Author Question: What are probiotics and how could they help with diarrhea? ... (Read 41 times)

karen · **on:** Aug 2, 2018

What are probiotics and how could they help with diarrhea?

Question 2

Mrs. J had a 5 hour GTT. Explain why some GTTs are for 2 h, 3 h, or 5 h.

vkodali · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 2, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Probiotics are supplements (capsules or tablets) or food products (i.e., yogurt and buttermilk with live cultures) that are sources of the good bacteria that populate our intestinal tract. The theory is to reestablish the beneficial gut flora after bouts of diarrhea or treatment with antibiotics. If the diarrhea was a result of low numbers of appropriate intestinal flora, the process may work.

Answer to Question 2

More accurate results can be obtained with a 5 h test. Some patients and not be able to fast for 5 h after drinking the carbonated sugar beverage and having venipuncture every hour. Thus, in some cases the test is shortened as the patient can tolerate.