How can a healthy human microbiome influence metabolic processes in individuals?

A healthy gut microbiome helps break down foods that our own cells can’t digest, turning fibers into short‑chain fatty acids like butyrate that supply energy to colon cells and reduce inflammation. These fatty acids also signal the liver to regulate glucose production, improving insulin sensitivity. The microbes produce vitamins B and K that our bodies use for blood clotting and nervous system function. When we eat a diet rich in diverse fibers, the bacteria grow and produce more butyrate, which lowers blood sugar spikes in a concrete example of how diet, microbes, and metabolism are linked. Thus, a balanced microbiome acts like a natural factory that supports energy balance, hormone regulation, and overall metabolic health.