Khaberni - Living with a life partner may not only involve sharing the home and daily lifestyle, but also extends to sharing another type of "invisible cohabitation," which consists of the microorganisms that live on and inside the body.
This group of organisms, which includes bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is known as the human microbiome, and plays a central role in general health, from supporting the immune system to improving digestion processes.
Since birth, this delicate ecosystem begins to form through interaction with the mother, where microorganisms that contribute to immunity and digestive health are transferred. With aging, social interactions, especially with a partner, continue to affect this vital balance.
Gut Bacteria
Studies suggest that couples living together share about 30% of these microbes, even after accounting for the influence of a shared diet.
It has also been observed that shared living is associated with an increased diversity of the microbiome, a factor that is viewed positively in terms of health; as it is linked to lower risks of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, heart diseases, and elevated blood sugar levels.
But the picture is not entirely positive; as some types of bacteria can have varying effects on health.
Research indicates that cohabiting couples may share about 38% of their oral microbiome, compared to a negligible percentage among non-cohabiting couples.
Although most of these bacteria leave no long-term impact, some may settle in the mouth, which can affect oral health positively or negatively, depending on the type of bacteria.
Some types may be linked to certain health risks, such as bacteria of the Neisseria genus, which may be present without symptoms, but in some cases carry health risks.
Microbial Fingerprint
On the level of the skin, the skin microbiome is the most specific, and is sometimes described as the "microbial fingerprint" of each individual. This system is affected by multiple factors such as the environment, cosmetics, lifestyle, and also clearly by the relationship with the partner.
Studies show that cohabiting couples share a significant portion of skin bacteria, not only through direct contact but also through factors like sleeping in the same bed or being in the same environment.
Scientific models have been able to predict with high accuracy couples who live together based on the similarity of their skin microbiome.
Despite the worrying aspect of exchanging these microorganisms, most of them are harmless, and some perform important functions, such as supporting immunity, aiding digestion, and producing essential nutrients.
