Your body hosts trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiome. While some bacteria are linked to disease, many play essential roles in supporting your immune system, heart health, weight management, and overall well-being. This article delves into the significance of the gut microbiome and its impact on health.

What Is Gut Microbiome?

Interestingly, bacterial cells outnumber human cells in the body, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells compared to 30 trillion human cells. With up to 1,000 species of bacteria present in the gut, each plays a distinct role. While most bacteria contribute positively to health, some can be harmful. Together, these microbes weigh around 1–2 kilograms, functioning almost like an additional organ essential for overall well-being.

How Does Gut Microbiome Influence Your Health?

The relationship between humans and microbes has evolved over millions of years, with the gut microbiome playing a crucial role from birth. Initial exposure to microbes occurs during birth, and some evidence suggests that exposure begins in the womb. As the microbiome diversifies, it starts influencing key bodily functions:

Digestion of breast milk: Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria help break down essential sugars in breast milk, supporting infant growth.

Fiber digestion: Some bacteria process fiber into short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to gut health and reduce risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Immune system regulation: The gut microbiome interacts with immune cells, influencing how the body responds to infections.

Brain health: Emerging research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and brain function, potentially affecting mental health and neurological processes.

Gut Microbiome And Weight Management

An imbalance between beneficial and harmful microbes, known as gut dysbiosis, may contribute to weight gain. Studies on identical twins—one with obesity and the other without—suggest that microbiome composition plays a role in body weight independent of genetics. Additionally, animal studies indicate that gut bacteria can influence weight gain, even when calorie intake remains constant.

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in supplements and certain foods, can help restore gut balance and support weight loss, though their effects may be modest.

Gut Health And Disease Prevention

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in preventing and managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Imbalances in gut bacteria may lead to bloating, cramps, and digestive issues. On the other hand, beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli help strengthen the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of gut-related disorders.

Impact On Heart Health

Research suggests that the gut microbiome influences heart health by affecting cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Certain harmful bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound linked to blocked arteries and heart disease. However, probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacilli, may help reduce cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Blood Sugar Regulation And Diabetes Risk

The gut microbiome also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels. Research on infants genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes indicates that gut microbiome diversity declines before disease onset. Furthermore, individual variations in gut bacteria may explain why people experience different blood sugar responses to the same foods.

Connection Between Gut And Brain

The gut is physically connected to the brain through nerves, and certain bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and mental health. Studies indicate that people with mental health disorders often have different gut bacteria compared to those without such conditions. Additionally, some probiotics have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Tips For Healthier Gut Microbiome

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Here are some strategies to support gut health:

• Eat a diverse range of foods: A varied diet rich in fiber, legumes, and fruits promotes microbial diversity.
• Consume fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics that enhance gut health.
• Limit artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Include prebiotic foods: Bananas, oats, and asparagus contain fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria.
• Breastfeed infants when possible: Breastfeeding promotes a healthier gut microbiome in babies.
• Choose whole grains: Whole grains contain fiber and beneficial compounds that support digestive health.
• Opt for a plant-based diet: Vegetarian diets may reduce inflammation and support a healthier gut microbiome.
• Consume polyphenol-rich foods: Green tea, dark chocolate, and olive oil contain compounds that foster beneficial bacteria.
• Take probiotics if needed: Probiotic supplements can help restore gut balance after disruptions, such as antibiotic use.
• Use antibiotics cautiously: While antibiotics can be life-saving, overuse can harm beneficial gut bacteria.

In a major development for cancer care in India, Swiss pharmaceutical major Roche Pharma has launched Tecentriq SC, the country’s first subcutaneous (under-the-skin) immunotherapy for lung cancer that can be administered in approximately seven minutes.

While conventional intravenous (IV) infusions can take hours, Tecentriq SC can significantly improve the cancer treatment experience by reducing treatment time by nearly 80 per cent.

The seven-minute injectable immunotherapy has the potential to:

• Treat up to five patients in the time taken to treat one patient through intravenous infusion
• Help optimise healthcare resources
• Lower indirect treatment costs
• Minimise the need for patients to travel long distances
• Reduce the amount of time caregivers spend in hospitals

“With Tecentriq SC, we are bringing an innovation that meaningfully reduces treatment time while maintaining the established efficacy and safety profile of Tecentriq. We believe such advances can play an important role in enabling more patient-centric and future-ready cancer care delivery in India,” said Roche Pharma India Chief Medical Officer Dr Sivabalan Sivanesan, in a statement.

What Is Tecentriq SC? What's The Cost In India?

Tecentriq SC is the first and only PD-(L)1 inhibitor globally with both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations across multiple cancers.

First approved by the UK MHRA in 2023 and subsequently by the USFDA in 2024, Tecentriq SC is now approved in more than 85 countries, with over 10,000 patients benefitting globally.

In India, Tecentriq SC is currently approved by the DCGI for adjuvant and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC is the most common form, making up about 80–85% of all cases.

According to Sivanesan, the drug is priced at about "Rs 3.7 lakh per vial".

Also read: India Gets Its First Alzheimer’s Drug: Know All About Eli Lilly’s Lormalzi

How Does Tecentriq SC Work?

Tecentriq SC combines Tecentriq with Halozyme Therapeutics’ Enhanze drug delivery technology.

The technology uses recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), an enzyme that temporarily increases permeability in the subcutaneous space, enabling rapid dispersion and absorption of the medicine into the bloodstream, the company said.

How Tecentriq SC will Boost Cancer Care In India

The launch of Tecentriq SC also aligns with the broader shift toward decentralised cancer care in India. Shorter administration formats can free up hospital beds, healthcare staff time, and oncology resources at tertiary care centres, while helping shift care delivery to daycare centres and beyond traditional tertiary hospitals.

“India’s growing cancer burden requires us to rethink how cancer care is delivered. Innovations such as subcutaneous immunotherapy have the potential to simplify treatment administration, reduce pressure on hospital beds and support more decentralised models of care beyond large metro hospitals,” said Dr Amit Rauthan, Consultant and HOD of Medical Oncology at Manipal Hospital.

Read More: India Better Prepared For Hantavirus Outbreaks After COVID-19 Experience, Says Dr NK Ganguly | Exclusive

Tecentriq SC: Safety

Global studies have indicated strong patient preference for subcutaneous administration.

According to results from the IMscin002 study presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC) 2024:

• Four out of five patients preferred Tecentriq SC over IV administration
• Patients cited less time in clinics, greater comfort, and lower emotional distress as key reasons for preference

Studies have also shown that subcutaneous administration is associated with less discomfort, pain, and irritation compared to IV administration.

In the IMscin001 study presented at ESMO 2023:

• 90 per cent of healthcare professionals agreed the SC formulation was easy to administer
• 75 per cent believed it could save time for healthcare teams.

Even as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) got rebranded as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), it signals a major shift in how doctors understand and treat one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women, said health experts today.

Speaking to HealthandMe, the experts noted that from the earlier narrowed focus on ovarian cysts, the transition toward PMOS will better capture the condition’s complex metabolic and endocrine nature.

Dr. Isha Kriplani, Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynecology at Paras Health, said the renaming marks “the beginning of a new era in women's gynecological health.”

What Does PMOS Mean?

Also read: PCOS Is Now PMOS: What The Name Change Means For Millions Of Women

The new name aims to explain the condition more accurately and comprehensively.

Polyendocrine means it affects multiple hormones in the body.

Metabolic refers to issues linked to weight, insulin, blood sugar, and heart health.

Ovarian highlights its impact on ovulation and reproductive health.

Syndrome refers to a group of symptoms occurring together.

In simple terms, PMOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition that can affect periods, fertility, skin, mood, weight, and long-term health.

How Will The Change Impact Women

Dr. Isha stated that the term PMOS acknowledges that the disorder is not solely linked to hormonal imbalance or ovarian dysfunction, but also deeply connected to metabolic health. She explained that many women experience symptoms such as weight gain, skin issues, fatigue, insulin resistance, and hormonal disturbances without necessarily showing ovarian cysts on ultrasonography.

“Rebranding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) into Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) is the beginning of a new era in women's gynecological health. This is because renaming helps us understand that the complex interplay of this disease is not only about imbalanced hormones but also metabolism,” she told HealthandMe.

Dr. Isha added that the shift could help broaden diagnosis and encourage early intervention to prevent long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. She noted that the new terminology also provides women with a more accurate understanding of the syndrome and encourages treatment strategies focused on addressing the root metabolic causes.

Why The Change To PMOS Was Necessary

Dr. Raina Chawla, Associate Director – Gynecology at Sarvodaya Hospital, told HealthandMe the transition from PCOS to PMOS corrects what she described as one of medicine’s “most persistent misnomers.”

She explained that for years, the term PCOS led many patients to believe the condition was purely ovarian in nature, often resulting in confusion and delays in diagnosis. According to Dr. Raina, the so-called “cysts” seen in PCOS are actually immature follicles that develop as a consequence of the disorder rather than being its primary cause.

Also read: PCOD vs PCOS vs PMOS: Why The Condition’s Name Has Changed Over Time

“The shift from PCOS to Reproductive Metabolic Syndrome (PMOS) is an important move toward correcting one of medicine’s most persistent misnomers,” Dr. Raina said.

She further emphasized that the newer terminology places appropriate attention on insulin resistance and androgen excess, helping doctors and patients approach the disorder as a systemic endocrine and metabolic condition rather than a localized ovarian issue.

Experts believe the change in terminology could also reduce stigma and improve awareness about the wide-ranging symptoms associated with the syndrome, while encouraging a more holistic treatment approach that includes lifestyle modifications, metabolic screening, and long-term preventive care.

While there have been meaningful improvements in global health over the past decade, in larger terms, the global health progress continues to be ‘fragile and insufficient’, warned the World Health Organization (WHO) in its new report.

The World Health Statistics 2026 report calls for stronger systems to protect progress.

WHO highlighted several major improvements between 2010 and 2024, including:

• New HIV infections dropped by 40 per cent
• Tobacco and alcohol consumption declined globally
• The number of people needing treatment for neglected tropical diseases fell by 36 per cent

• 961 million people gained access to safe drinking water
• 1.2 billion gained access to sanitation
• 1.6 billion gained access to basic hygiene
• 1.4 billion people gained access to clean cooking solutions

Major Challenges Persist

Despite progress, several global health challenges continue to worsen. These include:

• Malaria incidence has risen by 8.5 per cent since 2015,
• Anemia still affects 30.7 per cent of women of reproductive age, with little improvement over the last decade.
• Childhood overweight prevalence also reached 5.5 per cent in 2024.

“These data tell a story of both progress and persistent inequality, with many people – especially women, children and those in underserved communities – still denied the basic conditions for a healthy life,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“Investing in stronger, more equitable health systems, including resilient health data systems is essential to target action, close gaps and ensure accountability,” he added.

Also read: Another Norovirus Outbreak Confirmed Aboard Cruise Ship In France; Over 1,700 People Trapped

Urgent Need To Protect Progress

The report stressed the urgent need to strengthen universal health coverage (UHC), noting that 1.6 billion people were pushed into poverty due to out-of-pocket healthcare expenses in 2022.

Vaccination coverage also remains below target, contributing to recent measles outbreaks in countries including the US and Bangladesh.

Although maternal mortality has fallen by 40 per cent since 2000, it still remains nearly three times above the 2030 target. Progress in reducing premature deaths from noncommunicable diseases has also slowed since 2015.

Air pollution caused an estimated 6.6 million deaths globally in 2021, while poor water, sanitation, and hygiene contributed to 1.4 million deaths in 2019.

“These trends reflect too many deaths that could have been avoided,” said Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data.

“With rising environmental risks, health emergencies, and a worsening health financing crisis, we must act urgently – strengthening primary health care, investing in prevention, and securing sustainable financing to build resilient health systems and get back on track.”

Gaps In Health Data

The WHO report also flagged major gaps in global health data collection.

By the end of 2025, only 18 per cent of countries were reporting mortality data to WHO within one year, while nearly one-third had never submitted cause-of-death data.

Of the estimated 61 million deaths globally in 2023, only about one-third included cause-of-death information, and just one-fifth had properly coded International Classification of Diseases (ICD) data.

"While global health efforts are delivering results, progress is fragile and insufficient," stated the report, while stressing the need for accelerated action, stronger health systems, and improved data to renew progress toward the 2030 health goals.