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The human microbiome — the community of approximately 38 trillion bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms living in and on the human body — is one of the fastest-growing areas of medical research. The gut microbiome alone contains 3.3 million unique genes (150x more than the human genome) and weighs 1–2 kg. It plays crucial roles in digestion, immune function, metabolism, and even brain function.
Research published since 2000 has linked microbiome disruption to obesity, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune conditions, depression, autism, and even Parkinson's disease. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor — has cured 90% of recurrent C. difficile infections. Diet, antibiotics, birth method, and breastfeeding all shape the microbiome.
# Top 10 Microbiome facts
- 1Your gut microbiome contains 3.3 million unique genes — 150 times more genes than your human genome
- 2Fecal transplants (transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor) cure 90% of recurrent C. difficile infections
- 3Gut bacteria produce 95% of the body's serotonin — potentially explaining the gut-brain connection to mood
Fascinating Facts
- ◆Your gut microbiome contains 3.3 million unique genes — 150 times more genes than your human genome
- ◆Fecal transplants (transferring gut bacteria from a healthy donor) cure 90% of recurrent C. difficile infections
- ◆Gut bacteria produce 95% of the body's serotonin — potentially explaining the gut-brain connection to mood
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