Gut microbiota are communities of bacteria and other microbes that live in your digestive tract, mainly in the large intestine. They interact with the food you eat and with your gut lining. A diverse, balanced community is often associated with smoother digestion and a calmer immune response.

These microbes digest parts of food your body can't fully break down, especially dietary fiber. As they ferment fiber, they produce beneficial compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. These compounds can help support the gut barrier and regulate inflammation.

Gut microbes also communicate with your body through chemical signals. They can influence how your immune system responds and how your intestines move food along. Over time, shifts in your gut microbiota can affect digestion, nutrient processing, and metabolic health.