Yes, significantly. The gut is the body's largest surface of contact with the outside world and houses one of its largest populations of immune cells. The microbiome is one of their main communication partners.
From birth, gut microorganisms help 'train' the immune system to distinguish threats from harmless substances, such as food or our own cells. When they ferment fibre, they also produce short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which strengthen the intestinal barrier and support cells that keep inflammation under control.
Studies have linked changes in the microbiome to allergies and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, although in most cases it remains unclear whether these changes are a cause or a consequence. The Health and immunity reports in the Advanced and Ultra tests show patterns in your microbiome associated with inflammation and protection of the intestinal barrier.