Oligofructose, Inulin Protect from Pathogens and Tumor Inducers
While this is a study done in mice, the implications in humans is astounding. Basically, prebiotics (substances that promote the growth of healthy, normal flora) have the ability to protect against carcinogenic exposure, direct infections in the GI tract as well as systemic infections. The ability of health flora in the GI tract to help us fight off infections elsewhere in the body is not only incredibly exciting, but also raises a very, very important question. Forget antibiotic resistance–what effects are the wanton destruction of normal, protective flora with antibiotic use doing to our bodies??
nutrition.org — Abstracts: Buddington et al. 132 (3): 472