Imagine trillions of microorganisms working together as residents of a vast city, living inside you. Forming a complex ecosystem, these microorganisms influence both our health and well-being. They act like one community, shaping everything from digestion to mood, and even disease resistance.

The Microbiome:

The human microbiome consists of 10-100 trillion microbes. Throughout our body, there are a multitude of these biomes hosting distinct microbial communities. From the warm, nutrient-rich environment of your gut to the cool, acidic surface of your skin, each biological niche hosts its own unique microbial population. Within these communities, thousands of species of bacteria, fungi, and viruses exist, playing crucial roles in metabolizing food and maintaining a balanced immune system.

Parts of the body, such as the skin, mouth, and respiratory tract, also have their own unique microbial cities. With each of these body parts serving specific functions for us, their respective neighborhoods also serve specialized functions, maintaining the foundation of human health.

The Gut:

The microbiome in our gut is easily the largest, and it plays a crucial role in our health. The bacteria within helps break down complex carbohydrates that the human body alone cannot digest, converting them into short-chain fatty acids that support intestinal cells and help regulate immune response. Continuing on in the process, it eventually leads to the production of serotonin, an essential chemical for mood regulation.

Studies have linked a healthy gut microbiome with reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, which directly leads to healthy physical well-being. On the other hand, when the microbiota of our gut isn’t healthy, imbalances occur. These imbalances are associated with disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and obesity.

Microbial Defenders:

The microbiome also has a critical role in the defense against pathogens. In the gut, our bacteria battle against harmful microorganisms every day, preventing pathogens from reproducing and causing infections. These "friendly" microbes also communicate with immune cells, which help support against harmful substances.

A common example of this is Escherichia coli, or, E. coli. Although mostly known as a harmful bacterium, E. coli is actually found to be non-pathogenic in most cases (not able to spread disease). Located within our intestine, it helps with digestion, vitamin production, and maintaining the balance of bacteria found within its microbiome.

Nurturing Your Microbiome:

Just as a diverse, well-planned city needs constant maintenance and resources to thrive, microbiomes require consistent, nutritious input to maintain its balance. Understanding the importance of our internal microbial cities opens up a whole new way of improving our health. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented vegetables introduce beneficial bacteria, while prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and whole grains feed the good bacteria, increasing the biodiversity in your system. However, processed foods and artificial additives provide little to no fiber which bacteria feed off of, causing an imbalance in microbiomes. They also often contain preservatives that harm helpful microbes.

As scientists continue to map the complex urban landscape of the human microbiome, one thing is clear: our internal ecosystem is an essential part of our health. By nurturing it with the right diet and lifestyle, we can support not just a thriving microbial metropolis, but a healthier, happier self.