19/06/2024
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22 Interesting Facts About the Microbiome—Part One
The microbiome is the collective genetic material (DNA) of the microorganisms that live inside and on the human body.
Here are some amazing facts to enlighten you about this group of microbes that are essential to health. Enjoy!
• It is estimated that the average human body contains 40 trillion microbial cells, which is about the same number as human cells.
• Your microbiome changes as you age. Centenarians have microbiomes that are more similar than expected to younger individuals, suggesting they have a “younger” microbiome.
• The human gut microbiome is influenced by many different things, but most strongly by the food you eat. Other influences include how you live, your pets, your exercise routines, where you work, and your genetics.
• There are more microbes in the human body than there are stars in the Milky Way galaxy!
• Microbes in your gut can produce signals that travel all the way to your brain. This is part of a system known as the Gut-Brain Axis.
• Prebiotics are foods meant for you microbes, not for you. Prebiotics are usually not able to be digested by humans. But microorganisms love them.
• A few ways to keep your microbiome happy are by providing them healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep.
• “I thought bad bacteria were bad?!” It is usual for the gut microbiota to include potentially pathogenic strains. But when the community balance is maintained, they are kept in check and can even be beneficial.
• The Human Microbiome Project began in 2008 as a five-year, $150-million project to describe the human microbiome and its role in human health and disease.
• The microbiome has been associated with health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, mental health, cardiovascular disease, skin conditions, and oral health issues.
• Humans aren’t the only ones with microbiomes. Animals, plants, oceans, and even dirt have their own microbiomes.
Check your page tomorrow for Part Two.
More information on the microbiome:
https://askthescientists.com/defining-microbiome/
https://askthescientists.com/gut-brain/
https://askthescientists.com/qa/dietary-fiber-and-microbiome/