Jack Gilbert isn’t your typical scientist. Sure, he wears a labcoat and peers through microscopes, but what sets him apart is his quest to uncover the hidden world of the microbiome—those tiny organisms that call our bodies home. In his groundbreaking work, Gilbert has unearthed some jaw-dropping discoveries that are changing the way we think about health, hygiene, and the environment.

One of Gilbert’s most fascinating findings is that our bodies are like bustling cities, teeming with trillions of microbes. Yep, you read that right—trillions! These microscopic inhabitants, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, play crucial roles in keeping us healthy. From digesting our food to training our immune systems, they’re the unsung heroes of our bodies.

Microbiomes Are Your Body’s Bacterial Buddies

Here’s the kicker, though: not all microbes are created equal. Some are friendly neighbors, while others are downright troublemakers. Gilbert’s research has shown that the balance of microbes in our bodies—known as our microbiome—can influence everything, from our weight to our mood (and way more). 

Take, for example, the gut microbiome: This bustling community of bacteria helps break down food, produce essential vitamins, and even communicate with our brains. (So the next time you have a gut feeling, you can thank your microbiome for chiming in!)

Now, you might be thinking, “But wait, isn’t bacteria bad?”

Well, not necessarily.

Gilbert likes to say that we’re living in a microbial world, and we’re just part of the ecosystem. In fact, many bacteria are beneficial, helping us fight off infections and keeping our bodies in balance. It’s all about fostering a healthy relationship with these tiny tenants. 

‘Dirt is Good’ Prescribes Less Soap and More Mud

In his book Dirt is Good, co-authored with Rob Knight, Gilbert dives into the nitty-gritty of microbiome science—and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Forget everything you thought you knew about germs and cleanliness, because Gilbert is here to set the record straight. 

According to him, we’ve gone a bit overboard with our obsession with cleanliness. Sure, washing your hands is important, (especially after using the bathroom—please, wash your hands!) but scrubbing every surface with antibacterial wipes? Not so much.

In Dirt is Good, Gilbert and Knight argue that a little dirt is actually…well, good for you! Exposing ourselves to a diverse array of microbes—whether it’s through gardening, playing outside, or even owning a pet—can boost our immune systems and promote overall health. 

So go ahead, let your kids play in the mud. It might just be the best thing you can do for their health.

The Impact of Dr. Jack Gilbert’s Work

It’s not just about dirt and germs, either; Gilbert’s work has far-reaching implications for everything from medicine to agriculture. Researchers are harnessing the power of microbes to improve crop yields, reduce the need for pesticides, and promote soil health on farms, which will in turn make us all healthier.

Not only that: With a deeper understanding of the role the microbiome plays in health and disease, scientists are developing new treatments for conditions like obesity, diabetes, and even depression—and more! Just recently,  a specific bacteria was discovered as a likely cause of endometriosis—and mice injected with a specific antibiotic saw relief from symptoms and scarring very quickly.

So what’s next for the exciting field of microbiome research? The possibilities are endless: From exploring the microbiomes of other animals, studying how our microbial communities change over time, there’s still so much we have yet to discover!

One thing’s for sure: with scientists like Dr. Jack Gilbert leading the way, the future’s looking bright…and a little dirty (in a good way!)

• Book: Dirt is Good by Jack Gilbert & Rob Knight
• Website: Gilbert Lab, UCSD
• Website: Rob Knight, Knight Lab, University of California
• Study: Emerging bacterial factors for understanding pathogenesis of endometriosis

• 00:00 – Intro & Welcome
• 02:15 – Why Dirt is Good
• 11:15 – Break
• 13:31 – Are Probiotics Useful?
• 20:25 – Individualized Medicine
• 31:03 – The Gut-Brain Connection
• 38:24 – Dirt Enhances Immune Systems
• 41:40 – Closing