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The Role of Commensal Bacteria
The Role of Commensal Bacteria
Not all bacteria in your gut actively help you — but that doesn’t mean they don’t matter.
Commensal bacteria are the neutral members of your microbiome. They don’t directly benefit or harm you, but they serve an important purpose: they take up space and resources, making it harder for harmful bacteria to settle in.
By maintaining a diverse gut ecosystem, you support not only the helpful microbes, but also these harmless "placeholders" that help keep the bad guys out.
Tip of the day: Feed your entire microbial community by eating a variety of fiber-rich, plant-based foods. A diverse diet = a more resilient gut.
See you tomorrow for your next tip!
Gut
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