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building a
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5frenemies
The power of
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building a
good gut
G
ut instincts. Go with your
gut. Having intestinal fortitude. All of these familiar
sayings suggest that the gastrointestinal system is the body’s seat
of power. And it’s true. Without a
healthy gut, the body can’t receive
the nourishment it needs to function properly. Poor digestion can
also leave you vulnerable to disease.
Kim Erickson
That’s not surprising since nearly
Managing Editor
three-quarters of your immune
system resides in your gut. Along with gastrointestinal
immune cells—which are a critical part of the lymphoid
branch of immunity—your digestive tract is home to
billions of bacteria that play a key role in everything
from belly bliss to your mood. Emerging science even
suggests that the bacterial balance in your gut may be
linked to how much you weigh.
On a more immediate note, gastrointestinal unrest—
whether due to something you ate or a stomach bug—can
leave you nauseous, gassy, and uncomfortable. Happily, the
proper care and feeding of your gut can help to alleviate both
everyday tummy troubles and more serious gastrointestinal
problems. And it’s easier than you think! Turn the page and
discover all of the simple ways to improve both your digestive health and your overall well-being, starting today.
Check out the latest issue of
Amazing Wellness magazine at your local Vitamin Shoppe or at
www.amazingwellnessmag.com
Chapter One
You’ve Got Guts
M
ost of us only think about our gastrointestinal (GI) tract when something goes
wrong. And that’s a pity since it’s one of the most fascinating systems in your
body. At its most fundamental, the GI tract is a series of hollow tube-like organs
that start at the mouth and end about 30 feet later at the anus. In between are organs
that process the foods you eat into the fuel your body needs to function at its best.
The instant you take a bite, enzymes are secreted that begin to break down food.
Once you swallow, the chewed up food travels through the esophagus to the stomach where it’s blended with hydrochloric acid to form a thick liquid called chyme.
After the stomach empties the chyme into the small intestine, the pancreas secretes
a wide array of enzymes that further break down protein, carbohydrates, and fat in
the food. These key nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream via millions of tiny,
finger-like projections called villi, before traveling to the liver where they are converted into a form that can be used by your cells. What’s left in the small intestine
passes into the large intestine—sometimes called the colon—where billions upon
billions of bacteria transform it into feces that can be eliminated from the body.
But that’s only the beginning of the story. Your gastrointestinal system is home to 70 percent of your immune
system. Your gut is also connected to your brain and
contains more nerve cells than you entire spinal cord.
Sometimes known as the “second brain,” 95 percent of
your body’s mood-regulating hormone serotonin can be
found in the digestive tract.
Has My Gut Sprung a Leak?
Your gut is naturally permeable. This allows small molecules containing vital nutrients to pass through the intestinal wall where they
are picked up by the bloodstream. Because the cells in the intestinal
lining form tight junctions that regulate this permeability, harmful
compounds can’t traverse the intestinal barrier. But a number of factors can irritate and inflame the
lining. The most common culprits include gluten, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen,
toxins, stress, and even age. When the tight junctions break apart, the digestive barrier loses its selectivity and allows bacteria, toxins, and undigested food to “leak” into the bloodstream. Once this occurs,
your immune system targets these “foreign invaders” as pathogens and attacks them.
Reducing inflammation, supporting healthy cell development, and enhancing tight junctions in the
intestine are crucial steps for anyone with leaky gut syndrome. In addition to removing the factors that
compromise gut barrier function, supplementing with the amino acid L-glutamine can provide fuel for
the cells lining the intestines. According to one study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, glutamine acts like metabolic “glue” to help repair intestinal damage. Other research by Israeli
investigators shows that L-glutamine can help ward off inflammation by boosting antioxidant action
and energizing the cells of the intestinal wall.
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INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
ResistAid: Gut-Smart
Protection
5 Food
Frenemies
sponsored by
You love them—those sweet, fatty, or carb-rich
foods that leave you wanting more. But the following foods and drinks can often cause digestive
upset or trigger gastrointestinal inflammation.
Alcohol.
A joint study from DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic
has found that even moderate alcohol consumption may lead to bacterial overgrowth in the
small intestine and can trigger bloating, gas,
abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
Alcohol also relaxes the esophageal sphincter.
This can lead to heartburn.
Coffee. This popular beverage stimulates
the production of stomach acid, which can trigger inflammation and the symptoms of GERD
or heartburn.
Fatty foods. Both high-fat and fried
foods can overwhelm the stomach, resulting in
a feeling of fullness and indigestion. High-fat
foods also can result in pale-colored stool, a
phenomenon called steatorrhea, which is essentially excess fat in the feces.
Gluten. Found in wheat, barley, rye, and
spelt, gluten consists of two proteins—gliadin
and glutenin. It’s the gliadin that people react
negatively to. Studies show that gluten can
cause an immune reaction that degrades the
barrier function of the intestinal wall. This can
lead to nutrient deficiencies and a wide range of
symptoms that can include eczema, fatigue, and
a failure to thrive. During one clinical trial, those
with irritable bowel syndrome had more pain,
bloating, stool inconsistency, and fatigue when
eating a diet containing gluten.
Sweeteners. Swiss researchers report in
the journal Obesity Reviews that fructose, sugar
alcohols, and artificial sweeteners can change
how gut bacteria metabolize energy. Artificial
sweeteners and sugar alcohols can also cause
bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Even “natural” sugar
can wreak havoc by triggering inflammation.
When most people
think of their immune system, they usually don’t think
of their large intestine. But, along with being the ultimate food factory, your digestive system houses 70
percent of your immunity—both innate (the kind you
are born with) and adaptive (the kind that develops
over time). Recent studies suggest that supplementing with larch arabinogalactan—derived from the
wood of larch trees—stimulates both innate and
adaptive immunity by increasing intestinal levels of
the beneficial bacteria found naturally in the gut.
Rich in soluble fiber that ferments in the intestine,
as well as bioactive polyphenolic flavonoids, larch
arabinogalactan is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s
disease. The herb is especially effective against
gram-negative bacteria like E. coli. First introduced
into clinical practice by Peter D’Adamo, ND, in the
1980s, a flurry of recent studies suggest that larch
arabinogalactan modulates and supports the appropriate immune response in the face of a variety of ills,
including flu, upper respiratory bugs, liver conditions,
and earaches. Earlier studies demonstrated that larch
boosted an immune response to other types of bacterial infections by stimulating the ability of phagocytes
to ingest and destroy bacteria. It also supports natural
killer cells and cytokines. Taken on an ongoing basis,
it provides antioxidant protection as well as direct and
indirect immune support.
However, not all larch supplements are created
equal. ResistAid is a proprietary form of larch arabinogalactan produced via a patented water-based
extraction process which does not require any harsh
chemicals to release the beneficial compounds
from the bark. This not only ensures that this unique
ingredient remains pure and structurally unaltered,
but maintains quality, safety, and efficacy in each
dose. ResistAid is formulated to deliver triple action
immune benefits year round by supporting both the
innate and the adaptive immune responses as well as
gastrointestinal health.
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Chapter Two
Bolster Your Bacterial Buddies
Y
our gastrointestinal tract is home to more than 400 different species of
bacteria that perform very important functions in the body. Probiotics are
beneficial bacteria that support digestion as well as vaginal and urinary tract
health. They also promote the body’s overall immunity, support healthy liver function, and increase the absorption of nutrients. But their best known role is the
protection they offer against harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Probiotics produce
organic compounds that increase the acidity in your intestines. This helps to prevent
the “bad” bugs from reproducing. Probiotics also produce bacteriocin—natural antibiotics that kill harmful microorganisms.
The two most prevalent strains of beneficial bacteria are Lactobacillus, which is
found in the small intestine, and Bifidobacterium, which lives in the colon. Unfortunately, a number of things can put these helpful microbes in peril. Antibiotics
indiscriminately kill off bacteria—both the bad ones causing your condition and the
good ones that help keep you healthy. Stress, aging, a poor diet, chemical additives, and
environmental toxins can also destroy your friendly flora. When this happens, harmful
bacteria can run rampant, multiplying like wildfire and ultimately causing disease.
sponsored by
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
The Skinny on Bacterial Balance
Probiotics don’t just benefit digestion and your immune system. A recent study in the
British Journal of Nutrition suggests that balancing your intestinal microflora might also help you lose weight!
During the double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 125 overweight participants were randomized to receive either
a probiotic supplement or a placebo while adhering to a 12-week weight-loss diet followed by a 12-week maintenance diet. At the end of the first 12 weeks, the women taking the probiotic supplement lost 9.7 pounds while
the women taking the placebo only lost 5.7 pounds. During the second 12 weeks, the probiotic group continued
to lose weight while the placebo group simply maintained their previous weight loss.
It’s been documented that the intestinal flora in overweight people is different than that found in those who
are thin.“It turns out that the gut bacteria of obese people are more efficient at extracting calories from food
passing through the digestive tract,”notes Brenda Watson, author of The Skinny Gut Diet (Harmony Books, 2014).
The food you eat also matters. According to French researchers at the University of Marseille, a Western
diet filled with foods that are high in fat and low in fiber promote certain bacteria at the expense of others.
“When [that] undigested food reaches the large intestine, hungry bacteria feast on these foods, harvesting extra
calories that are absorbed and added to the body’s calorie intake and fat storage,” says Watson. But a growing
body of research suggests that adding probiotics to a healthy weight-loss plan can benefit your intestinal environment by enhancing the bacteria that promote weight loss. Look for a high culture count probiotic—at least
30 CFUs—that contains multiple strains of both Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. It’s also smart to check the
label for guaranteed potency through the expiration date and to go for targeted-release capsules so that you
know the beneficial bacteria is still viable by the time it reaches your large intestine.
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Life happens.
But Kyo-Dophilus® is always
there for me and my family.
When stress, travel, icky weather and antibiotics
bring on the sniffles and intestinal yuckiness, our
balance of good and bad bacteria is thrown off.*
When I think that 70 percent
of the immune system is
in our digestive tract, that
means keeping our immune
system strong partly
comes down to making
sure we’re supporting
our intestinal health as
well. That’s why probiotics
are so important.*
I take Kyo-Dophilus, a heatresistant blend of beneficial
bacteria shown to support
healthy digestion and a strong
immune system. It’s guaranteed
stable at the time of consumption
so I know we are getting live and
active cultures. And because it
doesn’t need to be refrigerated,
it’s as convenient as it is effective.*
So, c’mon life,
bring it on.
We’re ready
for you.
Effective. Convenient. Kyo-Dophilus.
Call 1-800-421-2998
for a FREE SAMPLE and a store near you.
Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd., Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (800) 421-2998 www.kyolic.com
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Kyo-Dophilus® is a registered trademark of Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd.
Fortunately, probiotics
can help to reverse a bacterial imbalance and may help
repair a damaged intestinal
wall. According to small
trial in the Scandinavian
Journal of Gastroenterology, those taking a
probiotic supplement containing the beneficial
bacteria Saccharomyces boulardii experienced a significant improvement in intestinal
permeability. Other studies have found that combining a variety of different strains of
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria can fortify the tight junctions and help prevent the transfer of toxins and undigested food particles into the bloodstream.
How much do you need? Research suggests that you need a minimum of 1 billion live
bacteria, which are measured in Colony Forming Units, or CFUs. However, emerging
research suggests that taking more—5 to 50 billion CFUs—is becoming more common
and beneficial, especially if you suffer from a functional gastrointestinal condition like
irritable bowel syndrome. For people taking antibiotics or who suffer from Candida,
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or frequent urinary tract infections, special “critical
care” supplements containing up to 200 billion CFUs are available.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Enterococcus Faecalis TH10: Building a Better Bacteria
Looking to boost your digestive immunity? Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) not only helps prevent pathogens from reproducing, it also modulates the body’s immune response. But since the 1950s, most of the live LAB used in probiotic
supplements has been derived from the human intestine. Beyond the“yuck”factor, bacteria derived from people has
its limitations. More recent studies have found that a novel form of LAB called Enterococcus faecalis TH10 shows
immune-boosting activity that is more than six times greater than traditional LAB. Derived from the fermented soy
food tempeh, research has found that E. faecalis TH10 is even effective against stubborn staph infections.
Iichiroh Ohhira, PhD, a Japanese microbiologist and professor at Okayama University, isolated the E. faecalis
TH10 strain of lactic acid bacteria after years of investigating tempeh-like fermentation processes. Using an
innovative three-year natural temperature fermentation process, E. faecalis TH10 is created using seasonally
ripe, wild-harvested vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, and seaweeds that, when added at optimal times of the year,
form short-chain oligosaccharides.The resulting probiotic strain stays in the gut for about 11 days, giving it time
to attack pathogens and aid friendly flora growth. A study published in the Japanese Journal of Dairy and Food
Science showed that E. faecalis TH10 had about 6.25 times more proteolytic activity compared to 46 typical
lactic acid bacteria strains.
Today, Dr. Ohhira creates powerful probiotic supplements that combine E. faecalis TH10 with a variety of
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Each capsule also includes organic acids and naturally occurring
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids to support whole health. What’s missing also matters. With a focus
on efficacy and purity, Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics contain no artificial ingredients, flavorings, colorings, preservatives, or GMO ingredients. They are also dairy and gluten free.
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Chapter Three
Manage Digestive Maladies
E
ven people who don’t suffer from chronic GI problems can experience periodic
upset. And when that occurs, you want fast relief. Here are some common
digestive disorders that respond well to self-treatment.
Abdominal cramps can be caused by gas, indigestion, constipation, or even
food sensitivities. For occasional cramping, try an enterically coated peppermint oil
supplement. Studies show that peppermint oil relaxes smooth muscles in the colon to
ease spasms. In a pinch, you can also drink a cup of peppermint tea.
Constipation is typically defined as having fewer than three bowel movements
in a week. When you do go, stool can be hard, dry, and painful to pass. Fortunately, it’s
easy to remedy occasional constipation. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
provides dietary fiber that can help soften stool and improve the time it takes for food
to travel through your system. If you have difficulty meeting the recommended 25 to
35 grams of fiber each day, you can try adding a fiber supplement that contains natural
psyllium. Just make sure to drink plenty of water to help both dietary and supplemental
fiber work effectively.
Flatulence can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Certain foods—especially highly spiced foods
and cruciferous vegetables—can cause intestinal gas, as
can drinking through a straw or eating too fast. When
gas strikes, reach for fennel. This anise-like herb relaxes
the smooth muscles that line the digestive tract. This,
in turn, expels the trapped air in your gut. If flatulence
occurs after a fatty meal, opt for gentian (a.k.a. bitters),
which have been effectively used for centuries to ease
bloating and gas.
Gastroenteritis is a catch-all phrase that doctors often use to describe any irritation of the stomach
and intestines. Marked by nausea, diarrhea, vomiting,
and a low-grade fever, true gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus,
bacteria, or parasite. The most common culprit is the
norovirus, which spreads through contaminated food
or water, or contact with an infected person. While
hand washing is the best way to avoid this stomach bug,
if you do succumb try some ginger tea or a standardized ginger supplement to ease nausea. Probiotics can
help battle harmful bacteria that can trigger diarrhea
and vomiting. If food poisoning is the cause of your
gastroenteritis, try some activated charcoal. Taken in
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Do These Genes
Make Me Look Fat?
A new genetic study by
researchers at the Imperial
College of London reports that
overweight people have fewer
copies of the gene responsible
for the carbohydrate-digesting
enzyme amylase. While further
research needs to be done to
understand whether altering
enzyme levels might aid weight
loss and possibly reduce
the risk of some metabolic
disorders, this study further
underscores the importance
enzymes play in optimal
digestion and good health.
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supplemental form, activated charcoal can
help absorb toxins in your digestive tract.
Chronic Ailments
More serious digestive conditions can cause
both physical and emotional damage, and can
last for years. There is no cure. However, the
following disorders can be managed naturally
and often respond well to integrative therapies.
Diverticular Disease: Diverticulosis is a common condition that affects more
than half of all Americans over age 60. It
occurs when small pouches (diverticula) form
on the colon wall. If the diverticula become
infected or inflamed, they can trigger intense
abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel
movements. Severe cases can require surgery,
however mild to moderate cases often respond
sponsored by
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
Digestive Enzymes: Neutralizing Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is that vague discomfort in the stomach and upper abdomen that often
occurs when you’ve overindulged. A common post-holiday meal occurrence, indigestion is usually caused by
the incomplete digestion of food. Normally, food is broken down by several enzymes secreted by the pancreas.
The four most important are protease, which breaks apart protein; lipase, which digests fats; amylase, which
processes carbohydrates; and lactase, which helps your body deal with the lactose in dairy. Low levels of any of
these enzymes can trigger gassiness, bloating, and indigestion after eating.
Ideally, we should be able to get all of the enzymes needed for healthy digestion from the foods we eat.Yet, while
raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, are bursting with enzymes, cooking and processing destroys the
enzymes they contain. Age also impacts our enzyme levels—the older we get, the lower our levels.This is why it’s
important to take supplemental enzymes.
How well do digestive enzymes work? A double-blind crossover study conducted at the Minneapolis Veteran’s
Affairs Medical Center found that taking enzymes along with a high-calorie, high-fat meal significantly reduced
bloating, gas, and the feeling of fullness. Another randomized, placebo-controlled trial showed that people with
chronic dyspepsia who took a daily dose of enzymes after their two largest meals of the day had significantly less
abdominal pain or distention, belching, diarrhea, or heartburn after just two weeks.
Adding probiotics—especially a supplement that contains L. gasseri, B. bifidum and B. longum—to the
equation can enhance digestion even more. Since enzymes work in the stomach and probiotics work in the large
intestine, the two combine to enhance complete digestion. And that can translate to a more enjoyable mealtime.
However, to get the synergistic benefits of this dynamic duo, they need to be taken with meals or immediately
after eating. Taking enzymes on an empty stomach causes them to be rapidly absorbed into the blood stream
before they can help digest the food you are eating.
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to antibiotics. If you’ve been diagnosed with diverticular disease, a
high-fiber diet may help by reducing
the time it takes food and waste to
travel through the colon.
Inflammatory Bowel
Disease (IBD): The two most
common forms of IBD are ulcerative
colitis and Crohn’s disease. Both are
chronic, relapsing, and debilitating conditions affecting a patient’s
lifestyle, often causing social embarrassment and isolation. IBD involves
inflammation of the intestines
because of the abnormal activation
of the immune system. This often
causes rectal bleeding and diarrhea. Over time, the gut becomes
damaged and this can prevent the
proper absorption of nutrients.
Along with frequent, small meals
based on nutrient-dense foods, most
doctors recommend a high-quality
multivitamin-multimineral supplement. Preliminary studies suggest
that taking probiotics may also help
to reduce inflammation and enhance
gut immunity in those with IBD.
Irritable Bowel
­Syndrome (IBS): It’s estimated
that 20 percent of all Americans
suffer from IBS. Symptoms can
include constipation or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, bowel
urgency, gas, and bloating. Fiber—
especially soluble fiber—can reduce
these intestinal spasms and improve
symptoms. Probiotics can help
too. According to one randomized
clinical trial by researchers from the
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in
Rochester, Minnesota, simply boosting the number of friendly bugs in
your gut may improve both colon
function and IBS symptoms.
sponsored by
INGREDIENT
SPOTLIGHT
DGL: Extinguishing
Heartburn and More
Heartburn happens when the sphincter muscle at the end of
your esophagus doesn’t stay closed.This allows the stomach’s
harsh acidic contents to splash back up into the esophagus,
initiating that fiery, painful feeling in your chest. Certain
foods, medications, and even stress can trigger the burn. And
if you are overweight, smoke, or drink caffeine or alcohol on a
regular basis, heartburn may be a more common occurrence.
About 20 percent of Americans experience heartburn
symptoms at least once a week. Another 15 percent suffer from severe, chronic heartburn—a condition known as
gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD. Although GERD is
common, it can be serious. Over time, regurgitation of acidic
stomach contents can erode delicate esophageal tissue
causing inflammation and scarring. In extreme cases, it can
ultimately make you more vulnerable to esophageal cancer.
But before you reach for an antacid, a proton pump inhibitor like Nexium, or an H2-receptor antagonist like Zantac,
consider a more natural approach.
Long before Tums burst onto the scene, herbalists relied
on plants to treat indigestion. The most effective and wellknown herb was licorice. Licorice protects the digestive
tract from stomach acid by stimulating the production of
substances that coat the stomach and esophagus. But not
any licorice will do. Licorice contains a chemical called
glycyrrhiza that can raise blood pressure. Fortunately, this
dangerous compound can be removed and the resulting
deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tablets are safe and effective. In fact, a preliminary trial found it’s just as effective as
the acid-blocking drug cimetidine (Tagamet) for GERD symptoms. Plus, unlike acid-suppressing drugs, DGL doesn’t curb
gastric acid which is needed for a healthy microbial balance.
Popping a couple of DGL tablets before meals not only
helps prevent heartburn, it’s reputed to soothe and heal the
esophageal tissue by decreasing inflammation and irritation. Studies show that DGL licorice may also help support a
healthy mucosal lining in the stomach and be as effective as
pharmaceuticals for treating peptic ulcers.
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Chapter Four
Habits for a Happier Tummy
C
onsidering everything your gastrointestinal tract does for you, it makes
sense to give it some TLC every day. That means eating a healthy diet,
­exercising, and learning to relax.
Eat Well
Just as certain foods can compromise digestive health, other foods can help your gastrointestinal tract function optimally. Trade in highly processed convenience foods or fast foods
for fresh fruits and vegetables, cold water fish like salmon, organic poultry, and fermented
foods like yogurt, kefir, kim chi, or sauerkraut. It’s also important to eat foods high in fiber
which helps to prevent constipation, lowers the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids,
and boosts beneficial bacteria. While everyone should get at least 25 grams per day, the
average person gets just 15 grams a day. Some high-fiber foods
include almonds, artichokes, avocado, beans, broccoli,
chickpeas, edamame, lentils, oats, pears, and raspberries.
Get Moving
According to a 2009 review that appeared in Current Opinions in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, regular aerobic
exercise can help protect against constipation, diverticulosis,
gallstones, and IBD. And since exercise helps relieve stress,
it may also aid in managing IBS symptoms. Aerobic exercise
includes activities such as walking briskly, bike riding, playing tennis, swimming, rowing, jogging, or dancing—anything
that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat! Aim for at least
30 minutes of aerobic activity daily.
Stress Less
Stress can trigger all manner of digestive upset—from that
queasy feeling you get right before you make a speech to a flare
of IBS or IBD symptoms. The reason? Stress can make the colon
contract, leading to stomach pain. And since anxiety interferes
with digestion, it can also trigger indigestion and heartburn.
One of the best ways to manage gut-wrenching stress is by
employing relaxation techniques whenever life throws you a
curve. One Swedish study found that IBS symptoms improved
by 41 percent when participants practiced mindfulness meditation on a regular basis. Another controlled trial of men with
diarrhea-predominant IBS found that those who practiced
yoga twice a day felt less anxious and experienced fewer bouts
in the bathroom. Hypnosis, massage, or simply deep breathing
are other soothing options.
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Multiply
Digestive
Benefits
Less than optimal
digestion can interfere
with the absorption
of the critical
nutrients your body
requires to function
at its peak. Adding
a comprehensive
multivitaminmultimineral complex
to your daily routine
can help ensure your
cells and tissues
are getting all the
nutrition they need.
It takes guts… to Believe!
®
“I believe Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics is the
most powerful and effective probiotic formula
available in the world.” Ross Pelton, RPh, CCN
IME WINN
SI
ER
X
-T
X
ER
SI
-T
IME WINN
It’s the Next Generation of Probiotics™
Dr. Ohhira’s is not just a probiotic supplement, it’s a
complete environment. Each capsule contains
live beneficial bacteria, PLUS their culture
medium, AND their nourishing by-products.
Discover why Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics® is
unlike any other on the market today.
Discover the Dr. Ohhira Difference!™
www.essentialformulas.com
(800) 430-6180
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Ross Pelton, RPh, CCN is a compensated member of
Essential Formulas’ science advisory committee.
your action
plan
for a good gut
act ion plan
healthy Habits
✹Eat smaller meals. Eating five or six mini-meals during the day
can prevent digestive overload and the subsequent indigestion.
Trade
✹ that glass of wine for water. Alcohol interferes
with acid secretion, stomach and esophageal muscles, and
nutrient absorption. Water, on the other hand, helps your
body eliminate waste.
Chew gum to ease heartburn. Chewing gum stimulates
the production of saliva which helps to neutralize acid.
Quit smoking. Smoking weakens the valve at the base of
the esophagus which can lead to GERD. It also increases the
risk of ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and gastrointestinal cancers.
✹
✹
supplementS
✹
✹
Whether you’re
taking antibiotics
or your diet is
less than ideal, it’s smart to protect your
gastrointestinal tract with a daily dose of
probiotics. Boasting 12 strains of bacteria,
Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics are the ideal
way to maintain healthy bacterial levels
in your gut. Not only are they naturally
fermented, they’re also shelf stable and
packed in convenient blister packs for
protection at home, work, or play.
Protect and fortify gastrointestinal
immunity with ResistAid by Bricker
Labs. Clinical trials show that this unique
form of larch arabinogalactan
fosters healthy microflora levels for
increased protection against harmful
bacteria and better overall health.
Ensure complete digestion by taking
supplemental enzymes with each meal.
We like Kyo-Dophilus Plus Enzymes
by Wakunaga because it pairs
probiotics with a multi-enzyme
formula containing protease,
lactase, lipase, and amylase in
one convenient supplement.
✹
14
b u i l d i n g
a
g o o d
✹On the go? Toss a shelf-stable blister
pack of Enzymatic Therapy’s
Acidophilus Pearls into your purse,
laptop bag, or suitcase. Providing
1 billion CFUs of L. acidophilus and
B. longum, these easy-to-take pearl-shaped capsules
alleviate occasional gas and constipation, making
them a perfect traveling companion.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply
want to foster belly bliss, try starting your day with
a tasty shake that packs hefty amounts of fiber and
probiotics. Our favorite is Skinny Gut Ultimate
Shake from ReNew Life. With 20g
of protein, 10g of fiber and 10 billion
live probiotics in every serving, it’s
an ideal meal replacement that’s as
delicious as it is nutritious.
Vegetarians can have a tough time finding
supplements that don’t use gelatin in their capsules.
But Life Extension has created FlorAssist,
a unique probiotic liquid that’s delivered via dual
encapsulation technology that ensures its contents
reaches the small intestine. Plus, the
capsules are 100 percent vegetarian.
With 15 billion CFUs offering an array of
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains,
it’s everything a vegetarian wants in a
probiotic and nothing they don’t.
✹
✹
g u t
• Extra strength formula
• Great tasting German
Chocolate flavor
• Soothes stomach
lining*
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