Cât din noi este, de fapt, uman? Lumea invizibilă care trăiește în corpul nostru

The human body relies on trillions of microorganisms that play essential roles in metabolism, digestion, and immune function. Recent studies highlight the microbiome as a dynamic ecosystem, crucial for human biology. Microorganisms aid in digesting food components that human enzymes cannot process, producing short-chain fatty acids that influence bodily functions. This relationship is bidirectional, with human cells also sending signals that affect microbial activity. The microbiome varies across different body areas and changes with age, diet, and lifestyle. Disruptions, such as those caused by antibiotics, can lead to dysbiosis, impacting health and increasing vulnerability to infections.