IAH AC Gastrointestinal Disease

Gut milieu
luminal contents and pH
bacteria
immunity:
strains important
e.g. Acidophilus DDS, Rhamnosus
barriers see
before
© IAH 2007
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Symbiotic bacteria is vital for our health. The important role has been seen in
animal experimentation, when the gut is sterilized, these animals will die of
infection.
The relative non pathogenic antigens of these friendly bacteria will stimulate the
immune system of the GALT and keep it ready for infection.
Symbiotic bacteria have a host of other actions, such as metabolizing certain
toxins in the gut, such as heavy metals.
Some of the metabolites of symbiotic bacteria, such as propionic acid serves as
fuel for the enterocytes.
The bacteria contribute to the good milieu in the lumen of the gut and keep the
pH in the optimal range.
They also give competition to invaders by competing for resources.
Lastly, they for part of the passive barrier, so that toxins will not even come into
contact with the gut lining.
It is clear from the above that the inoculated bacteria should be live in order to
recolonize the gut. For immune stimulation the proteins in the cells walls are
sufficient, but for tall the other functions, live bacteria is needed.
A cold chain for the transport of the bacteria is thus of utmost importance.
This can be difficult, in a practical way, but is of such importance that it should be
the ideal situation
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