Probtiotics Detox your body

What Are Probiotics?

Repeatedly demonstrated to aid gastrointestinal health in the human body, acidophilus and other probiotics are key elements of our overall health and well being. This is particularly true when we consider that many of our common-day chronic ailments begin in the digestive system. It is also true when we consider the sheer number of people that suffer from poor gastrointestinal health, a condition which lowers the overall level of good bacteria in the body.

Before we go into the multi-fold benefits of taking probiotics, let’s define what probiotics are. The Joint FAO/WHO Working Groupdefines probiotics as “live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.”

In plain English, probiotics are a type of living bacteria that actually benefit your health when taken in the appropriate amounts. This friendly bacteria, located in the gastrointestinal tract, comes in a variety of forms. With more than 400 different bacteria living in the human gastrointestinal tract, the most common forms of intestinal probiotics are L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum.

These bacteria act as balancing agents for non-friendly, pathogenic, gut-bacteria such as Candida or E. coli. When the “good-guys” are not present enough, a number of bacteria-related health problems such as digestive upset, headaches, sluggishness, irritability, cadidiasis (an overgrowth of the bacteria Candida albicans), and even anxiety can ensue.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is, quite possibly, the strongest of our probiotic fighters. Studies show that L. acidophilus actually creates a natural form of antibiotics in the body. This natural antibiotic increases our ability to produce antimicrobial action against the pathogens in the food we eat, the air we breath, and the things we come in contact with. Stress, unhealthy lifestyles, and most importantly, unhealthy acidic diets, destroy our natural amounts of probiotics. In this sense, it is a great idea to add a probiotic supplement to your diet.

The Health Benefits of Probiotics

The following health benefits are associated with the intake of daily doses of probiotics. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

• Enhanced immune system response
• Reduces negative affects of taking many types of antibiotics
• Aids in preventing and treating colon inflammation following surgery
• Helps to prevent eczema in youth
• Increased ability to digest food
• Therapeutic for viral respiratory tract infections by enhancing the overall immune system
• Reduces lactose intolerance
• Reduces incidence of yeast infections, vaginitis and candidiasis
• Increases ability to assimilate the nutrients from food
• Alleviates many common digestive disorders such asconstipation, diarrhea and IBS
• Acts as a remedy for bad breath (halitosis)
• Increases ability to synthesize vitamin B
• Increases ability to absorb calcium
• Promotes anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity in the body

Who Should Take Probiotics?

There is no question that candiasis sufferers require supplemental use of probiotics to replenish beneficial GI bacteria and rebuild the immune system. Even if you don’t have candidiasis, environmental and food toxins, coupled with the high-stress lifestyle of most North Americans, are good indicators of the widespread need for probiotics.

This is especially true if you are consistently taking antibiotics, or if you have ever been on a course of particularly strong antibiotics, have frequent colds, or exhibit any symptoms of candida related problems. The reason for this is that antibiotics kill bacteria both good and bad. Despite their value, antibiotics have been overused to the point that there are at least two bacteria that have developed complete resistance to antibiotics. Needless to say, these bacteria present a serious problem to our health.

Studies on Probiotics

• Studies show that probiotics improve the bio-availability of many important nutrients in the body such as zinc, iron, phosphorus, all of the B vitamins, calcium, copper, and magnesium.^[4]
• A study on the probiotic strain B. infantis showed powerful abilites to normalize bowel function in patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). ^[5]
• Probiotics have been shown to significantly lower the rate of diarrhea and diaper rash in babies’ consuming infant probiotics. ^[7]
• Active bacteria cultures, such as acidophilus, have been shown to aid in reducing intolerance to lactose found in dairy products. ^[8]
• Several studies on probiotics have indicated that through the process of regulating intestinal transit time of fecal matter, probiotics can dramatically reduce constipation in the elderly.^[9]
• Other reports indicate that some forms of probiotics, can aid in promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon, significantly lowering the conversion of bile in the colon into carcinogens. ^[10]
• Some studies demonstrate that probiotics enhance overall immunity through a process of regulating lymphocytes and antibodies in the body. ^[11]

Where Can I Buy High-Quality Probiotics?

Currently, I recommend and use 2 forms of probiotics. LateroFlora which is the B.O.D. Bacillus Laterosporus strain and Dr. Mercolas Bacillus Coagulans strain. I have tested many products and these seem to work the best, especially for taming candida and balancing the bowel bacteria.

Be sure to avoid probiotic supplements that have sugar or glucose in the ingredient list. Both sugar and glucose actually slow the growth of healthy lactobacilli. We can also get moderate levels of probiotics from a healthy diet rich in cultured organic products like yogurt, goat’s cheese, kefir and buttermilk.

Many common leafy greens are also excellent sources of probiotics. The best greens for increasing probiotics include chlorella, wheat grass, and spirulina. The advantage of getting these disease-fighting bacteria from green sources is that these foods are also extremely high in immune system-stimulating vitamins, minerals and nutrients. They also aid in detoxing the body.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

Health benefits of taking probiotics

Bacteria have a reputation for causing disease, so the idea of tossing down a few billion a day for your health might seem — literally and figuratively — hard to swallow. But a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that you can treat and even prevent some illnesses with foods and supplements containing certain kinds of live bacteria. Northern Europeans consume a lot of these beneficial microorganisms, called probiotics (from pro and biota, meaning “for life”), because of their tradition of eating foods fermented with bacteria, such as yogurt. Probiotic-laced beverages are also big business in Japan.

Enthusiasm for such foods has lagged in the United States, but interest in probiotic supplements is on the rise. Some digestive disease specialists are recommending them for disorders that frustrate conventional medicine, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Since the mid-1990s, clinical studies have established that probiotic therapy can help treat several gastrointestinal ills, delay the development of allergies in children, and treat and prevent vaginal and urinary infections in women.

Self-dosing with bacteria isn’t as outlandish as it might seem. An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms representing more than 500 different species inhabit every normal, healthy bowel. These microorganisms (or microflora) generally don’t make us sick; most are helpful. Gut-dwelling bacteria keep pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function.

The best case for probiotic therapy has been in the treatment of diarrhea. Controlled trials have shown that Lactobacillus GG can shorten the course of infectious diarrhea in infants and children (but not adults). Although studies are limited and data are inconsistent, two large reviews, taken together, suggest that probiotics reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 60%, when compared with a placebo.

Probiotic therapy may also help people with Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome. Clinical trial results are mixed, but several small studies suggest that certain probiotics may help maintain remission of ulcerative colitis and prevent relapse of Crohn’s disease and the recurrence of pouchitis (a complication of surgery to treat ulcerative colitis). Because these disorders are so frustrating to treat, many people are giving probiotics a try before all the evidence is in for the particular strains they’re using. More research is needed to find out which strains work best for what conditions.

Probiotics may also be of use in maintaining urogenital health. Like the intestinal tract, the vagina is a finely balanced ecosystem. The dominant Lactobacilli strains normally make it too acidic for harmful microorganisms to survive. But the system can be thrown out of balance by a number of factors, including antibiotics, spermicides, and birth control pills. Probiotic treatment that restores the balance of microflora may be helpful for such common female urogenital problems as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection.

Many women eat yogurt or insert it into the vagina to treat recurring yeast infections, a “folk” remedy for which medical science offers limited support. Oral and vaginal administration of Lactobacilli may help in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, although there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend it over conventional approaches. (Vaginosis must be treated because it creates a risk for pregnancy-related complications and pelvic inflammatory disease.) Probiotic treatment of urinary tract infections is under study.

Probiotics are generally considered safe — they’re already present in a normal digestive system — although there’s a theoretical risk for people with impaired immune function. Be sure the ingredients are clearly marked on the label and familiar to you or your health provider. There’s no way to judge the safety of unidentified mixtures.

In the United States, most probiotics are sold as dietary supplements, which do not undergo the testing and approval process that drugs do. Manufacturers are responsible for making sure they’re safe before they’re marketed and that any claims made on the label are true. But there’s no guarantee that the types of bacteria listed on a label are effective for the condition you’re taking them for. Health benefits are strain-specific, and not all strains are necessarily useful, so you may want to consult a practitioner familiar with probiotics to discuss your options. As always, let your primary care provider know what you’re doing.

Probiotics, Your gut and your heart

Did you ever think that what goes on in your gut could affect your heart? It may seem far-fetched, but it’s not. Think about it: the intestinal lining is connected to the bloodstream, which acts as a direct communication line with the heart and the rest of the body.

Recent studies have found an interesting gut-heart connection. When gut bacteria break down phosphatidyl choline from lecithin, a common dietary ingredient found in foods like eggs, dairy, meat, fish and soy, a metabolite called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is formed. TMAO promotes atherosclerosis, and higher amounts of this metabolite in the blood increase the risk of heart disease.

This is an interesting study, but there are many questions that still need to be answered. Which bacteria are more likely to produce this TMAO? How does modifying gut bacteria change the heart disease risk? More studies are needed to determine this, but researchers suggest that probiotics may be used in the future for preventing heart disease.

It’s exciting science, though still in the early stages. But the overall message is clear: what happens in your gut affects the rest of your body. No question!

Probiotics, Your gut and your heart

Did you ever think that what goes on in your gut could affect your heart? It may seem far-fetched, but it’s not. Think about it: the intestinal lining is connected to the bloodstream, which acts as a direct communication line with the heart and the rest of the body.

Recent studies have found an interesting gut-heart connection. When gut bacteria break down phosphatidyl choline from lecithin, a common dietary ingredient found in foods like eggs, dairy, meat, fish and soy, a metabolite called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is formed. TMAO promotes atherosclerosis, and higher amounts of this metabolite in the blood increase the risk of heart disease.

This is an interesting study, but there are many questions that still need to be answered. Which bacteria are more likely to produce this TMAO? How does modifying gut bacteria change the heart disease risk? More studies are needed to determine this, but researchers suggest that probiotics may be used in the future for preventing heart disease.

It’s exciting science, though still in the early stages. But the overall message is clear: what happens in your gut affects the rest of your body. No question!

Diet and your Gut

The human gut is home to thousands of different bacterial species, totaling 100 trillion bacterial cells—that’s about four pounds of bacteria, or the weight of a brick. The composition of this bacterial population (also known as the gut microbiota), is currently being studied.

A new study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, published in Science, takes the findings further. This new study found two major gut types—Bacteroides and Prevotella—based on gut bacterial population groups in 98 healthy volunteers who were asked to fill out questionnaires that assessed dietary habits. Stool samples were collected to determine their gut microbiota composition.

The researchers found a link between dietary habits and gut types. People who ate a diet high in meat and saturated fat were higher in Bacteroides bacteria, and people who had a diet high in carbohydrates had more Prevotella bacteria. Researchers then took ten volunteers and fed half of them a diet high in fat and low in fiber, and fed the other half a low-fat, high-fiber diet. By the end of ten days, the bacterial populations had begun to change but were still predominantly the sameBacteroides and Prevotella groups. This indicates that it’s possible to change the gut microbiota with diet, but it will take more than a short-term change to see any major difference.

Next steps will be to replicate these findings to confirm them and to take the studies further by looking at whether these gut types are associated with health or disease. It’s an exciting area of research, working out the details of what health advocates like ReNew Life founder Brenda Watson has said all along—your gut is the foundation of the health of the rest of your body. It all begins in the gut!

How to Choose a Probiotic Supplement

Generally, things of higher value, or those things perceived as being of higher value, simply cost you more.

And that pretty much applies across the board from the place you call home, to the cars you drive, and to many of the consumables you buy as well.

But every once in a while, something comes along that becomes an exception to all this. Sometimes the exception is strictly a marketing ploy of some sort... to con you into believing you're getting more value for your hard-earned money than you really are.

For example, many automobile manufacturers compare their products to higher end vehicles.... These manufacturers might try to convince you their vehicle has all the bells and whistles comparable to the higher-end vehicle... but at half the price.

At first blush, you might start believing what they say is true.

But when you dig deeper, you may find their vehicle may have most of the tangible features of the luxury cars, but the quality doesn't come close. Or, when you test drive their vehicle, the road-feel is not anywhere near that of the more expensive vehicle.

This is by no means an endorsement for any auto brand, but simply an example of how value exceptions can sometimes end up being misleading... and how they really require you to be on your toes to watch out for them... to do your homework.

And in the complex world of nutritional supplements, it's important for you to know...

How Perceived vs. Actual Health Value Can Be Very Dicey

Don't be fooled by very low-priced
supplements. Many are made from
cheap, unhealthy synthetic ingredients.

Many supplements claim to provide great benefits at very low prices. But when you dig deeper you often find out that cheap, synthetic ingredients were used.

Or, at the other end of the spectrum, the producers of more expensive supplements try to convince you a special process or hard-to-find ingredient is needed to justify the higher cost... in my opinion, often times this is simply a marketing ploy.

For every one that makes it through my rigorous acceptance gauntlet, dozens upon dozens more get rejected.

I truly believe that with what I'm about to show you, you'll see why I consider this to be one of the best health values for your money*... a true value exception with facts to back it up... a situation where I believe you simply will get more value for the same amount of money.

To get started, let's take a brief trip back in time...

The History Behind Fermented Foods and Their Health Benefits

History provides us a few clues on how different cultures promoted their intestinal health before modern times. Years ago, people used fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut - as food preservatives and as support for intestinal and overall health.

Ancient Indian culture (as well as today),
promoted intestinal health with a raw yogurt
drink called lassi - full of probiotics

Here are a few examples...

• During Roman times, people ate sauerkraut because of its taste and benefits to their overall health.
• In ancient Indian society, it became commonplace (and still is) to enjoy a before-dinner yogurt drink called a lassi. These Indian traditions were based on the principle of using sour milk as a probiotic delivery system to the body.
• Bulgarians are known both for their health and their high consumption of fermented milk and kefir.
• In Asian cultures, pickled fermentations of cabbage, turnips, eggplant, cucumbers, onions, squash and carrots still exist today.
• People of the Ukraine consume probiotics from foods like sauerkraut, raw yogurt, and buttermilk.

The interesting thing was most of these dietary habits were born from tradition... at the time, no one really knew or understood why they were so healthy to your digestive system.*

How Probiotics Got Their Start - An Uphill Battle
Against Big Pharma

Well, things changed in the early 1900s, when Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff (Nobel Prize 1908) proposed that the Balkan population enjoyed excellent health due to consumption of large quantities of fermented milks containing beneficial bacteria.*

These 'good' bacteria were later defined as probiotics, which comes from Greek terminology meaning 'for life.'

In the 1950s, the USDA licensed a probiotic formula for use in the digestive tract of pigs. Later on in the 1970s, the effectiveness of the probiotics in that role in pigs was discovered. Probiotics were later pioneered for human use.

So, what took so long to bring probiotics to the forefront in human health enhancements?*

I believe that the mere fact that large pharmaceutical companies were able to leverage millions of dollars to market their products pushed probiotics out of the way... relegated them to the back-burner.

But today, the health trend has clearly begun to shift toward natural nutrition. And that has allowed probiotics to resurface and gain the attention they deserve.

And that's why I spend so much of my time researching factual data on how to provide you with the best probiotic formula available.

All this is well and good, but...

Why Are Probiotics So Vital to Your Health?*

Why do many caesarean-section infants have
less-than-optimal health after birth?

From the very first breath you take, you're exposed to probiotics.

How so?

On the way through the birth canal during a normal delivery, a newborn gets dosed with bacteria from their mother. This event starts colonization in the infant's gastrointestinal (GI) tract of 'good' bacteria. Compelling new research now shows many caesarean-section infants have less-than-optimal health after birth. This is most likely because they are not exposed to the mother's healthy bacteria in the birth canal which would then serve to populate its own GI tract.

As you mature, you're faced with many threats to the beneficial bacteria in your gut... from chlorinated drinking water... to overly-processed foods.

The 'good' bacteria in your gastrointestinal system can only provide you with optimum health if the proper balance of different types of bacteria is maintained in your gut.*

This is where probiotics can have a profound effect... not just on your GI health, but on your overall health as well.* Keep in mind, 80% of your immune system actually lives in your gut.

Probiotic formulas are available with many different types of bacterial strains... with the most common being Lactobacillus acidophilus. But as you'll find out shortly, not all probiotics are created equal... and not all probiotic formulas are properly produced to provide optimal benefits.*

In general, if formulated properly, the major benefits of a high-quality probiotic are to...

• Aid you in digesting food, particularly hard-to-digest foods and foods to which some individuals are more sensitive.*
• Enhance the synthesis of B vitamins and improve calcium absorption*
• Help you keep a healthy balance of intestinal microflora*
• (In women) Promote vaginal health*
• Support your overall immune function*

And more...

I strongly believe the key to an optimal probiotic formula is through science-backed research by a qualified non-biased laboratory... and through a manufacturer with rigorous high-quality process standards in place.

You'll see more evidence of this unwavering belief I have coming up...

When's the Best Time to Take a Probiotic Supplement?

One of the confusing issues with probiotic supplements hinges around timing... when is the best time to take them?

When's the best time to take a probiotic?
See my recommendations here

Recommendations are pretty much all over the place on the best time to take them around meal times.

I can tell you when it comes to this, my team and I have carefully researched this issue and even consulted with the one of the foremost authorities and pioneers on probiotics...

The bottom line... my recommended approach and timing for taking a probiotic supplement are...

• Take it prior to eating breakfast with a glass of pure water
• Wait 10-15 minutes after taking it before you eat because stomach acid from your meal could impact some of the 'good' bacteria (you could lose 5-10%)
• Avoid taking it within 3 hours of taking any antibiotic

And talking about meals and probiotics, something I hear quite often is...

"If I Eat Yogurt, Should I Still Take Probiotics?"

You are probably wondering why using nearly any commercial yogurt might not be as beneficial as a probiotic supplement. After all, traditional cultures have been consuming cultured, fermented foods like yogurt for years for digestive health promotion.

Most commercial yogurts are not a good source
of probiotics. Heat pasteurization significantly
reduces most of the 'good' bacteria benefits

The problem arises because...

• Traditional yogurts were phenomenal sources of beneficial bacteria due to their raw and unpasteurized state.
• Most of today's yogurts are pasteurized, unless specially purchased raw and unpasteurized from a local farmer. Sadly, pasteurization radically reduces most of the benefits.
• Even most of the yogurts certified organic by the USDA are pasteurized in some fashion.

So what, in my opinion, is wrong with pasteurization?

Well, it basically kills or sterilizes most of the beneficial and other bacteria during the heat processing. And some yogurts (particularly the frozen ones), don't contain any live bacteria at all.

So, as great-tasting as many of them are, don't be fooled by yogurt products advertising live cultures beneficial to your digestive system... many have likely had the beneficial bacteria already reduced or wiped out by heat-intensive pasteurization processes.

To me, this is one of those cases where it appears that in our collective zeal to rid ourselves of every trace of infectious agents in our food supply and homes, we may have outdone ourselves.

As a whole, we're less exposed to bacteria now than in the past, including beneficial bacteria. Antibacterial products, hand sanitizers, and the like have made for a world that's a whole lot cleaner, but is it really that much healthier?

Due to strict food safety regulations, less bacteria (including the 'good' ones) survive the manufacturing process. Many overly-processed products, just like yogurt, undergo pasteurization or sterilization, which may destroy beneficial bacteria.

While this may be helpful in some ill-health prevention, it also means we are exposed to less health-enhancing bacteria.*

And with helpful bacteria less available in our food, I'm even more convinced how crucial it is to consider supplementation with high-quality probiotics.

But, I first must raise the caution flag and give you fair...

Warning: Make Sure You Get the High-Quality Solution

So, how do you go about finding a high-quality probiotic supplement?

First of all, before we're through, I'll help dispel some of your guess-work with my findings on some of the latest probiotic discoveries... and provide my recommendations as well.

But before I do that, there are some key factors I feel differentiate the good probiotic formulas from those that are questionable... and may even be a waste of your money.

Basically, without the following key factors, any probiotic formula can be suspect at best, unless it...

• Contains effective bacterial strains - it must be strain specific*
• Is viable and dose specific
• Remains stable and viable for long period of time
• Has the ability to survive the stomach and into the intestine
• Produces beneficial effects and thrives in the intestine*

This complicates the world of probiotics a bit because there are so many manufacturers out there making claims on digestive health promotion.

But you don't need to fall for any of the misconceptions... I'll help you dig through the maze and minutia as we go.

If Your Probiotic Formula Does Not Contain THIS, In My Opinion, You Shouldn't Waste Your Time

If your probiotic does not contain this specific
lactobacillus acidophilusbeneficial strain (DDS-1), you could
be wasting your time

One of the key formulation factors in a probiotic supplement that I already mentioned, is it must contain effective bacterial strains.* Now, as you can imagine, this is a rather complex issue.

But of all the strains produced over the years, there is one I believe exceeds all others... and to me, if the probiotic formula does not contain this strain, well quite frankly, you're not getting your best health-bang for the buck.*

I no longer consider taking a probiotic as part of my daily regimen without this strain!

This strain has the distinction of being one of the few bacterial species for which probiotic attributes have been shown to be effective.*

So what is this strain?

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is the name of this highly effective strain of beneficial bacteria*... and the 'DDS-1' is really important. There are other strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus out there, but without the DDS-1 specificity, your potential health benefits could come up short.*

It has been found that this specific probiotic strain possesses vital properties important to human health.* Research at a major Midwestern university showed how DDS-1 enhanced human health because it colonized well in the human gut.*

Research and studies suggest DDS-1 can be effective toward enhancing human health because it...

• Adapts well to the human body because of its human origin
• Is acid and bile resistant for intestinal survival
• Helps promote your digestive health*
• Aids in supporting your immune system*
• Contributes to the good balance of your intestinal flora*
• Produces significant quantities of lactase to potentially aid in lactose intolerance challenges*

I'm convinced Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is one of the important and necessary strains in an effective probiotic supplement.* Without it, I believe you're not maximizing the potential of using this type of supplement.

But it's one thing to just explain how DDS-1 potentially enhances your health*... it's another to provide examples of clinical trials and research that provide compelling evidence...

Probiotic Superstrain - A Study in Health-Boosting Benefits*

Over the years, several studies have demonstrated the diverse effectiveness of DDS-1 and help validate its potential use as a probiotic.* Here are a few examples...

• From major Midwestern University and prestigious health center (2010) - Conducted a review of case studies to determine whether using a multispecies probiotic with DDS-1 could enhance bowel health.
  
  Results: After 60 days of treatment, most showed significant improvement in abdominal health, bloating and occasional elimination irregularities.* This study suggests that DDS-1 may help create a healthy balance of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract.*
• From Gut (2003) - DDS-1 helped to support the health of human epithelial cell lines when evaluated as part of a probiotic blend. *
• (1997) - In animal research, isolated evaluation of DDS-1 supported the normal production of immune components.* DDS-1 performed this better than three other strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus or Bfidobacterium bifidum.*

These are but a few examples why I believe DDS-1 plays a key role in optimal health when you use a probiotic supplement.*

Don't Spend Potentially More on a High-Quality Probiotic
If You Don't Have to...

One controversial area of discussion involving probiotic supplements involves survivability.

By survivability, I mean the ability of the 'good' bacteria released by the supplement to survive and reproduce in your intestinal tract.

Why is this so important?

Well, if the beneficial bacteria are destroyed by your stomach acid and intestinal bile, your GI tract won't be able to take advantage of the potential health benefits.*

Many theories abound on how to solve this... many I believe are not necessary and just waste your money. This gets back to the value perception issue once again.

Many probiotic manufacturers want you to believe that a special type of coating, called enteric coating, is necessary for the beneficial bacteria to survive. Basically, enteric coating is a type of layer put on the capsule itself to supposedly ensure survival of the beneficial bacteria in your GI tract.

I have several issues with enteric coating that can be summed up as follows...

• It's an expensive process - The cost you pay for a high-quality enteric coated probiotic supplement with significant numbers of CFUs often becomes highly inflated due to the expensive enteric coating process.
• In my opinion these enteric coatings are unnecessary for GI survival - According to probiotic experts, selecting specific acid and bile resistant strains coupled with high-quality manufacturing processes, negate the need for enteric coating. In fact, the process of enteric coating could potentially reduce the viability of live beneficial bacteria altogether.
• Many enteric coatings use synthetic ingredients - There are few uses of natural enteric coating because this adds even more cost. Most enteric coated probiotics are treated with a polymer of acrylic acid... a synthetic chemical often sprayed onto the capsule.

And what about raw, unpasteurized yogurt, sauerkraut, fermented milk and kefir consumed as traditional foods for generations to boost digestive health? The beneficial probiotic bacteria within these foods have not had difficulties surviving stomach acid and intestinal bile.

So, why would a high-quality probiotic supplement require some sort of coating to enhance the survivability of the contents?

Well, in my opinion, it doesn't. And I believe the added cost is not only an unnecessary expense to you, but may be an added health detriment as well... if the coating is synthetic.

Many probiotic manufacturers have created a perception of greater value to justify the higher cost of their enteric coated probiotics. Guess what? In my opinion, the value is not there so you can simply just avoid them.

I'll show you what I consider to be a much more robust and less costly solution coming up...

Little-Known Complement Adds 'Spice' to Probiotic Formula

With much of the attention focused on probiotics, there is a little known complement to probiotics called prebiotics that play an important role in your digestion.*

Pure raw honey is an excellent source of prebiotics

So, what are prebiotics?

Prebiotics help keep beneficial bacteria healthy.* They basically are non-digestible foods that end up in your digestive system to help beneficial bacteria (probiotics) grow and flourish.*

The prebiotics that feed the 'good' bacteria in your GI tract primarily come from carbohydrate fibers called oligosaccharides that you don't digest.* They remain in your digestive system to help boost the growth of beneficial bacteria.*

Natural sources of prebiotics include …

• Fruits...
• Raw Honey...
• Legumes...

I believe adding prebiotics to a high-quality probiotic benefits the entire formula.* But this is a complex process and not easily produced at an economically feasible cost... until now.

More coming up on how my probiotic solution provider has found a solution for this. But first...

If You're Currently Taking Or Are Considering Taking Probiotics, I Recommend That You Make Sure It Has These...

Here's my list of 'must-haves' in a probiotic formula. And if you're familiar with my current probiotic formula on my site, you'll recognize some identical requirements and some new ones as well.

See, as time goes on, research and technology are creating moving targets of improvement in probiotics... and I want to make sure you have every opportunity to take advantage of newly uncovered health-promoting properties.*

Now, to the demanding list... my 'must-haves' in a probiotic formula...

Contains specific super-strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 Shows high potency through independent lab test Works together with prebiotics for improved probiotic performance* Is stable at room temperature for at least 2 years Is non-dairy, free from soy, corn, wheat, and gluten, and is non-GMO Helps maintain a healthy flora, promotes digestion, and supports immune function* Adapts naturally to the human body due to its human origins Is acid and bile resistant to naturally survive the stomach and intestinal transit Produces natural enzymes, vitamins, lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide Utilizes nitrogen packaging and is freeze-dried Comes available in vegetable-based capsules Is backed by academic and scientific research with patents and trademarks, and awards

Now, you can use these rigorous criteria to find a probiotic formula that matches up... but you'll probably have a difficult time.

Why is that?

Well, I set the bar about as high as I could based on new data my team and I uncovered. I really didn't expect to find any formula satisfying all of the requirements. At this point, you probably agree how challenging this is as well.

But, all I can say is I was pleasantly surprised when I found a new innovative formula that not only nailed my requirements, but exceeded them as well.

Here's what I found...

A Formula So Robust It Has Become a Cornerstone in
My Daily Supplement Regimen

You don't need to look any further. My new Complete Probiotics is the best of the best in providing everything I was looking for... and more.

Not only will it eventually completely replace the current probiotic formula on my site, it will immediately become part of my personal daily regimen... a rare occasion at best. In fact, I view high-quality probiotics as more important than a multi-vitamin.

Here's a breakdown of the 10 specific beneficial bacteria strains in Complete Probiotics to deliver health-promoting benefits...*

	Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 - You already know the extraordinary benefits of this superstrain. Because it is of human origin, it works exceptionally well in your GI tract.*
	Lactobacillus casei - Works with other helpful organisms, and helps to encourage the growth of other beneficial bacteria.*
	Lactobacillus plantarum - Has been shown to be resistant to low pH conditions and able to survive bile concentrations in your intestine.*
	Lactobacillus salivarius - Promotes intestinal health and helps support your oral health as well.*
	Lactobacillus rhamnosus - Assists your elimination and occasional intestinal discomfort by working to promote healthy intestinal microflora.*
	Lactobacillus brevis- Beneficial lactic acid bacteria that helps support your GI tract.*
	Bifidobacterium lactis- A friendly bacteria often found in raw yogurt known to help support healthy immune responses.*
	Bifidobacterium longum- Helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, and helps support your immune system.*
	Bifidobacterium bifidum- Helps promote a healthy balance of flora in your intestine.* This organism provides excellent support for a healthy balance of microflora.*
	Streptococcus thermophilus- High potency culture that helps maintain normal intestinal flora in your gut.*

Just as important as what specific beneficial strains are in Complete Probiotics are the strains purposely left out. The formulator eliminated Lactobacillus bulgaricus due to its possible antagonistic effects on Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1. And they removed the Lactospore strain as well, in favor of more preferable strains.

Plus, Complete Probiotics now have beneficial prebiotics in the form of Fructooligosaccharide (FOS).* This was not an easy task. But the chosen manufacturer already recognized the importance and health benefits when complementing probiotics with prebiotics... a total win-win scenario for you.*

As you already probably know, I've had a very good probiotic formula on my site for some time. Well, this new Complete Probiotics formula will now replace it.

Here's more on how the new Complete Probiotics totally shines...

Bile and Acid Resistance - The Proof is in the Test Results

Another area my new Complete Probiotics proves its weight in gold is in acid and bile tolerance.

You already know my feelings on enteric coating and how I believe it's a waste of your time and money. Well, the chart below shows you how well the strains that make up the Complete Probiotics formula resist and survive stomach acid and intestinal bile.

Very few manufacturers I looked at could actually provide testing info on the survivability of the specific strains in their formulas. If they could not demonstrate results, I passed them up.

Keep in mind, without these strains adequately resisting stomach acid and intestinal bile, your health benefits from the probiotic will likely be severely lacking.

Through testing, some Complete Probiotics strains demonstrated gastrointestinal acid and bile tolerances over 90%. So, don't waste your money on enteric-coated formulas.

Here's the test results...

Probiotics Strains	Acid Tolerance	Bile Tolerance
Lactobacillus acidophilus	++++ (>90% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>90% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Lactobacillus plantarum	++++ (>90% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>90% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Lactobacillus casei	++++ (>90% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>90% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Bifidobacterium lactis	++++ (>90% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>90% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Bifidobacterium bifidum	++++++	++++
Lactobacillus rhamnosus	+++ (>70% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>80% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Lactobacillus salivarius	+++ (>70% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>80% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Bifidobacterium longum	+++ (>70% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C	++++ (>80% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Streptococcus thermophilus	+ (>60% survival in HCL and pepsin (1%) at pH3 for 1 h at 37C )	++++ (>90% survival in 0.3% in bile salt containing medium)
Lactobacillus brevis	++++++	++++

Legend:
++++ Excellent	+++Very Good	++ Good	+ Fair

Note: "Complete Probiotics" contains 80% probiotics strains that are >90% acid and bile resistance.

Since I'm replacing the current probiotics formula on my site with this one, let's take a look at some of the key areas that separate the two formulas...

How My New Formula Clearly Brings Added Value

One thing I achieved with the new Complete Probiotics formula is providing you a higher health value probiotic at about the same price as the current formula.

This is certainly not a marketing spin or ploy, and you'll see shortly how what you'll pay for Complete Probiotics is not an increase over the previous formula... plus, in my opinion, you'll be getting so much more value for your overall health.*

Here are just some of the key areas in which I improved the formula to provide you even more real probiotic value...

Key Comparison Items	New Complete Probiotics	Current Probiotic Formula
Colony forming units (CFU) per capsule - measurement of viable microbes (beneficial bacteria) in the probiotic.	A minimum of 70 billion CFU per serving are guaranteed through the product expiration date. However, to compensate for storage temperature variances, up to 90 billion CFU are packed into each capsule to enhance potency throughout shelf life.	66 billion CFU per capsule.
10 beneficial probiotic strains?	Yes - And 2 marginal strains (L. bulgaricus and lactospores) replaced with more effective strains.*	Yes - Actually 11 strains but 2 of the strains (L. bulgaricus and lactospores) have since been shown to provide only marginal benefits.
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 specific strain?	Yes - Included in the robust formula is the DDS-1 specific strain.	Lactobacillus acidophilus strain comes in the formula but not specifically DDS-1.
Fortified with prebiotics?	Yes - Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) prebiotic used to boost the formula and overall GI benefits.*	Prebiotics are not included in this formula.

The bottom line... I believe you get more health value with the new Complete Probiotics formula as compared to the current formula, and it won't cost you more.* This is truly one of those times where the value exception is real and not just a marketing illusion.

Taking It Along When You Travel

Whenever I travel, I always take along the best
probiotic formula I know of to help keep my GI tract in
optimal shape

When it comes to probiotics, I've always taken my best formula along whenever I travel... particularly, when I travel outside the US.

Why?

Well, when you visit other countries, there's always a chance your digestive system can be sensitive to different foods (e.g., spices) that you are not used to. This can cause not only occasional digestive discomfort, but may stress you out as well.

Who wants to be in another country either on business or vacation, and have to deal with occasional digestive discomfort? Well, I certainly don't... and that's why I take along a high-quality probiotic to help make sure my GI tract is in optimal shape.*

And with Complete Probiotics you have what my team and I consider to be the best probiotic formula we could find and it's perfect for traveling because it...

• Has a shelf life of 2 years at room temperature - Unlike some other probiotic formulas with shorter shelf lives, Complete Probiotics is stable longer at room temperature.*
• Can help you during times of digestive stress* - If while traveling, your GI tract is affected by new and exciting foods (e.g., spices), you can take additional servings (recommended 4-6 capsules) to help give your digestive system the additional support it needs.*
• Becomes part of your travel pack - Conveniently fits into any travel pack you bring along on your trip.

With the new Complete Probiotics formula and all of its distinct health advantages, I plan to never travel without it.* I recommend you consider doing the same.

When it comes to producing a top probiotic supplement, there's one area I never take shortcuts on and never underestimate the...

Critical Importance of a High-Quality Manufacturer

Without an excellent manufacturer who practices the highest-quality standard practices, I believe any probiotic formula's stability and longevity would be suspect at best.

Well, I not only will tell you how the manufacturer of Complete Probiotics is one of the finest I've encountered, I'll disclose the type of evidence I uncovered that totally convinced my team and me.

Here's a list of impressive milestones this manufacturer has achieved and built its reputation on since it became a probiotic pioneer in 1979...

• First to introduce Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 commercially
• First to introduce quality control standard CFU/gm, now used worldwide
• First to introduce non dairy, gluten free, and non-GMO probiotics
• First to introduce nitrogen packaging to enhance stability
• First to introduce acid and bile resistant probiotics
• First to introduce the combination of probiotics with prebiotics

To go along with all these ‘firsts,’ my manufacturer of choice has also received many awards, with one of the most recent and prestigious being the...

• 2010 Frost & Sullivan Award for “Customer Value Enhancement of the Year” in the North American probiotics market

Frost & Sullivan is known worldwide for its innovative research, analysis, and marketing expertise. Based on its recent analysis of the probiotics market, Frost & Sullivan recognized our selected manufacturer for their innovations in quality control and probiotic products to address specific areas of health.*

• Said a Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst referencing this award..."In the crowded probiotics market, where multiple manufacturers offer different products with generic health claims, growth is driven by specific validated claims for your products..."

It's clear to me, and one of the compelling reasons why I selected them, that the producer of Complete Probiotics is driven to deliver specific beneficial strains (like DDS-1) to improve your GI health*... and the Frost & Sullivan award further supports their innovative drive.

The DDS-1 superstrain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, held as both a patent and US trademark by this high-quality company since 1979, has been crucial to driving growth and further innovation... just the type of company I want to produce Complete Probiotics.

How This Formula Stacks Up Against My Demanding Must-Have Criteria

Let me summarize many of the advantages of the new Complete Probiotics using my rigorous must-have selection criteria (from above)...

Selection Criteria	Complete Probiotics?
Contains specific super-strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1?	Yes - The manufacturer holds patent and US trademark on DDS-1.
Shows high potency through independent lab test?	Yes - Guaranteed to provide a minimum of 70 billion CFU and as many as 90 billion to ensure potency throughout shelf life.
Works together with prebiotics for improved probiotic performance?	Yes -The manufacturer successfully added intestinal-beneficial prebiotics to complement the probiotics.*
Is stable at room temperature for at least 2 years?	Yes - Provides flexibility with storage and travel needs at room temperature.
Is non-dairy, free from soy, corn, wheat, and gluten, and is non-GMO?	Yes - One of the industry innovators and first to accomplish this.
Helps maintain a healthy flora, promotes digestion, and supports immune function?*	Yes - Performs this extraordinarily well with strain specific probiotics and prebiotics.*
Adapts naturally to the human body due to its human origins?	Yes - Soil and animal-origin microorganisms are not natural inhabitants of the human body.
Is acid and bile resistant to naturally survive the stomach and intestinal transit?	Yes - Testing has demonstrated high survivability of beneficial bacteria.
Utilizes nitrogen packaging and is freeze-dried?	Yes - Takes advantage of these innovative processes to help ensure stability.
Comes available in vegetable-based capsules?	Yes - Provides this delivery.
Is Generally Recognize as Safe (GRAS)?	Yes - GRAS notification was filed with the FDA and the agency stated no objection.
Is backed by academic and scientific research with patents and trademarks, and awards?	Yes - DDS-1 patent and US trademark, and many awards including 2010 Frost & Sullivan

Well, it's clear to me that not only does Complete Probiotics pass my demanding criteria for a high-quality probiotic formula, but in my opinion, it also delivers more health value than the previous offering on my site...* all for about the same price.

This formula will now move to the top of my must-take list... as I plan to take it every day.  I only take a few supplements and this is one that I take EVERY morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before I eat...

Don't Spend More Than You Have To - Take the High-Quality Probiotic
Already Added to My Daily Regimen

So, Complete Probiotics offers you a true value exception.

I believe you can see the value in this incredible probiotic formula. I've completely avoided any artificial and potentially risky synthetic ingredients... so this is certainly not a cheap, low-end formula.

And, I've shown you how to avoid excessively-priced probiotics... like the ones claiming you need some sort of special coating to survive your stomach and intestinal transit. Don't waste your hard-earned money on those.

What's left is Complete Probiotics, and at $29.97 for a 30-day supply, you can see how my team and I worked hard to provide you this extraordinary added-value at a reasonable price... comparable to the previous offering on my site.

If you're serious about improving your digestive health as well as your overall health, order Complete Probiotics today.*

And remember, about 80% of your immune system lives in your GI tract.  So, do yourself a favor and order Complete Probiotics to help take charge of your health.*

And don't forget about my money-back guarantee (see below). I've taken most of the risk out of you trying this powerful probiotic formula. Order Now!