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Over the last 50 years, the proportion of asthmatics and allergy sufferers in the population has risen from five to 30 percent. This is due to the lack of diversity of microbes in our increasingly germ-free environment. These scientific findings have political consequences, not least for the planning of cities, schools and hospitals. Are microbes necessarily harmful? Because they are considered dangerous pathogens, humans try to eliminate them by all means possible - although 99 percent of microbes are essential to life. Research has shown that the lack of diversity of flora and fauna in concrete urban areas, excessive hygiene and the killing of germs in living spaces and processed foods lead to a disturbed intestinal flora in children. This weakens their immune system and can promote chronic diseases. Biodiversity is a vital resource, the loss of which can have far-reaching effects on human health. The so-called diseases of civilization seem to have their origin in this loss of nature: asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, obesity, mental disorders, depression, even cancer and Alzheimer's. They all seem to have something in common - namely microbial dysbiosis, an imbalance of the immune system and low-grade inflammation. The scientific findings have political consequences, not least for the planning of cities, schools or hospitals - because they suggest that protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining our health. Documentary by Marie Monique Robin (A/F 2024, 95 min) #microbes #health #body Video available until 06/01/2025 Link to the media library: https://www.arte.tv/de/videos/115633-... Subscribe to the ARTE YouTube channel: / artede Follow us on social networks: Facebook: / arte.tv Twitter: / artede Instagram: / arte.tv