Human Microbiome

🦠 An invisible world that lives in you

Did you know that millions of microorganisms live in your body and work to keep you healthy? Today we’ll learn about the human microbiome, a tiny but essential community for your well-being.

🧬 What is the human microbiome?

The microbiome is the collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms that live in our bodies.

• There are more microorganisms than human cells in our body.
• Each person has a unique microbiome, like a fingerprint.
• A balanced microbiome maintains health; an unbalanced one can cause disease.

🧫 Where are microorganisms found?

Microorganisms live in many parts of the body, especially in:

• The skin: protects us from harmful germs.
• The mouth: helps start digestion.
• The intestines: it is their main home; more than 1000 bacterial species live there.

🤯 Did you know…?
In your intestines there are more than 100 trillion bacteria working day and night to help you digest and defend you from diseases. They are your little allies!

🛡️ Why is the microbiome important?

Your microbiome serves many essential functions:

• It helps digest food and absorb nutrients.
• It strengthens your immune system and protects you from infections.
• It keeps bad bacteria from overgrowing.
• It can even influence your mood and mental health.

🥦 How do you take care of your microbiome?

Here are simple ways to keep it healthy:

• Eat fiber-rich foods: fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily.
• Maintain good hygiene, but don’t eliminate all the good bacteria.
• Play outdoors and have contact with nature.

▶️ Watch this video to learn more

🔗 Operation Ouch – Body Bacteria | Biology for Kids

💭 Your mind in action

💬 Reflect:

• Did you imagine that there were so many bacteria living in you?
• How do you think your diet influences your microbiome?
• Why is it important to have good bacteria in your body?
• What habits would you change to take better care of your microbiome?

🎨 Creative challenge:
Design a card in the shape of a happy gut. Inside, draw or write what you would do to make your microbiome happy and healthy.

🔍 Want to know more?

Other topics you may want to research:

• What foods feed good bacteria?
• What are probiotics and prebiotics?
• How are microorganisms studied?
• What is the relationship between the microbiome and allergies?

🛠️ Show what you know

Choose one or more activities to capture your learning:

• 📝 Write: A guide to caring for your microbiome with illustrated tips.
• 🎤 Expose: Record a podcast explaining why we should take care of our bacteria.
• 🧑‍💻 Create: A comic about “The Microbial Patrol” defending your body.
• 🎭 Act out: A scene in which two bacteria discuss whether a child takes good care of his or her microbiome.
• 📸 Document: Take pictures of your fiber-rich meals for a week.