The Human Microbiome

The Human Microbiome is the genetic material of all the microbiota – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa present in the large intestine, skin, or body orifices.

● The Oral Microbiome; is dominated by Streptococcal species, with Veillonella, Gamella, Neisseria, etc.● The Reproductive Tract microbiome; which plays a major role in the prevention of multiple diseases; bacteria, yeast, urinary, infections, etc. Lactobacillus is the predominant species here.● Human milk microbiome; dominated by staphylococci, streptococci, lactic acid bacteria, and Bifidobacteria.● The Skin Microbiome; Are found Staphylococcus Epidermidis, Corynebacterium, and Propionibacterium acnes.● Gut Microbiome; Intestinal microorganisms.

The Human Microbiota

The Human Microbiota refers to the trillions of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, archaea, eukaryotes and protozoa.

A person’s microbiome (in or on our body) consists of: ● 100 trillion microbial cells representing as many as ● 5,000 different species of microbes, and ● weighing approximately 3-4 lb. ● 300-500 different kinds of bacteria,● 125,000 different species of viruses, ● 5 million species of fungi, ● Archaea and Eukaryotes  
They are almost everywhere in our body, from our intestines to our skin, genitals, lungs, and even our eyes.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics 

Prebiotics are the non-digestible part of foods (fiber) that are fermented in the large intestine. The fermentation of the fiber feeds beneficial bacteria and helps to increase their numbers. (Bananas, onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichoke, apple skins, and beans are examples of foods high in prebiotic fiber).
Probiotics differ from prebiotics in that they contain live organisms, mostly bacteria, that directly add to the number of healthy microbiotas in the gut (yogurt, sauerkraut, miso soup, and kimchi contain probiotics).

The gut microbiota

The largest and most researched microbial community can be found in our gastrointestinal tract and is known collectively as the gut microbiota. Many of us may be familiar with the idea of "good" and "bad" bacteria but, the truth is, it is not always that clear cut. The microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful as well as potentially harmful to our health. Microbiota influences 5 major things:
- Food digestion, - Boosts your Immune System, - Influences mental health (mood, cognitive function)- Metabolic rate, and even the way you age.- Protects you from Toxins

A symbiotic relationship

In a healthy person, these microbes coexist in a symbiotic relationship with their human host and confer to us a raft of benefits including aiding in digestion, helping with the absorption and production of essential nutrients, assisting our metabolism, and supporting our immune and nervous systems. However, if there is a disturbance in that balance our bodies may become more susceptible to disease.

Host-Gut Microbiota Interaction

An interplay between gut microbiota and host occurs mainly at the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. 
The host movements influence the composition and abundance of gut microbiota, whereas gut microbiota in turn modulate the metabolic and immunological activities of the host.