Table 1.

Interventions on the microbiome to improve your health

Intervention	Comments	Ref.
Prebiotics	Non-digestible compounds, present in the diet, that stimulate the growth or activity of microorganisms of the microbiota, resulting in a possible health benefit. Generally, plant fibres that we do not digest and that are food for bacteria. Examples: inulin (fructooligosaccharide) and oligosaccharides from breast milk.	16
Probiotics	A live microorganism that, when administered in adequate amounts, is intended to improve health problems such as obesity. Examples: There are many types of probiotics, generally they are of the species Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium or related such as Lactecaseibacillus rhamnosus GG. The Escherichiacoli Nissle 1917 strain is also used.	18
Postbiotics	Inactivated microorganisms and their metabolites that confer a potential beneficial effect on intestinal health by providing possible anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and intestinal barrier protective effects. Examples: Current focus is on gut-derived bacteria such as Akkermansiamuniciphila, a strict anaerobic bacterium that releases metabolites with potentially health-promoting activity, including short-chain fatty acids	21
Dietary fibre	Its consumption through fibre-rich foods may improve glucose metabolism. It is associated with an increase in bacteria to which beneficial effects are attributed.	17
Dietary components and dietary habits	Healthy dietary habits, such as a diet rich in plant foods, can promote a diverse and health-promoting microbial ecosystem. Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with an increase in certain potentially beneficial bacteria (such as Bacteroidetes) and may promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are considered beneficial.	19, 20