The human microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the body's ____, influencing aspects such as digestion, immunity, and even mood.

The human microbiome helps regulate the body’s overall health, shaping how we digest food, fight infections, and even feel emotions. Scientists find that the microbes living in our gut produce chemicals that signal the immune system, telling it when to attack germs and when to stay calm. These microbes also break down foods we cannot digest alone, turning them into nutrients that the body can use. For instance, when the gut bacteria produce short‑chain fatty acids, they strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation, showing how microbes keep our bodies working smoothly. Thus, the microbiome acts like a hidden partner that keeps many of our body’s systems balanced.