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Friendly Bacteria


It's important to understand the role friendly bacteria plays in our overall health.


Probiotics

Probiotics are live micro-organisms that help maintain the natural balance of organisms (microflora) in the intestines. Probiotics may be used to:

  1. help with other causes of diarrhea

  2. help prevent infections in the digestive tract

  3. help control immune response (inflammation), as in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

  4. probiotics are being studied for benefits in colon cancer, skin infections, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Prebiotics

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients  that stimulate the growth of one or more bacteria in the colon. They are food for the good bacteria.


Synbiotics (or symbiotics)

Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics.


Resources

Reinhard, Tonia. Superfoods: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet. Buffalo, NY: Firefly, 2010. Print.

"Probiotics." WebMD. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2013.


MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Cynthia A. Barrington nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.