Description

Over the past few decades, much research has been devoted to understanding the gut microbiome and its influence on human health. Over 100 trillion microbial cells reside in our intestinal tract, offering several benefits, including protection from pathogens and supporting gastrointestinal, metabolic, and immune health.[1] Our microbiome consists of bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, and archaea, which thrive in this nutrient-rich environment[2]. Our bodies provide these “bugs” room and board, and in return, we receive important health advantages. While it is generally accepted that there is a “core” population of microbes that populate the human GI tract, each of us has our own unique microbiotic fingerprint that is based on factors including our age, the environment we live in, antibiotic use, whether we were born by C-section or breastfed, our diet, and our general state of health.[3]