Intestinal Flora
	Intestinal flora consists of the bacteria and other microorganisms that live within the human digestive system. There are 10 times more bacteria in the digestive system than there are cells in the entire body. We each have about 100 trillion bacteria in our intestines,contributing to 1-1.5kg of our body weight. There are more than 400 species of bacteria found in the digestive system. These include both beneficial and harmful species, which continually compete to maintain a well-balanced intestinal flora.
	The functions of the microorganisms that inhabit the digestive system are many and varied. A balanced intestinal flora exists when the beneficial bacteria outnumber those bacteria that are potentially harmful. A balanced intestinal flora is important to maintain optimal function in the digestive system. The role of beneficial bacteria includes:
	•	Vitamin synthesis
	•	Assistance with digestion and absorption
	•	Immune system stimulation
	•	Controlling the numbers of potentially harmful micro-organisms
	A number of factors associated with life today can deplete the numbers of beneficial bacteria. This can result in an unbalanced intestinal flora that can contribute to a range of digestive disorders. These factors include:
	•	Diet
	•	Stress
	•	Ageing
	•	Antibiotics
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