The Human Microbiome and Its Role in Keeping Us Healthy

Abstract

Humans are complex ecosystems made up of human cells and small organisms called microbes. The diverse group of microbes living in and on the body is called the microbiome. By looking at the genes of these organisms, the Human Microbiome Project showed that each part of the body has its own set of microbes. For the body to be in good health, the microbiome must be in balance. The microbiome keeps us healthy in several ways. For example, it helps digest and absorb nutrients, train the immune system, and protect us from harmful microbes and chronic infections. Changes to the normal composition of the microbiome, known as dysbiosis, can lead to certain diseases. In this article, we will explain the role of the microbiome in maintaining human health. We will also explain the influence of factors like genes, age, diet, antibiotic use, lifestyle, and others on the composition of the microbiome and some of the diseases that can result.