stomach problems

stomach problems

Beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, normally live in a healthy colon, where they inhibit the over-growth of disease-causing bacteria.

Diarrhoea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the digestive tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Replenishing with acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria can help prevent new infections.

stomach problems The effective amount of acidophilus depends on the strain used, as well as the concentration of viable organisms.

The combination of bifidobacteria and Strep thermophilus (found in certain yogurts) dramatically reduces the incidence of acute diarrhoea in hospitalized children.

Active-culture yogurt may prevent antibiotic-induced diarrhoea.

As mentioned in the dietary stomach problems changes section above, if lactose intolerance is the cause of diarrhoea, supplemental use of lactase prior to consuming milk or milk-containing products can be helpful.

Cheese rarely has enough lactase to cause symptoms in lactose intolerant people.

Lactase products are available that can be chewed while drinking milk or added stomach problems to milk directly.

The malabsorption problems that develop during diarrhoea can lead to deficiencies of many vitamins and minerals.

For this reason, it makes sense for people with diarrhoea to take a multiple vitamin/mineral supplement.

Two of the nutrients that may not be absorbed efficiently as a result of diarrhoea stomach problems are zinc and vitamin A, both needed to fight infections.

In third world countries, supplementation with zinc and vitamin A has led to a reduction in, or prevention of, infectious diarrhoea.