Gardening and Family Health: Elucidating the Role of the Human and Environmental Microbiota

It has been hypothesized that urbanization is associated with the increased prevalence of many non-communicable diseases, which are associated with gut microbiota compositions distinct from healthy individuals. Fibrous diets, which can alter gut microbial compositions, are also below national standards due to high food processing. Gardening is a common practice that can increase fiber consumption and provide access to environmental microorganisms. Exposure to environmental spaces has been suggested to change gut microbial compositions, potentially alleviating the prevalence of inflammatory diseases. Our study investigates the microbial underpinnings in garden soil and their manifestations on habitual gardener's gut microbial structures.