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.

已有假说提出，城市化进程与多种非传染性疾病（non-communicable diseases）的患病率升高密切相关，而此类疾病患者的肠道菌群（gut microbiota）组成与健康人群存在显著差异。由于食品加工度偏高，能够调节肠道菌群组成的纤维膳食（fibrous diets）摄入水平也未达到国家推荐标准。园艺劳作是一项常见活动，既可提升膳食纤维摄入量，又能让人们接触环境中的微生物。已有研究表明，接触户外环境空间可改变肠道菌群组成，或能降低炎症性疾病的患病率。本研究旨在探究园艺土壤中的微生物基础及其对长期园艺从业者肠道菌群结构的影响。