ABSTRACT
The interactions between microorganisms and humans have coexisted for billions of years. It is estimated through HMP metagenomic sequencing and analysis that human beings harbor 10 times more bacteria than cells in their bodies. The intestine is the body's largest immune organ. The gut microbiome is in constant crosstalk with the host immune system and plays a paramount role in immune system development, immune regulation, and immune responses. Inflammation is the natural immune reaction in the body against any environmental stimuli and plays a major role in the healing process. Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the harvest, storage, and expenditure of energy obtained from the diet. Diet has a major role to play in the occurrence of noncommunicable diseases. The role of the gut microbiome in brain functions like cognition and behavior is being increasingly appreciated and has been suggested to begin during the fetal stage.
