The microbiome is the community of trillions (a trillion has 12 zeros) of tiny living things—mostly bacteriaBacteria are super tiny, single-celled organisms that exist almost everywhere on Earth, including right inside you! They might seem small and insignificant, but bacteria play a big role in your health and even your metabolism. • Other Names: You might also… Read More, but also some archaea, fungiFungi are a diverse kingdom of organisms that include mushrooms, yeasts, molds, and many other strange and wonderful life forms. While they aren’t plants or animals, these unique creatures play a crucial role in many ecosystems and also have fascinating… Read More, and viruses—that live inside your gutYour intestines are a long, muscular tube that’s a key part of your digestive system. They’re like a superhighway for food! After you eat, food travels from your stomach down into your intestines, where the magic of digestion happens. The… Read More. Think of them as microscopic roommates who play an important role in your health.

The Word “Microbiome” is a Newer Word

This term is a recent invention, popping up in scientific literature around the 1980s. It combines two Greek words:

• “Micro,” meaning “small” (around 1610–1620 AD)
• “Bioma,” meaning “life” (around 1875 AD)

So, “microbiome” literally translates to “community of small life,” perfectly describing this vast world within you.

Microbiome and MetabolismImagine your body as a bustling factory. In this factory, “metabolize” is the process of taking raw materials (like food) and transforming them into usable products (like energy). It’s the complex network of chemical reactions that sustains living things, ensuring… Read More: A Fascinating Friendship

The microbiome has a surprising impact on your metabolism—the way your body processes food for energy. Here are some ways these tiny tenants influence your internal chemistry:

• Food Breakdown Buddies: The gut microbiomeYour gut microbiome is like a tiny universe inside your intestines! It’s a complex community of trillions of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, but also including fungi and viruses, that live in your digestive system. Imagine a bustling city within your gut,… Read More helps break down complex carbohydratesImagine a long chain of sugar units linked together, like a complex necklace made of candy! Complex carbohydrates are just that—they’re large sugar molecules formed by linking many simpler sugar units (monosaccharides) together. Unlike simple sugars that give you a… Read More and other nutrients that your body can’t digest on its own. This allows you to extract more energy from your food.
• Nutrient Negotiation: The microbiome can influence how your body absorbsAbsorption refers to the process of how your body takes in nutrients from the food you eat. Imagine it like a gateway that allows the broken-down bits of your food to pass from your digestive system into your bloodstream, where… Read More certain nutrients, like vitaminsA vitamin is an organic molecule, which means it’s a naturally occurring compound made up mostly of carbon. Our bodies need vitamins in small amounts to function properly. They help with many important jobs, including: • Building and maintaining healthy… Read More and mineralsA mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid substance with a definite chemical composition and an orderly crystalline structure. Unlike vitamins, which are organic (made by living things), minerals come from the earth and don’t contain carbon as a main… Read More. They can even produce some vitamins themselves!
• Metabolic Messengers: The gut microbiome communicates with your immune systemYour immune system is like your body’s own personal security force, constantly on guard against invaders like germs (bacteria, viruses, etc.). It’s a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that work together to protect you from getting sick. But… Read More and other organs, potentially influencing how your body regulates metabolism and blood sugarBlood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a type of simple sugar circulating in your bloodstream. It can be a primary source of energy for your cells. Your body can get blood sugar from carbohydrates that you eat. The… Read More levels.

Synonyms for Microbiome:

While “microbiome” is the most widely used term, here are some less common synonyms:

• Gut microbiota (focuses on the microbial residents)
• Gut flora (an older term, less precise than microbiome)
• Microbial community (a general term)

Remember:

The microbiome is a complex and fascinating ecosystem. Maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteriaGut bacteria, also sometimes called gut microbiome, are microscopic living organisms that reside in your digestive system, especially your intestines. Think of them as tiny roommates living inside your gut, helping you with digestion and even your metabolism! • Other… Read More is important for overall health, potentially impacting digestion, immunity, and even mood.