Good health equals an excellent immune system. We have to follow healthy habits for the smooth working of our immune system. But do you know that we have good microorganisms in our body to keep us healthy? They help to digest food and absorption of nutrients. Apart from that, they play a vital role in many bodily functions.
Microbiomes are found in the gut, skin, and other parts of the body. We need this organism for our well-being. Find out more about the microbiome and how it acts as a vital part of the immune system. First, let us learn about the immune system in the human body.
What Is The Immune System? How Does It Work?
An immune system is an intricate network of organs, blood cells, antibodies, and chemicals. The immune system protects and fights pathogens to safeguard humans from contracting diseases. There are different types of immune systems. Innate immunity is our natural immunity which we acquire from birth.
Adaptive immunity is the active immune system that develops as we grow. On the other hand, passive immunity is the one we gain by taking antibiotics. This category of immunity has a short span of life.
Our immune system works by attacking foreign invaders. It destroys the germs that have entered into the body. It also develops an antibody to prevent future attacks. The vaccines work the same way.
For the effective working of the immune system, we need a microbiome. The immune system and microbiome share a close relationship.
Take a look at the relationship between the microbiome and the immune system.
What Is Microbiome?
Generally speaking, the microbiome is a group of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In human beings, the microbiome can be found in the gastrointestinal tract and skin.
All living organisms have specific components in their body that offer protection from harsh environments.
Relation Between Microbiome And Immune System
The bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract are called gut microbiomes. They help with digestion, increased metabolism, and absorption of nutrients. Altogether they have a great part in maintaining the homeostasis of our body.
The skin microbiome works by warding off pathogens. We all have skin microbiomes from birth itself. The largest organ of our body is exposed to millions of pathogens. The microbiomes on the skin fight against them and protect us from severe ailments.
Just like the gut microbiome, they also play a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis, providing protection, and balancing the functions of the immune system.
Related: 6 Healthy Ways To Improve Your Gut Bacteria – Holistic Approaches
Inter-relation Between Gut Microbiome and Human Immune System
70% of immune cells are located in the gut. Human beings need the gut microbiome for the effective functioning of the immune system. The community of helpful bacteria living in the gastrointestinal tract works together to help us by doing the following functions:
So gut microbiomes are essential for the efficient functioning of human activities. Any abnormalities in the gut microbiome will lead to the development of gut-related diseases.
Studies have shown that gut microbiomes are not the only organism in our body that work to keep an effective immune system. Microbiomes on the skin also have an important role.
Connection Between Gut-Skin Axis
As the name suggests gut-skin axis connects the digestive system with the skin. There is a constant interaction between the two these two.
Skin microbiomes are exposed to the external environment, so the internal microbiomes connect with the skin microbiomes. This constant interaction makes them aware of the internal and external environment of the body.
Since these two are connected, any abnormalities in one can affect the other. On the whole, Human microbiomes are constantly communicating to maintain the wellness of health.
Conclusion
Now you know why we need good bacteria in our body to keep our immunity boosted. Without trillions of these tiny organisms, human beings can not survive. To protect these little saviors, remember to adopt a good lifestyle.
Read More: 8 Harmful Infections Caused By Bacteria In Adolescent
