Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms that confer health benefits on the host. Derived from fermented foods and found in healthy individuals. Prebiotics are fermented substances that positively changes gastrointestinal microbiota. Synbiotics are usually mixtures of probiotics and prebiotics. Use of these substances started in the early 1900’s and it was used mainly for acute diarrhoeal illnesses.
Today, these substances are used in treating many digestive diseases. These include luminal disease such as: oral candidiasis, acute diarrhoea, antibiotic associated diarrhoea, Clostridium difficile infection, Helicobacter pylori infection, radiotherapy associated diarrhoea, enteral nutrition associated diarrhoea, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, functional constipation, NSAID induced enteropathy, ulcerative colitis, pouchitis and lactose intolerance. Liver related diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also be treated. Furthermore, they are also of value in non-digestive diseases such as: bacterial vaginosis, atopic dermatitis (infants), oral pathogens/dental caries, URTI and preventing allergic disease (perinatal period).
Our Speaker
Dr. Benjamin Yip Cherng Hann
Gastroenterology
Dr. Benjamin Yip is an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist and the Medical Director of the Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre.
Dr. Benjamin Yip graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) with the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. He was then conferred Member of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom (UK). He completed his specialist training in General Medicine and, thereafter, advanced specialist training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the National University Hospital, Singapore.
Dr. Yip was then awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan award to sub-specialise in Advanced Endoscopy at the Royal Free and University College Hospitals in London, UK. During his tenure, he trained with several leading members of the Advanced Endoscopy community. He received training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), Spyglass™ cholangioscopy, deep enteroscopy and enteral dilation/stenting.
Read More
