The Human Microbiome

Did you know the human body has 10 times more bacterial cells as compared to its own cells? Thats right, the human body has about 100 trillion bacterial cells and 10 trillion human cells. These help in the various day to day metabolic activities that are required for the body to function normally. Our body does not just have bacteria but also harbours various archaea, fungi, protists and viruses. All of these collectively form the human microbiome. Hence, we can define the human microbiome as the collective genomes of the resident microorganisms.

These microorganisms (most of them) co-exist as commensals and possess a mutualistic relationship with their host. So, how is this microflora acquired? It is immediately acquired after birth when the baby is out of its mothers sterile womb. The microflora localises to the surface accessible sites first and then the internal organs and tissues. The micro-organisms inhabiting the organs are different due to the difference in environmental conditions like pH and temperature.

This microflora or microbiota (more appropriate term) remains fairly stable throughout a person’s life. Sometimes these microbes may cause opportunistic infections if the immune system is compromised. Generally children and elderly people are more prone to theses infections as their immunity is not strong. The microbiota is also affected by a person’s diet, the local environment and the genetics of the person. So, just like your DNA, your microbiota is also highly personalised.

Fun fact: If you make changes to your diet, your gut microbiota will change according to it in 3 days. Also, they have the capability to change your moods and thoughts! That is exactly why I think, good food is the key to a good mood!

Also, sometimes I like to think unrealistically.

What if the Gut microbes are highly complex and unimaginably highly evolved organisms that can communicate with the neurons through the gut-brain-microbiome axis to give you something called the gut-feeling?

Krishani Dave