1. Our Tiniest Friends Nat 212, Module 2 Option 4
What do the bacteria in the large intestine contribute to the body? What holistic protocols can be used to support their role?
Catherine Oshin

2. Disclaimer
The following information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to treat, cure, prevent, prescribe for, or diagnose any disease or medical condition.  
Information on herbs and supplements has not been evaluated by the FDA

3. Friends Forever
Millions of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungus and other organisms exist in and on our bodies beginning at birth.
Most of these are harmless or beneficial and live with humans in symbiosis, a dependent relationship which benefits both parties. We provide them with food they need and in turn they support the immune system, digestive system, and produce some vitamins.

4. Have you heard of “probiotics”
Have you heard of “probiotics”? You may have been reading about supplementary bacteria, or yogurt culture. It may have been touted as a treatment for side effects of antibiotics.
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in our bodies and are also found in fermented foods
Antibiotics and other environmental factors can deplete or alter the balance of these helpful organisms

5. Native Fauna in the GI
The large intestine is populated by millions of bacteria that assist in the digestive process
These help to
Break down undigested fibers
Produce some vitamins
Protect against pathogenic organisms

6. Digestion and Absorption
When digested food moves into the large intestine from the small intestine, most of the nutrients have already been digested and absorbed
Organisms in the colon help to further break down cellulose and other fibers for absorption through the lining of the colon

7. Vitamin Production These microorganisms produce:
The B vitamins Thiamine, Riboflavin and Biotin and B-12
Vitamin K
These nutrients are absorbed in the colon along with some water, sodium, potassium, chloride, and some of the Vitamin K
The large intestine does not absorb Vitamin B-12

8. Immunity
Healthy populations of beneficial bacteria in the gut inhibit overgrowth of pathogenic, or harmful, organisms by competing for food and space.
This protects the body from infection.

9. Dysbiosis An imbalance in the native micro-organisms in the GI
Symptoms may be both local and systemic
Can cause diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, cramping, indigestion, vaginal yeast infections, thrush,
weakened immune system, headaches, joint pain, fatigue

10. Causes of Dysbiosis
Chlorinated water, pollution, food additives, alcohol
Antibiotics, steroid medications, overuse of laxatives, diarrhea
These factors can reduce or destroy the populations of beneficial bacteria in the GI and should be reduced and avoided when you are correcting an imbalance, taking antibiotics, or simply to maintain healthy digestion.

11. Antibiotics
Broad spectrum antibiotics, which are frequently used to treat otitis media and sinusitis, affect all strains of bacteria throughout the body without discretion.
In this way the infection may be cured but the body is opened up to other sorts of infection due to the lack of beneficial bacteria.
Candidiasis is such a common reaction that many patients receive antifungal medication along with antibiotics as a precautionary measure.

12. Supporting Healthy Gut Flora
Diet and lifestyle can support the populations of healthy organisms
The previously listed causes of dysbiosis should be avoided
Fermented foods containing live cultures should be a regular part of the diet
A diet high in soluble fiber, which feeds the helpful bacteria
Probiotic supplements come in tablet, capsule, liquid, and powder forms

13. Acidophilus and other Probiotics
The term probiotics most often refers to supplements containing presumably live bacteria that support healthy populations of bacteria or yeasts in the body.
Most contain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium similar to native strains found in the gut
Most supplements contain both types of strains
Transient strains pass through the system and do not re-establish colonies. They are helpful for acute and temporary conditions
Resident strains are commonly found in and remain in the body
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut also supply some of the same organisms

14. Prebiotics
Fibers and other substances not digested in the small intestine that feed the good bacteria in the colon
Fructoligosaccharides (or FOS) is the most popular and is included in some probiotic supplements and also sold separately
inulin, an insoluble fiber
butyrate (from the digestion of fiber)
L-glutamine, an amino acid

15. Beginning at birth our bodies are populated by millions of microorganisms that support and protect the processes of the body.
It is important to keep these in balance throughout our lifetimes to maintain healthy digestion and avoid disease

16. References ACHS class material and lectures
accessed 2/18/10
accessed 2/16/10, great presentation with extra details on digestion