Gut Feeling

This week The Food Chain explores the mechanics, the mysteries, and the medical potential of our gut by focusing on the microbiome- the ecosystem of microbes that inhabit the human body. Scientists believe that understanding our gut microbiome can lead to a better understanding of obesity, diet, and perhaps even our mood. Our personal microbiome is different from every individual on the planet, and new technology may unlock its potential to tell us a lot about our health. Plus, the difference between prebiotic and probiotic foods- and do they actually work?

Featured voices:
Tim Spector : British Gut Project
Ruth Ley: Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University
Giulia Enders: Author
Kevin Whelan : Professor of Dietetics, Kings College London
Bill Hanage : Professor of Epidemiology, Harvard University

(Photo: Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria. Credit:royaltystockphoto/Thinkstock)