
The Yanomami
Microbiome Project
The Human Microbiome
The human microbiome is the collection of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, living in and on our bodies. Predominantly found in the gut, these microorganisms play crucial roles in digestion, immune function, and overall health. They help break down food, produce essential nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens.
Each person's microbiome is unique, influenced by factors such as diet, environment, and lifestyle. Recent research has highlighted significant differences between the gut microbiomes of industrialized populations and those of remote and isolated Indigenous communities.


Impact of Industrialization
Societies characterized by technological advancements, urbanization, and lifestyle and diet shifts have had a profound impact on the gut microbiome and associated health effects, particularly chronic diseases. The Westernized diet, known for its excessive consumption of processed foods, sugars, unhealthy fats, and low fiber intake, disrupts the balance of gut microbial communities. This dysbiosis plays a significant role in chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Furthermore, the widespread and indiscriminate use of antibiotics, both in medicine and agriculture, has a profound impact on the gut microbiota, leading to long-term alterations in microbial composition and function.
This disturbance in microbial diversity significantly weakens immune regulation, thereby exacerbating inflammatory responses and increasing susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, allergies, and asthma. Hygiene practices prevalent in modern societies also play a role. Excessive sanitation reduces microbial exposure, hindering the development of a robust immune system and promoting allergic and autoimmune reactions.
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Understanding the intricate relationship between the industrialization process, the gut microbiome, and chronic diseases is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate their impact on public health and promote wellness in contemporary societies.


The Yanomami Microbiome
The majority of the Yanomami population, with their unique gut microbiome, maintain a lifestyle centered on hunting, foraging, and small-scale gardening. Their diet—rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and wild game—nurtures diverse microbial communities, which are thought to play a key role in supporting robust immune function and digestive health. This microbial diversity may significantly contribute to their overall well-being and the low prevalence of chronic, inflammatory diseases.
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As more Yanomami communities integrate with the dominant national culture, however, new health risks emerge. This underscores the importance of preserving their traditional practices and protecting their ecosystem to maintain their health and cultural heritage
Facilitating Research
The Yanomami Foundation is at the forefront of exploring the structure and function of the Yanomami microbiome through research that examines their food systems, culture, and environment. By bridging the knowledge gap between the microbiome and human health, we advance our understanding of disease, health, and the human body.
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This groundbreaking research not only benefits humanity on a global scale but also sheds light on the unintended consequences of transculturation among the Yanomami. It highlights the need for essential measures to protect their resilient microbiome and traditional ways of life. The Yanomami people play a unique and vital role in microbiome research—not merely as participants but as co-creators of knowledge. Their active involvement fosters a respectful exchange of information and skills, making them indispensable to the future of global microbiome studies.


Stewardship
The Yanomami Foundation, in close collaboration with the Yanomami people, is committed to supporting research projects that uphold the highest bioethical standards and principles of good stewardship. Together, we establish these standards to prioritize community-based participatory approaches, transparent sharing of research findings, community outreach initiatives, intercultural training, and equitable monetary benefit-sharing. By fostering genuine partnerships, we ensure that the research process is not only ethical but also respectful of Yanomami autonomy and beneficial to all parties involved. These shared principles exemplify our dedication to responsibly utilizing the resources entrusted to us by our funders and stakeholders.

Scientific articles on the Yanomami Microbiome:
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