What is a microbiome? Microbiome is tossed around a lot, especially now that kombucha and other probiotic drinks are trending. The microbiome is the term for the genetic material of all the different bacteria in a given community. Usually people talk about the microbiome in reference to the Human Microbiome because it’s most relevant to us. Other species have their own microbiome because, like us, they need bacteria to help them to survive. That’s right! Despite all the negative press they receive, bacteria provide many benefits and help different species get the nutrients they need to survive.

We wouldn’t survive without our microbiome. Bacteria reside all over our body including in our nasal passages, oral cavity, skin, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract (NIH Human Microbiome, Ursell 2012). These bacteria help digest food, support the immune system, and maintain heart and brain health. 

There are harmful bacteria out there. When there is an E. coli outbreak, it doesn’t automatically mean all strains of E. coli are out to harm you. Some strains of E. coli are generally present in our gut and are very beneficial. But those harmful strains, namely E. coli O157 gives the rest of E. coli a bad rep because it produces Shiga toxin, which causes hemorrhaging, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

Read more about the human microbiome:

https://www.hmpdacc.org/overview/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3426293/