The microbiome affects us in multiple ways, both positively and negatively. Research has shown that these single-celled residents are linked to almost every chronic disease and condition-as well as overall health and well-being,” says nutritionist Tanisha Bawa. “Every individual has a unique microbial composition-like a fingerprint-that communicates with the rest of the cells in the body. Although these microbes are extremely tiny and invisible to the naked eye, their presence contributes to our mental and physical wellbeing. They are also known to affect our moods and social behaviour,” adds Sharmilee Kapur, founder and director of the Atmantan Wellness Centre. Thus, this microbiome plays a crucial role not just in our gastrointestinal health, but also in the health of the central nervous system and overall immunity.

This is a network of connections that allows the bi-directional communication between the gut bacteria and the brain. Gut microbiomes, which are mainly friendly bacteria, and live in our gastrointestinal system! They are what most of the neurotransmitters are comprised of, also referred to as the gut-microbiota-brain axis. “Microbiomes include bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are present in our skin, mouth, gut, and reproductive system. The gut microbiome in particular are the microorganisms present throughout the lining of the gut,” says Dr Eileen Canday, HOD, Nutrition and Dietetics, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. “Microbiome is referred to the community of microorganisms present in a certain environment. Wondering how? We got experts to give us the download. According to the National Institute of Health, “The microbiome is the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on our bodies and inside us.” But the term was more than its technical term-heavy definition-the concept had its own, subtle ways of impacting human beings in nearly every aspect of their day-to-day lives-our sleeping habits, dietary patterns, even friendships, relationships and social lives. At first glance it seemed like a word that came with too much biological baggage, teaming with complex nuances, details and connotations.

The term was thrown at me as I was flipping through the pages of the newspaper one morning.

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