The human body is host to over 100 trillion microorganisms, outnumbering our mammalian cells by an approximate ratio of 10 to 1 ~ encompassing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that reside on and within the human body, including the nasal passages, respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive system.
This symbiotic relationship between humans and these microorganisms is essential for maintaining health and life. The gastrointestinal microbiome, often referred to as the gut microbiome, is central to various biological processes, including immune function, metabolism, the nervous system, and even brain function.
The microbiome, along with its associated microbial genes, is often referred to as a ‘second genome‘ due to its influential role, which parallels that of human genes. It is frequently regarded by the scientific community as a ‘new organ‘ because of its critical importance in human health.
“The science of the microbiome has critical impacts on human health. Incorporating the microbiome into the diagnosis and management of disease provides important evidence regarding disease progression and treatment — particularly in inflammatory, immune, and systemic diseases.”
~ American Journal of Public Health
Our microbiota are continually involved in a complex crosstalk between our gut and our brain.
“The Second Brain.”
70% of our immune system is housed within the gut. There is a constant ‘interplay’ between our gut microbiota and our immune system.
Our microbial partners have a pivotal role in health to treat… “The Root Cause.”
Our microbial partners are protective and disease preventing. The human gut microbiota is a complex biological community that has an essential role in maintaining systemic health.
Humans rely on microbes to perform critical biological functions that we cannot perform ourselves
~ Dr. Joseph Petrosino, Ph.D.,
“The Microbiome in Precision Medicine: The Way Forward.”