A good probiotic formula [one with pre- and probiotics] is absolutely essential for long-term intestinal health, and long-term parasite control. When choosing a probiotic, you need to know the following:
~ Not all strains of beneficial bacteria are created equal. For each type of bacteria, there are recognized super strains. Choose a formula that uses only these recognized super strains of beneficial bacteria -- should be clearly identified as such on the label or in the company literature.
~ Then there's the question of how many live microorganisms are alive in that formula when you actually consume it. Pick up any probiotic formula, look at the label, and you'll see something like: "Contains 10-13 billion live organisms per capsule at time of manufacture. " And that's the problem: "at time of manufacture."
~ The die-off rate for probiotics can be astounding. Most formulas experience a die-off approaching log within just 60 days of manufacture. This means that the 10-13 billion you see on the label may be down to 10-13 million, or less, by the time you use it. Heat and moisture accelerate the process, which is why most manufacturers recommend refrigeration for their probiotics.
~ There are many beneficial bacteria that can be contained in a good probiotic, but two are preeminent. Look for a formula based on these:
L. acidophilus resides primarily in the small intestine and produces a number of powerful antimicrobial compounds in the gut (including: acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin). These compounds may inhibit the growth and toxin producing capabilities of some 23 known disease-causing pathogens (including: campylobacter, listeria, and staphylococci), as well as reduce tumor growth and effectively neutralize or inhibit carcinogenic substances.
~ It's also important to note that L. acidophilus is the primary beneficial bacteria in the vaginal tract. When the presence of the acidophilus is compromised, this allows the bad guys such as Gardnerella vaginalis or E. coli or Chlamydia to take over.
Many researchers believe that declining levels of bifidobacteria in the large intestine actually mark the eventual onset of chronic degenerative disease. Bifidobacteria benefit the body in a number of ways. They: Consume old fecal matter, Have the ability to remove cancer-forming elements (or the enzymes which lead to their formation), and protect against the formation of liver, colon, and mammary gland tumors.
~ The Right Probiotic is the Key to proper digestion. Taking a probiotic supplement is an excellent way to replenish the good bacteria in your intestinal microflora. A quality probiotic product contains two different types of bacteria from " Lactobacillus and normal" Bifidobacteria species.
Probiotics Q&A
Q. How do I know if the probiotic is fresh?
A. First, look for a product that has a “use by” date or an “expiration” date clearly stated on the package, and one that does NOT require refrigeration. Probiotic supplements that require refrigeration often have been subjected to warm temperatures during shipment and storage that will inevitably kill off some or all of the bacteria.
It is very important that the product label guarantees live bacteria at the time of purchase, not at the time of shipment or manufacturing. However, from the laboratory test discussed, we see that sometimes these written guarantees are not worth the paper they are written on. There is one scientifically validated process that truly delivers live and vigorous bacteria to the intestine. This process suspends the probiotic bacteria in a moist paste and immediately seals the bacteria in a perfectly seamless, spherical, gelatin ball. This bacterial paste is completely protected from air and dryness so the bacteria are alive until the specialized gelatin dissolves – in the intestines. [Shaklee uses this process.]
Q. Why is it important to dissolve only in the intestine?
A. Lactic acid bacteria are not very resistant to the acids of the stomach. The harsh environment of the stomach destroys the majority of these bacteria.
This pearly-like coating technology protects bacteria from the stomach acid. The sphere is specially developed to ONLY dissolve in the intestines. Note: An Enteric coating is not enough protection as it does nothing to protect the bacteria while they wait for purchase on the shelf (or on it's journey through the stomach).
Q. What does this proprietary coating technology mean to me?
A. Shaklee's Optiflora Probiotic Complex has a patented triple-layer encapsulation that guarantees delivery of at least half a billion live, beneficial bacteria directly to the small intestines. This specialized process is an expensive processing step, but it has many advantages to you, because the pearl-shaped spheres actually “seal” the bacteria in the capsule. This protects them from air. Probiotic bacteria are anaerobic, meaning they do not require oxygen to live. In fact, the presence of oxygen may actually injure or kill probiotic bacteria.
By protecting the bacteria on the shelf and in the stomach, the probiotic bacteria successfully reach the intestine. As a result, there will be a greater number of healthy, intact bacteria that will colonize in the intestine.
But how do you know the bacteria will still be alive when you make your purchase? Look at the package. If there is no date stamp, don't buy it. If it says the company guarantees there was a certain number alive at the time of manufacture, put it back on the shelf. That means that the company is not willing to claim the bacteria are alive when delivered to the target site, the intestine.
If the product must be constantly refrigerated, put it down. How do you know it didn’t sit in a truck for two or more days, or was stored in a warehouse before it was shipped to the health food store? You don't.
Find a probiotic that says the bacteria are guaranteed to be alive in the numbers stated on the label until the printed on the package. Find a product using unique, cutting edge science to deliver the probiotic bacteria in a form that uses spherical, sealed, triple coating to protect the bacteria. That company has gone to extra time and expense to make sure you reap the benefits that probiotics can offer.
The critical key to a good quality probiotic supplement is that the bacteria must be alive to work. Only living probiotic bacteria can colonize in the intestines. A good quality probiotic nutritional supplement will have GUARANTEED levels of live bacteria at the point of consumption. Inferior brands will merely state levels of live bacteria at the point of manufacture.
Shaklee has options for you:
CitriBoost is an easy and enjoyable way to give your body the vitamins and balanced nutrition it needs. It mixes well with orange juice or your favorite protein shake. http://www.shaklee.net/profitandprosperity/product/20635
and...
OptiFlora Prebiotic & Probiotic System: Taken regularly, Optiflora helps maintain a healthy colon. This advanced, two-product system uses new technology to protect beneficial microflora during the rigors of shipping, storage, and the acidic journey through your stomach. Other products claim live microflora at the time of manufacture. Shaklee guarantees the delivery of live microflora to your colon.
http://www.shaklee.net/profitandprosperity/product/80638
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