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What Is the Gut Microbiome?

BiologyHealth

Quick Answer

The gut microbiome is the vast community of trillions of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract that aid digestion, immunity, and even mood.

The Full Story

The human gut harbours an estimated 38 trillion bacteria — roughly equal to the number of human cells in the body — plus viruses, fungi, and archaea. These microbes ferment dietary fibre into short-chain fatty acids that nourish colon cells, synthesise vitamins (K and some B vitamins), train the immune system, and produce neurotransmitters like serotonin. In fact, about 90% of the body serotonin is made in the gut. An imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) has been linked to conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease to obesity, depression, and allergies.

Key Facts

1.The collective genome of the gut microbiome contains roughly 150 times more genes than the human genome.
2.Babies born by vaginal delivery acquire different initial microbiomes than those born by caesarean section.
3.The microbiome composition is as unique as a fingerprint — no two people share exactly the same microbial community.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Your Gut Microbiome — The Trillions of Organisms Running Your Health"