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What are probiotics? Probiotics are live bacteria that help our body function properly, especially the digestive system. Although people often consider bacteria or microorganisms as harmful, many live bacteria are good for our health, Probiotics are one such example of good bacteria. To know more, visit: what-are-probiotics

In a nutshell, probiotics are friendly bacteria, while prebiotics are food for these bacteria. Prebiotics are essentially non-digestive food ingredients that probiotics in our gut can feed off. They play a significant role in the enhanced growth of healthy bacteria and increase production of healthy vitamins. While probiotics ensure a healthy digestive system, prebiotics ensure that these bacteria stay healthy and function properly. It is important to always take a balanced amount of both probiotics and prebiotics to ensure a healthy gut and body.

There are many probiotic foods rich in healthy bacteria essential for your digestive system. Foods that have been fermented by healthy bacteria are considered to be great sources of probiotics. Yogurt is one of the most popular and best known source of probiotics, besides others. For more details on various probiotic-rich foods, go here: probiotics-in-meals

While probiotics greatly promote a healthy digestive system, its benefits are not only restricted to digestion. Probiotics are essential for a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked with wide range of benefits. Probiotics are famous for their ability to reduce and even prevent diarrhoea. Besides boosting digestive system, they also boost the immune system. Read more about it here: all-about-the-gut

Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in large amount. They can be taken as supplements or consumed naturally through fermented foods. Probiotics are generally considered safe for the majority of the population, some side effects may occur. Though not common, some side effects of probiotics intake are a temporary increase in gas, bloating, constipation and thirst. Some people may also react poorly to ingredients used in probiotic supplements or to naturally occurring amines in probiotic foods. If this occurs, stop using probiotics. In the rarest of cases, people with compromised immune systems, recent surgeries or prolonged hospitalizations may develop an infection from probiotic bacteria. People with these conditions should consult a doctor before taking probiotics. Bottom line, probiotics are a very beneficial addition to most people’s diet, with relatively few unlikely or no side effects.

There are two most common types of probiotic species. They are Lactobacilli that are responsible for producing lactic acid and control the population of bad bacteria in the body. Secondly, Bifidobacteria, commonly found in foods and supplements, are essential for supporting immune system, breaking down lactose and limit growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine. Different probiotics have different benefits and one must always consult their health care provider before taking probiotics.

From the moment a baby is born, the gut of the baby undergoes rapid development due to the changes occurring in the baby's body as he grows. And it is good to give you kids probiotics, especially Enterogermina, as it can great help in the development of healthy gut flora inside your baby. Studies have also shown that probiotics might be beneficial in treating and preventing diarrhoea, but their effects are modest at best. They may also help prevent secondary infections and diarrhoea in kids using antibiotics.

Probiotics are good live bacteria inside your gut that helps in boosting your digestive and immune system. While antibiotics are medicines meant to treat infections and diseases. They kill bad bacteria in the body and strengthen immune system to fight against bacterial infections. Very often antibiotics are known to kill good bacteria too, therefore it always recommended to have appropriate amount of probiotics while taking antibiotics.

Can you take probiotics and antibiotics together? Antibiotics, even with all their health benefits, are notorious for killing off good bacteria too. Therefore it is always recommended to take sufficient amount of probiotics while on antibiotic medication, but they are not to be taken together at the same time. Although prebiotics are taken together to minimize the killing of good bacteria by antibiotics, experts don't recommend them to be taken together. It is also recommended that one get their probiotics through diet rather than through supplements.

Diarrhoea is a condition of frequent bowels movements and in a liquid form. It can be caused by a viral infection, bacterial infection, food poisoning, recent antibiotic use or consumption of contaminated water. If one is having at least three loose or liquid bowel movements each day, chances are he/she has diarrhoea. It often lasts for a few days resulting in dehydration due to fluid loss. For more in-depth detail on diarrhoea and its causes, please visit: what-is-diarrhoea

The most common symptoms of diarrhoea are: abdominal cramps, abdominal pains, urgency to go to the toilet, frequent passing of loose, watery faeces, nausea and vomiting. To know more about each symptom, click here: Diarrhoea symptoms-and-more

There are various natural remedies for diarrhoea, each working up to a certain extent depending on the severity of the infection. The most common one being the use of a oral rehydration solution made up of warm water, salt and sugar. Other popular natural remedies for diarrhoea includes: butter milk, honey, applesauce, vinegar water and many more. Find out more about each natural remedies for diarrhoea here: nutrition-during-diarrhoea

Although it might sound counterintuitive to eat during diarrhoea, eating certain foods can help alleviate your diarrhoea symptoms and ensure your health doesn’t worsen from skipping meals. The most popular of all the foods being the low-fibre “BRAT” foods that will help firm up your stool. These are - bananas, rice (white), applesauce and toast. Find out more details and other foods here :nutrition-during-diarrhoea

Despite being used to treat similar digestive problems, probiotics and digestive enzymes are not the same. One major distinction between the two is that enzymes are proteins while probiotics are living microorganisms (good bacteria). That means enzymes can actually digest food and are effective at relieving common issues such as occasional gas, bloating, indigestion and general discomfort. Probiotics, on the other hand, are useful in supporting the overall health of gastrointestinal tract as well as supporting the immune system and other body systems. And probiotics cannot break down the food molecules you eat. Both digestive enzymes and probiotics can be taken together to support digestion and address digestive issues at the same time.

What are the different types of diarrhoea? (Are there different types of diarrhoea?) Although there are different types of diarrhoea based on duration and pathophysiology, but according to WHO there are three clinical types of diarrhoea. They are: Acute watery diarrhoea – which lasts several hours or days, and includes cholera; Acute bloody diarrhoea – also called dysentery; and Persistent diarrhoea – which lasts for 14 days or longer.