You’re right to highlight that so many solutions require systemic action. Individual choices matter, but the playing field is rarely level. Our microbiomes reflect the cumulative impact of community policy, food systems, medical norms, and even urban design as much as what we consciously put in our mouths. I’ve seen this firsthand in families struggling for access to fresh food, or parents doing everything “right” but up against an overload of environmental chemicals.
Yes, our culture in general, and the healthcare industry, in particular, often act as if health is simply about discipline, but that is definitely not an evidence-based perspective. Certainly having money shields you from the impact of some of these issues, but many of them like the health of the microbial communities in our soil, even wealth and privilege can’t protect you from the systemic problems there.
You’re right to highlight that so many solutions require systemic action. Individual choices matter, but the playing field is rarely level. Our microbiomes reflect the cumulative impact of community policy, food systems, medical norms, and even urban design as much as what we consciously put in our mouths. I’ve seen this firsthand in families struggling for access to fresh food, or parents doing everything “right” but up against an overload of environmental chemicals.
Yes, our culture in general, and the healthcare industry, in particular, often act as if health is simply about discipline, but that is definitely not an evidence-based perspective. Certainly having money shields you from the impact of some of these issues, but many of them like the health of the microbial communities in our soil, even wealth and privilege can’t protect you from the systemic problems there.