Gut Microbiota
The role gut microbes play in our health and development. Should the human body be considered an ecosystem?
The human gut has around 100 trillion bacterial cells from up to 1,000 different species. Every person's microbiota (the body's bacterial make-up) is different as a result of the effects of diet and lifestyle, and the childhood source of bacteria. What is it about the microbes in our guts that can have such an impact on our lives?
Scientists are learning more and more about the importance of these bacteria, as well as the viruses, fungi and other microbes that live in our gastrointestinal tracts. Without them, our digestion, immune system and overall health would be compromised.
Adam Hart talks to researchers who are discovering how important a balanced and robust gut microflora is for our health. And he asks how this can be maintained and what happens when things go wrong.
(Image: Gut Microbiota Copyright: Getty Images)
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Broadcasts
- Mon 25 Nov 2013 20:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
- Tue 26 Nov 2013 02:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
- Tue 26 Nov 2013 09:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
- Sat 30 Nov 2013 04:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
- Sun 1 Dec 2013 00:32GMTΒι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Online
Space
The eclipses, spacecraft and astronauts changing our view of the Universe
The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry
Podcast
-
Discovery
Explorations in the world of science.