The human microbiome: an emerging paradigm for better health

The past few years has witnessed a blossoming of research revolving around the human microbiome. Increased knowledge about this field has led to realizing its crucial role in modulating human health. The microbiome genome, compromised of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa is referred to as our second genome. It is estimated that there are 100 trillion microbes, comprised of over 1,000 species. The composition varies from person to person based on several factors, such as diet, health history, geographic location, and ancestry. They are intertwined with our immune system, interacting directly with our body’s natural killer T-cells. Moreover, this complex ecosystem must be properly balanced and nurtured to remain healthy. Imbalances within our microbiome can lead to illness. Our microbiome also helps control gene expression, which ultimately affects several facets of our physiology.