The intestinal tract is a complex ecosystem host to a diverse and highly evolved microbial community composed of hundreds of different microrganisms, both harmful and beneficial.
This intestinal microbial environment significantly influences the biochemistry, physiology, immunology, and disease resistance of the host. Intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, constipation, food allergies, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers have long been associated with pathogenic overgrowth and an imbalance (dysbiosis) of beneficial microorganisms (gut flora).
As a consequence of altered gut flora, the therapeutic use of probiotics may be necessary. In a recent edition of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Dr. Colum Dunne describes probiotics as "live microbial food supplements that beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal microflora balance" and promoting "health effects beyond inherent basic nutrition."
In particular, Dr. Dunne reported that supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus and/or Bifidobacterium lactis has been traditionally used to promote "human health through the influences [it] may exert on the microbial ecology of the host, in addition to affecting lactose intolerance, incidence of diarrhea, mucosal immune response, levels of blood cholesterol, and cancer."
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