Title : Gut microbiota: An integral part of sustaining human health
Abstract:
The human body consists of a complex ecosystem collectively known as microbiota; diverse microbiota lives in mutual harmony and inhabits different areas of the human body- especially gut microbiota, which lives with us in a mutually beneficial life-long relationship. Gut microbiota plays a crucial and constructive role in maintaining and improving the host's health through various metabolic activities. The importance of gut microbiota in maintaining the host's health has been proved by fascinating scientific shreds of evidence of benefits on human health. These benefits can be enhanced by consuming friendly (probiotic) microorganisms and food (prebiotics) to improve the gut microbiome. Among them, probiotics have emerged as evolving and encouraging paths to improve human health by enhancing the immune system of the host by maintaining microbial balance in gut microbiota. Hence, probiotic organisms have been explored extensively to study their beneficial effects on controlling various diseases. Strong scientific evidence is associating these bacteria with the prevention and therapy of various GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, etc. The thorough study of probiotics has led to the formation of various food supplements and functional foods to provide their beneficiaries to consumers. Recent studies have pointed out the link between the gut microbiota and the nervous system, including the brain, which can support the treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and neurological conditions. This study has led to the concept of psychobiotics, however, the application is in the primary stage. In light of the ongoing probiotics trend, further research is needed to obtain the perspectives of potential applications for better health.
