At some point, we all ask ourselves: Who am I, really? What shapes our bodies, thoughts, and emotional well-being?
Several decades ago, Susan’s research lab at MIT embarked on a scientific journey to uncover who—or what—is truly driving the bus when it comes to our health. The answers were surprising.
For over 36 years, Susan has worked as a researcher, teacher, and senior administrator at MIT. For 20 of those years, she led an NIH-funded research lab focused on the intricate relationships between microbes, the immune system, and overall health and wellness.
Her lab’s work often carried affectionate nicknames that captured the spirit of discovery—one of the most intriguing:
"You Are What You Eat, Sort Of."
This series of peer-reviewed scientific studies, along with subsequent research by the Erdman lab and others, revealed a fascinating truth:
The foods we eat, combined with the microbes living in our gut, work together with our immune system to influence everything from body weight and muscle tone to mental health and overall well-being.
How Microbes Shape Our Health
More than a decade ago, Susan’s research team at MIT conducted a series of experiments revealing that our microbial residents interact with our body chemistry in profound ways.
When Susan’s lab artificially boosted populations of healthy gut bacteria in mouse models, the results were striking—leading to leaner, healthier outcomes. Even more astonishing, immune cells influenced by these microbes alone were enough to recreate the effects.
One key discovery was that a microbe-triggered hormone— oxytocin , often called the bonding hormone —played a pivotal role in unifying body and mind, influencing metabolism, immunity, and even social behaviors.
Of course, this is a simplification of a complex biological process, and many fascinating scientific questions remain.
The takeaway is clear: A healthy, diverse diet rich in fiber and nutrients supports beneficial gut bacteria, which in turn help balance your immune system for optimal health.
In this remarkable synergy, what you eat doesn’t just nourish you—it feeds the trillions of microbial passengers inside you, shaping metabolism, immune function, and well-being in ways science is only beginning to understand.
Stay tuned for more insights from Susan’s research in this blog series, where science meets practical wellness for a healthier, stronger you!
Step into the inviting world of Every Body Balance, where wellness meets inspiration. Let Susan’s unique blend of expertise and passion guide you toward your healthiest, happiest self.
