human gut

(University of Washington) Scientists detected organizational shifts away from the normal lean state in the gut flora of people who were obese.

The differences relate to how the microbial community interacts with the human gut environment, rather than variations in its core energy-use processes.

Researchers made the discovery by studying the gut's massive collection of microorganisms as a complex, integrated biological system, rather than as a set of separate species, and by constructing computer models of genetic interplays and energy use in the microbial communities.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (in most cases, bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut.

They are also called "friendly bacteria" or "good bacteria." Probiotics are available to consumers mainly in the form of dietary supplements and foods.

They can be used as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)