Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that help balance the "good" and "bad" bacteria in a person's intestines. If too much is ingested, the delicate equilibrium of the digestive tract can become upset, resulting in diarrhea.
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Purpose
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Probiotics help keep the environment in the digestive system from being overrun with pathogens. They also help boost the immune system, which helps ward off illness throughout the body.
Usage
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Probiotics are sometimes used to stop diarrhea by adjusting the levels of good bacteria in the gut. If administered in excess, they cause an imbalance in the digestive tract, and can cause watery stools.
Dosage
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One of the most popular sources of probiotics is plain yogurt. Eating a single serving per day can help adjust the bacterial equilibrium in the intestines.
Treatment
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Probiotics live in our intestines all the time, but sometimes illness or medication can disrupt this delicate balance. Begin taking probiotics when you finish a round of antibiotics, as these drugs destroy all bacteria, including the good kind.
Warnings
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Stop taking probiotics if diarrhea continues for longer than 24 hours. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
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