Gut microbiota are communities of bacteria, plus other microbes, that live in the gut. They interact with what you eat and with your gut lining. A balanced mix is often linked with better digestion and a calmer immune response.

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

Gut microbes also “talk” with your body through signals. They can affect how your immune system reacts and how your intestines move. Over time, changes in your gut microbiota can shift digestion, nutrient processing, and metabolic health.