The microbiome describes genetic material of organisms living throughout the body. Microbiota refers to the organisms themselves, and their composition differs between individuals.
What happens when the gut microbiome is out of balance?
Dysbiosis is an imbalance in microbial communities associated with illness. Organisms may be helpful or harmful depending on their surrounding environment.
What changes occur in the gut microbiome after SCI?
Altered nerve control, bowel movement, and immunity can change gut microbes after SCI. Slower bowel transit changes the conditions in which microbes live.
Diet and other lifestyle factors influence gut microbial composition. Processed diets and varied whole-food diets are associated with different microbial patterns.
