Mary Allen
Introduction: The Microbial World Within Us
As humans, we often think of ourselves as separate entities from the world around us. However, the truth is that we are constantly interacting with the environment, and this includes the millions of microorganisms that live within us. These microorganisms, collectively known as the human microbiome, play a significant role in our health and wellbeing. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in uncovering the hidden bacteria in our bodies and understanding how they impact our health.
The Human Microbiome: What is it?
The human microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms that reside within and on our bodies. This includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. While some of these microorganisms can cause disease, many of them are beneficial and play important roles in maintaining our health. The microbiome is complex and dynamic, with different microbial communities residing in various parts of the body. For example, the microbiome of the gut is different from that of the skin or the mouth. The composition of the microbiome can also change over time, influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, and medication use.