The human microbiome helps maintain health. Bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract, for instance, help break down indigestible food components. As they do so, the generate short-chain fatty acids that cells lining the intestinal tract can use for energy. Gut bacteria also help prevent colonization by harmful microorganisms. Imbalances or disruption of the microbiome, which can occur from antibiotic use and certain other factors, can lead to disease. Disturbance in the gut microbiota that leads to disease is often referred to as dysbiosis.
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