Microbiome

What it is

The microbiome is the community of bacteria, fungi and viruses living in and on the body, mostly in the gut, which helps digest food, train the immune system and produce compounds that reach the brain and other organs. Links to obesity, mood, cancer treatment response and ageing are well documented in animals and in association studies; proven interventions in humans are so far limited to faecal transplants for recurrent C. difficile infection and fibre-rich diets. Probiotic claims should be read against that gap.

Written by the Alivewire editors from the coverage below, 3d ago. Not medical advice; how the ratings work.