How Do Environmental Factors Influence the Gut Microbiome?
Environmental factors, including diet, antibiotics, and exposure to pollutants, can alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome. For example, a high-fat or low-fiber diet can lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the microbial community, which may increase susceptibility to toxins. Antibiotics can disrupt microbial diversity, potentially reducing the microbiome's capacity to metabolize xenobiotics effectively.
