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There are more than 400 different species of bacteria in the human digestive tract. The most important of these are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. They are called probiotics, the opposite of antibiotics, because they aid in creating a healthy balance of microflora in the gut.
Wrongly described as the body's sewer, the colon is actually buzzing with life activity. Millions of friendly bacteria are hard at work in the colon. Their job is the final stage of digestion, leaving only what is absolutely of no use to the body to be eliminated. The friendly bacteria, weighing as much as three pounds in the normal colon, also function to keep bad bacteria in check. It seems that most bacteria in the world and in the body are actually beneficial to our health. Bacteria are the janitors of the world, disposing of decaying and diseased cells.
The human gastrointestinal tract -- the small and large intestines -- is home for these hundreds of species of bacteria. There are several thousand billion of them in each of us, and the total weight of bacteria is between 3-4 pounds. These bacteria play important an important part in human digestion and immune function. "Probiotics" are live or dead bacteria administered to humans for the purpose of improving their health. The word comes from Greek "pro bios" meaning "for life".
Source
Generally you should use products that contain a mixture of live organisms and have an expiration date on the label. Extreme heat or freezing can kill the live cells. Food sources of probiotics include yogurt and milk with live cultures - but note that Pasteurization destroys live cultures.
The probiotics generally should be stored in refrigerator because they lose their potency (heat will kill bacteria) at room temperature. Some manufacturers claim that their probiotics can survive at room temperature and therefore do not require refrigeration, but these statements should be treated with suspicion: It is recommended to purchase probiotics from a health store that keeps them in a refrigerator.
Most digestive bacteria cannot survive the strong hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Therefore, use of probiotics in enteric coated capsules is recommended, as they will only dissolve in the lower intestine and thereby avoid the stomach's hydrochloric acid.
Problems with Lactobacillus administration include the failure of organisms to adhere to the intestinal mucosa or to survive damage from gastric acid and bile. The acidophilus sweepstakes has led to the search for newer and better strains for medical uses.
Supplements of fructooligosaacharrides (FOS) promote the growth of Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria use the fiber from foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains to make short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate. Butyrate is an important source of energy for the cells lining the colon and promote a healthy colon. The recommended dose of FOS is 2-3gm per day. Foods containing fructooligosaacharrides include onions, asparagus, garlic and Jerusalem artichokes.
Function; Reasons For Use
The primary use of probiotics is to restore the normal flora in the intestines that often occurs because of poor diet or the use of antibiotics. They do this first by competing with other organisms for nutrients. They secrete lactic acid and acetic acid that decrease the pH of the vagina and intestines, making the environment less favorable for the pathogenic bacteria to thrive. Antibiotics can alter the bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, decreasing the numbers of healthy bacteria and causing diarrhea. Probiotics, taken during or after antibiotic therapy, can reduce or prevent this effect.
Probiotics produce certain antimicrobial compounds that kill some of the undesirable pathogens in the intestines, including yeasts, virii and bacteria. The associated decrease in the production of potentially cancer-causing toxins by the unfavorable microorganisms may help decrease the incidence of colon cancer. Probiotics also make certain vitamins needed by the body including folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin and vitamin K.
Low counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, with an increase in less desirable bacteria in the intestines can cause gas, diarrhea, constipation, mucosal irritation and contribute to the development of allergies. As the number of undesirable bacteria increases, the absorption of certain nutrients, including the B-vitamins, decreases, leading to the possibility of deficiencies.
Unfortunately, new generations of antibiotics can significantly reduce number of bacteria in few weeks or even days. Generally, antibiotics are not able to differ good bacteria from bad and prolonged use of antibiotics can significantly decrease number of friendly bacteria. If you suspect that the digestive flora have been disrupted by antibiotics (typical symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and gas), have a comprehensive stool analysis performed in order to check the proper balance of bacterial flora. If you cannot avoid taking antibiotics it is advised to take probiotics 2-3 hours after taking the antibiotics.
Other factors that deplete friendly bacteria include: medicines, infections (bacterial, viral and fungal), a highly processed, low-fiber diet, chronic diarrhea and stress.
Probiotics help us in many different ways such as:- Kill or inhibit harmful bacteria by secreting small quantities of antibiotic-like substances, including lactic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acidolin, lactocidin and acidophilin.
- Kill or inhibit yeast growth.
- Produce vitamins, including niacin, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6.
- Assist food digestion improve enzyme levels, improve bowel regularity.
- Regulate pH value by producing lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide... they increase the acidity of intestine (lower pH value) and inhibit the reproduction and proliferation of many harmful bacteria and yeasts.
- Detoxify and protect the intestines. Lactobacilli tend to combine with toxins such as heavy metals, and carcinogens; they die from toxins and are eliminated (together with the toxins) as solid waste.
- Reduce cholesterol levels when high.
- Aid absorption of minerals, especially calcium, due to increased intestinal acidity.
- Supports immune system. In one experiment, only 10 bad bacteria (Salmonella) were necessary to kill a guinea pig with an inadequate amount of beneficial bacteria, but about a trillion cells were required to kill an animal with its full natural beneficial microorganisms present.
- Reduce risks of cancer and certain tumors.
- Compete with pathogenic bacteria and yeasts for food and space. In healthy humans, good bacteria and yeast cover the surface of the mucosa and pathogenic bacteria and yeast cannot attach themselves.
Probiotics in powder form can be used for treating oral thrush.
When Candida albicans is killed by fungicide, it will leave the mucosa wall, and be pushed out as solid waste. Taking probiotics 15min to one hour after taking fungicide will hopefully allow good bacteria to populate the mucosa wall. The good bacteria will fight the yeast on three ways: it will compete for food with Candida, produce fungicide as hydrogen peroxide and help in digestion of food (alleviating Leaky Gut Syndrome that way).
Directions
If supplementation is needed, start by taking at least 1-10 billion viable L. acidophilus or B. bifidum cells daily divided into 3 or 4 doses. Take them on an empty stomach or at least 30-60 minutes before eating. Take 15-20 billion viable organisms daily to prevent diarrhea from antibiotic therapy.
Side-Effects
When large doses of probiotics are first taken, mild gastrointestinal symptoms may occur and flu-like symptoms may also occur within 3 days. Symptoms of toxicity from taking probiotics are rare.
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Probiotics can help with the following: | | | | | Allergy |  Allergy to Cow's Milk | Oral administration of probiotic bacteria has been shown to stabilize intestinal integrity, promote local IgA production and reduce intestinal inflammation in atopic individuals with cow’s-milk allergy. |
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Autoimmune |
 Crohn's Disease| | Use of a good probiotic product can help keep the bacterial flora in balance and reduce inflammation. Caution is advised with active inflammation, as bacteria may penetrate the gut wall and enter the blood stream. |
 Ulcerative Colitis| | Dr. McCann, originally with Kaiser Permanente in Ohio, has pioneered a dramatic, experimental treatment for inflammatory bowel disease which has induced a rapid remission in 16 out of 20 patients with ulcerative colitis. A two-day course of multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics to "decontaminate" the gut is followed by administration of defined strains of E. coli, and Lactobacillus acidophillus to produce a "reflorastation" of the colon. Others have not achieved this same degree of success. It may need to be combined with the specific carbohydrate diet described in the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle. |
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Digestion |
Diarrhea| | A study of hospitalized children showed that a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis was effective in treating acute diarrhea. One of the more common causes for hospitalization of infants and young children is dehydration related to acute diarrhea, especially from a rotavirus.
Lactobacilli in the intestines play an important role in developing natural defenses against both intestinal bacterial and viral infections. In the study group, the frequency of diarrhea improved on the first and second days of hospitalization and the duration of diarrhea during hospitalization also decreased. The researchers concluded "Oral bacterial therapy is an effective adjuvant therapy in rotavirus positive and negative children with diarrhea and can safely be administered during an episode of acute diarrhea." [Acta Paediatr Taiwan 2001 Sep-Oct; 42(5): pp.301-5] |
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Immunity |
Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)| | The specific bacteria that that help balance a TH2 dominant immune system are:- Lactobacillus Plantarum and L casei - potent inducers of IL-12 and IFN-gamma. They support mucosal immunity.
- Bifidobacterium longum - increases IgA (supports mucosal immunity) - reduces candida albicans - improves lactose tolerance.
- Acidophilus - promotes resistance to colonization of candida albicans.
Soil Based Organisms (SBOs) (bacillus subtilis and lichenformis) produce surfactin that inactivates lipid envelope viruses (HIV, CMV, herpes etc), kills mycoplasmas, many bacteria and candida albicans. By reducing candida albicans, SBOs reduce TH2 cytokines. |
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Infections |
Bacterial Dysbiosis| | How do the friendly bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check? Think of a crowded theatre. You walk in, and there is no place to sit; all the seats are taken. So you can't stay. It is the same with bacteria. There are only a certain number of "seats" in the colon. If they're all taken by friendly bacteria, then there's no chance for the bad bacteria to set up shop and start to duplicate themselves. According to most researchers, normal probiotics should be more numerous than the cells of the intestinal lining itself.
One of the ways to help reestablish a balanced bacterial population in the GI tract is the use of probiotics. There are many products on the market containing a variety of organisms and a general approach could be taken using a broad spectrum probiotic formula. However, a better method is to discover the type of imbalance by testing and then supplementing those specific bacteria that are needed. Bringing these normally-occurring bacteria into balance will help prevent the overgrowth of more pathogenic organisms.
Bifidobacteria are the predominant lactic acid bacteria of the colon with a concentration that is 1000 times higher than Lactobacilli. Administration of Bifidobacterium brevum to humans and animals reduces fecal concentrations of Clostridia and Enterobacter species, ammonia, and toxin-releasing bacterial enzymes including beta-glucuronidase and tryptophanase. Bacillus laterosporus, a novel organism classified as non-pathogenic to humans, produces unique metabolites with antibiotic, antitumor and immune modulating activity. This organism is available as a food supplement in the United States. It has been found to be an effective adjunctive treatment for control of symptoms associated with small bowel dysbiosis in a number of patients.
Fructose-containing oligosaccharides (FOS), found in vegetables like onion and asparagus, have been developed as a food supplement for raising stool levels of Bifidobacteria and lowering stool pH. |
Yeast / Candida Infection| | The use of probiotics to help keep candidal overgrowth from occurring is a common part of many antifungal programs. |
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Parasites |
Giardiasis Infection| | Probiotics may interfere with giardia infection through a number of mechanisms, including competition for limited adhesion sites; competition for nutrients that would otherwise be utilized by pathogens (e.g. glucose); and stimulation of the immune response. Orally-administered probiotics have great potential to affect the nilcroflora of the proximal small intestine as this area is sparsely populated when compared to the colon or distal small bowel. Probiotic attachment, subsequent growth, and metabolic activity may have dramatic effects on host immune responses and the local micro-ecology.
Probiotics may also directly inhibit giardial growth and induce innate and immunological antigiardial mechanisms. For example, Lactobacillus johnsonii strain La1 has demonstrated the ability to produce substances that inhibit growth of G. intestinalis in vitro. Substances found in L. johnsonii La1 supernatant impaired the ability of giardia to replicate and encyst. The La1 extracellular products have also been found to cause dramatic alterations in the morphology of giardia trophozoites.
Probiotics can also enhance intestinal IgA immune responses and increase intestinal mucin production. The actions and qualities of probiotics appear to be strain-specific. Even closely-related bacterial strains within the same species may have significantly different actions.
Taking sauerkraut or kim chi throughout the day is a dietary measure that often helps. |
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Uro-Genital |
Vaginitis/Vaginal Infection| | Twice-daily vaginal douches, using 2 teaspoons full of acidophilus/bifidus powder in a quart of warm water, will help treat many recurrent vaginal yeast infections. Even just taking probiotics orally will increase the colonization of these organisms in the vagina and help prevent infections from occurring. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Abdomen (Abdominal)
That part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, pancreas and other organs.
Acidophilus
A microflora (good bacteria) that acts as a digestive aid and lives in your intestines helping your body fight disease.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Adjuvant
A substance added to a drug that affects the action of the active ingredient in a predictable way.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Atopic (Atopic Allergy)
Genetically predisposed toward developing immediate hypersensitivity reactions to common environmental allergens.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Bile
A bitter, yellow-green secretion of the liver. Bile is stored in the gallbladder and is released when fat enters the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) in order to aid digestion.
Biotin
An essential coenzyme that assists in the making of fatty acids and in the burning of carbohydrates and fats for body heat and energy. It is also essential for function of red blood cells and hemoglobin synthesis.
Butyrate
Butyrate is an important short chain fatty acid that provides fuel for colon cells and may help protect against colon cancer. The most potent dietary source is butter (3%).
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Carbohydrates (Carbohydrate)
The sugars and starches in food. Sugars are called simple carbohydrates and found in such foods as fruit and table sugar. Complex carbohydrates are composed of large numbers of sugar molecules joined together, and are found in grains, legumes, and vegetables like potatoes, squash, and corn.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Colon (Colonic)
The part of the large intestine that extends to the rectum. The colon takes the contents of the small intestine, moving them to the rectum by contracting.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A member of the herpes virus family which may induce the immune-deficient state or cause active illness, such as pneumonia, in a patient already immune-deficient due to chronic illness, such as cancer or organ transplantation therapy.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Distal
Anatomically located further away from a point of reference, such as an origin or a point of attachment.
Enteric (Enteric-coated)
Pertaining to the small intestines. Enteric-coated: A coating that prevents a tablet or capsule from being digested until it reaches the small intestine.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Folic Acid
A B-complex vitamin that functions along with vitamin B-12 and vitamin C in the utilization of proteins. It has an essential role in the formation of heme (the iron containing protein in hemoglobin necessary for the formation of red blood cells) and DNA. Folic acid is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tubular defects in the developing fetus.
Gastric
Of, relating to, or associated with the stomach.
Gastrointestinal (GI, GI Tract)
Pertaining to the stomach, small and large intestines, colon, rectum, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.
Giardiasis (Giardia)
An intestinal tract infection caused by Giardia lamblia, a flagellate protozoa now common to much of the world. It is not normally a very serious infection, but nevertheless unpleasant.
Glucose
A sugar that is the simplest form of carbohydrate. It is commonly referred to as blood sugar. The body breaks down carbohydrates in foods into glucose, which serves as the primary fuel for the muscles and the brain.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Herpes
A small group of capsid-forming DNA viruses, sometimes divided into Type I (forming vesicles and blisters on the mouth, lips-generally above the waist) and Type II (usually sexually-transmitted, with symptoms mostly below the waist). Both types form acute initial outbreaks, go dormant, reactivate, and so forth. For most folks, frequent outbreaks are clear signs of stress or immunosuppression. Both types are equally dangerous for infants.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
An inorganic acidic compound, excreted by the stomach, that aids in digestion.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Immunoglobulin A (IgA)
Supports mucosal immunity.
Lactobacillus
A genus of gram-positive, acid-resistant bacteria in the Lactobacillaceae family. We know of lactobacillus because of its use in making yogurt and the conventional wisdom of taking it in one form or another after antibiotic therapy, but it is an integral part of the colon and mouth flora, and is the critical acidifying agent in vaginal flora. There is a growing body of rather ignored data showing the value of regular consumption of a lactobacillus-containing food in immunosuppression, slow virus, and candidiasis conditions.
Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Metabolite (Metabolites)
Any product (foodstuff, intermediate, waste product) of metabolism.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Mucous Membranes (Mucosa, Mucous Membrane, Mucus Membranes)
The membranes, such as the mouth, nose, anus, and vagina, that line the cavities and canals of the body which communicate with the air.
Niacin (B3, B-3, Niacinamide, Vitamin B3)
A coenzyme B-complex vitamin that assists in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Essential for the health of the skin, nerves, tongue and digestive system. It is found in every cell of the body and is necessary for energy production. Niacin is also needed for DNA formation.
Peroxides (Peroxide)
Free radicals that are by-products formed in our bodies when molecules of fat react with oxygen.
pH
A measure of an environment's acidity or alkalinity. The more acidic the solution, the lower the pH. For example, a pH of 1 is very acidic; a pH of 7 is neutral; a pH of 14 is very alkaline.
Probiotic (Probiotics)
Derived from the Greek word for "life." Probiotic refers to organisms and substances which contribute to intestinal microbial balance. They are beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria.
Proximal
Nearer to a point of reference such as an origin, a point of attachment, or the midline of the body.
Salmonella
A widespread genus of gram-negative motile-rod bacteria, some of which can cause moderate GI infections, while several can produce metabolites in food that cause serious toxic reaction when the food is eaten.
Small Intestine (Small Bowel)
The small intestine lies between the stomach and the large intestine. It is about 6 meters (20 feet) long and its primary function is to digest (break down) food and absorb nutrients (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats). The small intestine makes up more than 70% of the length and 90% of the surface area of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Syndrome
A medical condition characterized by a collection of related symptoms (what the patient feels) and signs (what a doctor can observe or measure).
Teaspoon (Teaspoons, tsp)
Equivalent to 5cc (5ml).
Thrush
A fungal infection from Candida Albicans. Occurs most often in infants, immunocompromised patients, and AIDS victims. Characterized by small whitish sports on the tongue and inside of the cheeks.
Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa)
Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Vitamin B6 (B6, B-6)
Influences many body functions including regulating blood glucose levels, manufacturing hemoglobin and aiding the utilization of protein, carbohydrates and fats. It also aids in the function of the nervous system.
Vitamin K
Helps the blood clot when the body is injured.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Last updated: Jun 22, 2009
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