Microbiome: Role and functionality in human nutrition cycle

Microbes are present almost everywhere on this Earth. Humans harbor microbes in various organs, including skin, gut, mouth, and nose. Among these, the gut region has the highest population of microbes. Gut microbiota is directly linked with homeostasis, and a minor change in their numbers predisposes humans to ailments. Notably, the role of the microbial population in the digestive tract directly contributes to body weight. Sometimes, lifestyle changes or antibiotics intake to manage certain infections are associated with disturbance in the gut microflora. Several scientific studies allude to the obesity linkage with disturbed intestinal microflora. This review mainly focuses on how healthy nutrition contributes towards maintaining normal flora inside the human body. Importantly, the contribution of probiotics and prebiotics in maintaining human healthy body weight is discussed.