellness. Like our large-scale ecosystems around the world, this internal one is also threatened. Chronic stress, poor nutrition, and inflammatory lifestyles wreak havoc on the internal terrain causing an imbalance. This imbalance creates opportunities for unwanted harmful bacterial pathogens which in turn destabilize our ecosystems. Like our earth’s nature, an imbalance internally causes chaos within. A balanced microbiome is essential if optimal gastrointestinal health is to be achieved.