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Key Terms

Crohn’s disease
a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause ulcerations and fistulas in the intestines, particularly the colon and ileum
diverticulitis
inflammation of diverticula, which are bulging pouches that can form along the intestines
dysbiosis
imbalance of gut microbiota associated with an unhealthy outcome
galactosemia
a genetic disorder in which the galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) enzyme is missing or does not function properly
hyperemesis gravidarum
persistent and severe vomiting caused by pregnancy; can lead to weight loss and dehydration
malabsorption
a digestive disorder that causes the body not to absorb nutrients from food effectively
microbiome
a collection of microorganisms that reside in the body, primarily in the gastrointestinal tract
necrotizing enterocolitis
a gastrointestinal tract disease in which the intestinal lining becomes inflamed, dies, and is sloughed off
prebiotic
nondigestible substances that stimulate growth of “good” gut bacteria
probiotic
foods that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain “good” gut bacteria
short bowel syndrome
a group of problems related to ineffective absorption of nutrients
ulcerative colitis (UC)
an inflammatory disease that affects the superficial lining of the large intestine, causing ulcerations
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