400 + species of bacteria inhabit the digestive tract. Some of these are the pathogenic, or disease-producing, bacteria. But others are considered "friendly” bacteria: Probiotics. The digestive tract health depends on how friendly bacteria control the less friendly, pathogenic variety. Friendly bacteria (probiotics) produce acetic, lactic and formic acids which lower the pH in the intestine, thereby inhibiting growth of undesirable bacteria and enhancing the nutritional status by helping to digest food and manufacture essential vitamins.
You might have heard of the terms ‘prebiotics’ and ‘probiotics’ being mentioned in association with digestive health on BBC television show “Trust Me I’m A Doctor”. But what’s the difference between them and which one is more important? Read more here.
