Our bodies are home to multiple microorganisms, each inhabiting its own unique habitat. According to Dr. Jeralyn Brossfield, functional medicine specialist, “Each of your joints, for instance the capsule of your elbow or your shoulder, has its own microbiome.” This diversity of microbiomes is a recent discovery, with almost every region of the body now known to have its own distinct community.
The gut microbiome stands out as a common thread among these individual habitats. Comprising an estimated 100 trillion bacteria, it’s influenced by various factors such as diet, environment, and birth circumstances. These microbes aren’t present at birth; instead, they begin multiplying soon after. Even exposure to antibiotics in early life can have lasting effects on the microbiome.
For example, if an infant has multiple ear or throat infections and receives several courses of antibiotics, those antibiotics can impact their microbiome for life, setting a tone for its development.
Source: https://www.palmspringslife.com/wellness/how-the-gut-microbiome-affects-overall-well-being