Most people associate the gut microbiome with bacteria, but fungi and archaea also play vital roles in digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Beneficial fungi such as Saccharomyces boulardii may protect the gut from inflammation, while an overgrowth of Candida has been linked to digestive and metabolic disorders. Meanwhile, archaea like Methanobrevibacter smithii help bacteria break down food more efficiently but may also contribute to constipation and altered energy extraction. Researchers believe that the balance between bacteria, fungi, and archaea is essential for overall health. Although these findings are promising, most remain research-based, and more studies are needed before microbiome-targeted therapies become routine clinical practice.
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