Trust your gut: The human microbiome

Abstract

All mucosal surfaces of the human body are home to vast, complex communities of microbial organisms. These multitudes of non-pathological microbes are otherwise known as the human ‘microbiome’. It is only in recent years with developments in genome coding, that we are beginning to comprehend the significance of the microbiome on host physiology and disease. These microbes, once considered malevolent, have now become high profile in the media. The phrases ‘gut health’ and ‘microbiome’ are referred to across a range of industries and social media. This surge in interest may signal the potential for exciting developments and novel therapies. However, with such burgeoning public interest come new areas of debate, misinformation, and unanswered questions. This article provides an overview of: what the microbiome is, its function, its impact on disease and areas of ongoing research. This may enable clinicians to give evidence-based information to patients presenting with questions in practice.