Abstract

Gastrointestinal disorders are the most widespread problems in health care. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, so it is not surprising that intestinal diseases are common among immune-deficient patients. Further, pathogens do influence the gut function. On the other hand, dietary habits and specific food types can play a significant role in the onset, treatment, and prevention of many GI disorders. Similarly, certain food constituents or as such foods themselves serve as remedy for various GI disorders. Such foods are termed as functional foods and the present review article emphasizes on various functional foods that render remedial benefits to the population who suffer from such GI disorders.