Probiotics 

Gastrointestinal Flora

Humans have micro-organisms present on the skin as well as in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract. There are over 500 different bacterial species with the greatest concentration of micro-organisms found in the gastrointestinal tract. This gut flora is acquired at birth and remains relatively stable throughout life, functioning to stimulate the immune system, protect from invading bacteria or viruses, as well as aiding in digestion.

Disease Resistance 

The development of gut-associated lymph tissue is driven by the intestinal microbes which discriminate pathogens and stimulates immunity without causing excessive inflammatory responses. Factors decreasing resistance to disease include inflammation, degenerative and neoplastic disease. Antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy, or irradiation can alter the composition and therefore the effect of the gut flora so beneficial bacterial species introduced through supplements can be an option to assist in reestablishing microbial equilibrium and prevent disease.