On Dec 7, 2006, at 8:46 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Ginny > The reforestation, as it were, of my gut is one of those
> projects.
>
> Honest question.  What is the purpose of intestinal flora?
>
> Jim

I think I'd say that they are natural inhabitants which act  
symbiotically to facilitate digestion and absorption. There are many  
stressors in modern life and SAD that throw the gut seriously out of  
balance, and I like to help it get back to top natural function.  
There are a gazillion "good" and "bad" organisms in there - none of  
which is, of course, either good or bad, in the big scheme of things.  
I subscribe to the view that we are pretty much all bugs, and keeping  
healthy is a matter of herding them around properly. Balance comes  
from health, and health comes from balance. Some of us have been  
functionally impaired through genetics or experience, and can use the  
help - never mind the continuing stressors:)


"The intestinal microflora are important for maturation of the immune  
system, the development of normal intestinal morphology and in order  
to maintain a chronic and immunologically balanced inflammatory  
response. The microflora reinforce the barrier function of the  
intestinal mucosa, helping in the prevention of the attachment of  
pathogenic microorganisms and the entry of allergens.

Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance,  
inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost  
immune function, and increase resistance to infection. People with  
flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better  
equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria.  
Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of  
intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid,  
hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the  
intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria.  
Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which  
act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms."

and lots more "science lite" at:

http://www.tuberose.com/Intestinal_Flora.html


ginny


All stunts performed without a net!