Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a condition affecting more than 3 million Americans, according to the University of Chicago's Celiac Disease Center. Celiac disease is a genetic condition, an autoimmune response to gluten that is passed...
You may not be able to feel it but your intestinal tract is teeming with intestinal flora --strains of bacteria that live inside of your intestine. The relative amounts of good or bad intestinal flora can have profound implications on health. One...
Billions of bacteria bombard our bodies every day, but they aren't all bad. Our intestines provide a home for good bacteria known as flora. These bacteria help to regulate harmful bacteria that come into our system, boosting the immune system and...
Gastrointestinal infections are on the rise, according to MSNBC, having shown a 200 percent increase between 2000 and 2005. While the usual symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and constipation can be annoying, intestinal infections can also be...
Candida albicans is a species of fungus naturally present in your body. It does not affect your health when it occurs in low levels, but an overgrowth of candida can cause a variety of uncomfortable conditions called candidiasis. Candidiasis can...
The human body contains a complex clotting system that helps to control bleeding. Many of the compounds within this system are dependent on vitamin K for synthesis. Unfortunately, certain factors that can alter vitamin K levels can inhibit the...
Intestinal flora, the beneficial bacteria on the lining of your intestine and colon, plays a major role in the digestion of food. Probiotics perform a significant role in re-establishing the intestinal flora and maitaining good overall health. On...
Antibiotics are drugs that fight bacterial infections and save lives. According to MedlinePlus, antibiotics kill bacteria or prevent bacteria from reproducing and spreading throughout the body. Newer generations of antibiotics are less toxic...
The short answer to this question is yes, you can, and your intestinal flora will love you for it. Probiotics and fiber shouldn't cause you any problems when you consume during the same day, or even at the same meal. In fact, some manufacturers...
Acne is generally caused by an increase in the skin's natural oils. Infected pores lodged with waxy oils (sebum) and bacterial growth can be quite a bother. What is meant to keep our skin in a healthy supple state, for moisture retention and a...
Diarrhea, vomiting and stomach upset are common side effects of taking antibiotics. These symptoms usually disappear by themselves a few days after stopping antibiotics. However, antibiotics can leave your body "out of sync"; this is because...
The word, bacteria, conjures a mental image of disease and death, but not all bacteria cause harm. The pathogenicity, or the ability to cause disease, can be altered and manipulated using biotechnology. Once rendered harmless, the bacteria can...
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections have become an increasing problem during hospital stays. As a result of infection, patients may experience longer hospital stays and undesirable health outcomes. Clostridium difficile infections usually...
Probiotics and microflora are now understood to be an important part of gut health. Probiotics may help digestion, while boosting your immune system and fighting off bacteria that leads to health problems. Probiotics assist in maintaining the...
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, probiotics are used as natural supplements to treat a number of health problems. For example, they are often taken to help regain the balance of the intestinal flora,...
Acidophilus is a type of beneficial bacteria commonly available in milk and yogurt products. Like other types of probiotics, acidophilus might offer digestive benefits by supplementing your intestinal flora. For best results, wait at least two to...
Intestinal infections occur in millions of people every year. In addition to uncomfortable symptoms that can decrease quality of life, untreated infections can lead to severe complications. Although intestinal infections can be caused by a variety...
Millet is grain-like in texture, but is actually considered a seed. It can be traced back to biblical times, and according to website Body Ecology, it has been a prized crop for centuries in China, Greece, India and Africa. Body Ecology goes on to...
The World Health Organization has defined probiotics as "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host." In terms of supplementation, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain...
Neonatal jaundice, a common condition in newborns occurs when a baby accumulates too much bilirubin in his body. Parent's and caregivers will see a yellow discoloration in the baby's skin and the white part of his eyes. In physiologic jaundice,...
Diarrhea and stomach pain are often present together in children, especially when the diarrhea is caused by bacteria or a virus. The website Keep Kids Healthy says that most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own, and a parent can make the child...
Clostridium difficile colitis is characterized as an inflammation of the large intestines as a result of a bacterial infection. More commonly referred to as pseudomembranous colitis, this digestive condition is often caused by an overgrowth of C....
Acidophilus is the generic name of the "good" bacteria that exists throughout your digestive system, where it survives in a symbiotic relationship with your body. Digestive bacteria are necessary to maintain the proper pH and to break down certain...
The term "functional foods" is used to describe foods that supply your body with health benefits that exceed the conventional nutritional basics needed for survival. This means they do more than just deliver calories, vitamins and minerals. Foods...
Atorvastatin calcium, the generic name for Lipitor, is a medicine your doctor may prescribe to improve your total cholesterol level. It should lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol when combined with a low-fat diet....
Colic is a common digestive problem, affecting 20 percent of infants, particularly firstborn males. Usually colic resolves at four to six months old. Probiotics are the "good" or healthy bacteria that normally populate the digestive tract. One of...
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition of the large intestine that may cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms including abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. While there is no cure for IBS, it can by managed by...
Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria commonly available in capsules as well as foods such as yogurt, miso and tempeh. Bacteria strains from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families are the most commonly available, and have been...
An antibiotic is a prescription medication used to control or kill a bacterial infection. While antibiotics are effective in killing problematic bacteria, they also kill the body's good bacteria, such as those needed in the gastrointestinal tract...
