Part 1: Set a timer for 3 minutes, and make a list of as many human non-infectious diseases that you can think of that are influenced by microorganisms.
There are many human non-infectious diseases which are associated and influenced by microorganisms. Obesity, type II diabetes, asthma, Alzheimers, cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, ulcers, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, brain cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Part 2: Refer back to your Writing Exercise #1 that you completed the first week of class. Reflect and discuss how your responses have changed from week 1 to week 10, and what the most important topics you will take away with you once you have completed the course.
When I first tried to list different non-infectious diseases, I knew almost nothing. I had been introduced to the gut microbiome in a previous immunology course, although the mechanisms of how it affected other diseases was not deeply discussed. Throughout the term, I know have an abundance of knowledge which contributes to my greater understanding that gut health is deeply intertwined with our own human health and is important to take care of. The most important topic in which I will carry away from this course is the focus on how to improve it through the use of pro-, pre- and synbiotics to encourage diversity and growth of my microbiome, while further limiting my antibiotic use to when necessary.
