What is the microbiome in the human body?
The human microbiome refers to the diverse collection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) that live in and on our bodies. These microorganisms are estimated to outnumber human cells by a ratio of 10 to 1, and they play an important role in maintaining human health. The human microbiome is found in many different body sites, including the skin, mouth, gut, and vagina, and each site has a unique composition of microorganisms. The microbiome contributes to many physiological processes, including digestion, immunity, and metabolism, and imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to various diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, and depression. Understanding the human microbiome is an active area of research and has important implications for human health and disease.