What is the importance of GIT flora?
How GI flora gets disturbed?
What are the methods of restoring GI flora?
What is the therapeutic option of restoring GI flora? |
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 What is the importance of GIT flora?
The GI tract harbours a rich flora of more than 500 different bacterial species, some of which have important health functions. The GIT microflora is involved varied functions like
- Stimulation of the Immune System
- Synthesis of Vitamins (B group and K)
- Enhancement of GIT motility and function
- Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
- Inhibition of Pathogens (Colonization resistance)
- Metabolisim of plant compounds and drugs
How GI flora gets disturbed?
Many factors can harm the beneficial members of the GIT flora, including
- Antibiotic use
- Psychological and physical stress
- Radiation
- Altered GIT peristalsis, and dietary changes
This alteration in the equilibrium, leads to gastrointestinal disorders like antibiotic associated diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease, rotavirus induced diarrhoea in infants, lactose intolerance.
What are the methods of restoring GI flora?
The method of restoring GI flora involves, the administration of live microorganisms that beneficially affect the host upon ingestion by improving the balance of the intestinal flora. These micororganisms are called probiotics. Examples: - Bacteria, Yeast (Saccharomyces boulardii).
What is the therapeutic option of restoring GI flora?
Saccharomyces boulardii is the only probiotic to survive in the presence of antibiotics and in gastric acidity. It is considered to be the safest among all probiotics.
Saccharomycess boulardii is used in the treatment of disorders including
- Antibiotic associated diarrhoea. (Rotavirus induced diarrhoea in infants & children)
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergies
For more information on Saccharomyces boulardii, consult your doctor. |
