Probiotics Dictionary

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD): Diarrhea that occurs as a result of taking antibiotics.

 

Antibiotics: Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

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Bifidobacterium: A genus of gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria that are commonly used as probiotics.

 

Clostridium difficile (C. difficile): A bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other intestinal problems, particularly in people who have taken antibiotics.

 

Colony Forming Units (CFU): A measure of the number of viable bacteria in a probiotic product.

 

Dysbiosis: An imbalance in the gut microbiome.

 

Fermented Foods: Foods that have been through a process of fermentation, which can increase the levels of probiotics.

 

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.

 

Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract: The digestive system, consisting of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus.

 

Gut-Brain Axis: The connection between the gut and the brain, which includes the gut-brain connection.

 

Immune System: The body's defense system against infection and disease.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A common disorder that affects the large intestine and causes symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

 

Lactobacillus: A genus of gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria that are commonly used as probiotics.

 

Metabolism: The chemical processes that occur in the body to maintain life.

 

Microbiome: The genetic material of the microorganisms that live in a particular environment, such as the gut.

 

Microbiota: The microorganisms that live in a particular environment, such as the gut.

 

Prebiotic Fiber: Non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

 

Prebiotics: Non-digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut.

 

Probiotic Strains: Specific species or strains of microorganisms that have been shown to provide health benefits.

 

Probiotic Supplements: Products that contain probiotics and are taken orally, such as capsules and powders.

 

Probiotics: Live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits to the host.

 

Resident Microbes: Microorganisms that are permanently resident in the gut.

 

Saccharomyces boulardii: A probiotic yeast that has been shown to have beneficial effects on the gut.

 

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.

 

Synbiotics: A combination of probiotics and prebiotics that work together to provide health benefits.

 

Transient Microbes: Microorganisms that are not permanently resident in the gut.

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Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): An infection in any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra.

 

Vaginal Yeast Infections: An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina, which can cause symptoms such