what does the word microbiome mean?
what does the word microbiome mean?
The word microbiome was coined in the late 1970s by Dr. Carl Woese, a microbiologist at the University of Illinois. The word is derived from two ancient Greek words: micro (small) and bios (life). Thus, the microbiome can be thought of as the totality of all the microorganisms that reside within a particular environment.
Microbes are everywhere and play important roles in both human health and disease. The human microbiome refers to the trillions of microbes that live on and inside our bodies. These microbes interact with our cells, tissues, and organs to help us digest food, synthesize vitamins, modulate our immune system, and protect us from infection. Disruptions or changes in our microbiome can have profound effects on human health. The gut microbiota is perhaps the best studied aspect of the human microbiome. The gut microbiota is made up of all the microbes that live in our intestines. It helps us digest food, synthesize vitamins, and protect us from infection. Alterations in the gut microbiota have been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and many other diseases. So what does this mean for you? Well, first and foremost it underscores how important it is to maintain a healthy balance of microbes in your body. This can be done by eating a healthy diet high in fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and tempeh. It’s also important to practice good hygiene habits like washing your hands regularly and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use.