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