The impact of the microbiome on health: a new look at fundamental processes in the body

The role of the microbiome in modern medicine

The microbiome is not just a collection of bacteria. It is an ecosystem that interacts with the body's cells, modulates the immune response, influences metabolism, regulates psycho-emotional state and even participates in protection against cancer. The concept of a "healthy microbiome" is now considered as one of the key conditions for overall health, and its imbalance is a risk factor for the development of a number of chronic diseases.

In 2022, the international consortium Human Microbiome Project completed one of the largest analyses of the human microbial composition, identifying nearly 1,000 bacterial species associated with stable physiology.

How the microbiome affects the body

Regulation of the immune system

The microbiome helps to "train" the immune system: intestinal bacteria activate T cells, promote tolerance to harmless antigens, and suppress autoimmune reactions. It is the disruption of this interaction that is associated with the development of allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis).

Involvement in metabolism

Intestinal bacteria ferment dietary fiber to form short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), which affect glucose and lipid metabolism, and the production of satiety hormones (GLP-1, PYY). The microbiome also affects the body's ability to store energy. Dysbiosis correlates with the risk of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and insulin resistance.

Connection with the nervous system

Through the gut-brain axis, the microbiome is able to regulate behavior and emotional responses. Its influence is exerted through immune mediators, hormones, and neurotransmitters. A connection has been established between dysbiosis and symptoms of anxiety disorders, depression, and autism.

Anti-infective protection

Beneficial bacteria compete with pathogens for nutrients and attachment sites, produce bactericides, and lower pH, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogens. Loss of this protection promotes the development of infections, including Clostridioides difficile and candidiasis.

Clinical significance of the microbiome

The microbiome today is not only an object of research, but a practical tool in diagnosis and treatment. In many countries they use:

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in severe forms of colitis

• Microbiome sequencing to identify disorders in children with autism

• Customized probiotics, selected based on microbiome profile results

At work The human gut microbiome in health and disease (Science, 2020) data show that up to 60% metabolites in human blood are of bacterial origin. This means that the microbiome has a systemic impact similar to an individual organ.

The impact of the microbiome on body systems

How to maintain a healthy microbiome

• A diet rich in fiber (vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains)

• Use probiotic and fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, miso)

• Limit sugar, alcohol, preservatives

• Avoiding uncontrolled use of antibiotics

• Regular physical activity

• Stable sleep pattern

Official sources

• Mayo Clinic – Gut bacteria and health

• WHO – Human microbiome and health

• Science – The human gut microbiome in health and disease

• FDA – Regulatory framework for microbiome-based therapies

Knowledge of the role microbiome — is a new level of understanding of the relationships between human physiology and the microworld. Caring for it becomes part of personalized medicine.