[Trauma1]

Here's a little more information for you all on the main ingredient used in Gut Health:
Lactobacillus Casei sub-species KE-99


The Lactobacillus Casei Strain

First a little backround info to get you all started. Lactobacillus is a bacterial strain that was isolated from humans and was found to have excellent tolerance for the acid conditions in the stomach. The Lactobacillus species is more effective than many other bacteria in surviving the passage through the gastrointestinal tract to effectively colonize the digestive tract and balance the intestinal microflora. Lactobacillus has been proven to resist gastric acid and bile, adhere to mucosa of human intestine, colonize the human gastrointestinal tract, and fight against potential pathogens such as E.coli, streptococci, and clostridia and salmonella species


Probiotic Qualities of KE-99

Gut Health is fortified with lactobacillus casei sub-species KE-99 known for its amazing probiotic effects proven in multiple studies. The primary effect of a probiotic is to reduce the likelihood of pathogenic organisms from establishing themselves and infecting the intestinal tract of a host. In order to accomplish this, the beneficial bacterium overwhelm the enteric sites to become the predominant bacterium present, and consume a significant portion of the nutrients which compromise or possibly eliminate the establishment and/or growth of any unwanted bacteria. This is known as Competitive exclusion.

In laboratory tests, however, KE-99 has demonstrated the ability to actually remove already established pathogenic bacteria in vitro (example: enterohemorrhagic E. coli 0157:H7...a bacteria known for its superior pathogenic abilities/effects). These bacteria often enter the intestinal tract via consumption of contaminated food and/or drink. This remarkable ability to reduce certain forms of pathogenic bacteria in vitro is one of the features that sets KE-99 apart as a superior probiotic.

Some of the benefits noted from Lactobacillus Casei sub-species KE-99 are as follows:

1) Improves intestinal health and reduces symptoms including constipation, flatulence and diarrhea.
2)Strengthens immune system.
3)Helps reduce serum cholesterol and prevent osteoporosis.
4)Promotes better overall health and energy.
5)Reverses the negative effects on the digestive tract of infections, antibiotics, alcohol, stress and poor diet.
6)Very helpful in treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Colitis, Crohn's Disease & Lactose intolerance.


Hopefully that little summary will give you all a little more insight to the amazing positive factors/effects that Gut Health provides. Remember always put your health first.

[Trauma1]

GUT HEALTH INGREDIENTS/DOSING


Label Data
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Servings per Container: 35

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Lactobacillus CaseiKE-99(Live, Viable Organisms) 1 billion organisms **

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
** Percent Daily Values not established.

OTHER INGREDIENTS: Vegetable Cellulose (Capsule), Extra-Virgin Olive Oil


Recommended Dosing Pattern

As a dietary supplement, take 2 capsules daily for 5 days, then 1 capsule daily as needed or as directed by your
physician.



Recommended Dosing For Initial Non-Responders


Now some people may require a more aggressive frontloading approach with gut health to establish the initial intestinal flora balance and maximize its benefits. In these circumstances i would suggest 3 capsules/day for the first 5 days followed by the normal maintenance dose of 1 capsule/daily to sustain effects.

[Trauma1]

GUT HEATLH'S Probiotic Questions And Answers



1.What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a class of beneficial bacteria that promote health, balance and efficient functioning of the digestive system. These friendly bacteria are normal inhabitants of the intestines and help to digest foods by breaking them down into their individual component parts, such as fats, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals for absorption into the body. Another function of these normal bacteria is to prevent or limit the growth of unwanted bacterial pathogens including salmonella, clostridia and E-coli that can prevent proper nutrient absorption, create intestinal disturbances and eventually cause more serious illness. Prevention of illness by a well maintained microflora balance is accomplished by a method referred to as "competitive exclusion". That is, the good bacteria take up positions known as enteric sites therefore preventing the pathogenic bacteria from establishing itself and proliferating to become a predominant bacteria.

2.Why take probiotics?

Bacterial infections, stress, traveling, antibiotic treatment, poor diet and a number of other factors can and do disturb the balance in our intestinal tract, decreasing the number of beneficial bacteria while allowing an increase in pathogenic bacteria. This increase in pathogenic bacteria can result in gas, diarrhea, constipation, and other intestinal symptoms. A viable probiotic supplement acts to maintain and replenish the balance of microflora in the intestinal tract. A regular maintenance dose acts as a preventive against intestinal diseases, and in the case of KE-99 also eliminates noxious compounds such as ammonia and sodium/hydrogen sulfides which interfere with absorption of nutrients. A healthy intestinal tract with a balanced microflora can boost the immune system, keep pathogenic diseases of the intestinal tract in check, maintain normal bowel movements, prevent indigestion and bloating. Away from home, probiotic supplements act as a barrier to the strains of unwanted bacteria encountered and prevent the intestinal disruptions often associated with traveling.

3.Are we born with good bacteria?

At birth, babies have a very weak immune system. That system needs to be developed for survival of the infant. Fortunately, nature has provided a very effective means to strengthen the immune system - breast milk, which contains nearly all the constituents necessary to for growth and enhancement of the immune system. Breast milk contains beneficial bacteria which attach to the baby's intestinal wall and enable digestion. As the child grows, additional microflora is ingested from other food sources. By the age of 2 or 3 most children have developed some degree of intestinal balance and a fairly effective immune system. As we age, environmental and nutritional factors very often disturb this balance and create the need for probiotic supplementation.

4.Can probiotics improve digestion and help eliminate Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

There are many aspects to food digestion. They include enzymes (which start breaking down foods in the mouth and are found in the intestines), pH conditions such as stomach acid, bile from the gall bladder, intestinal microflora and some digestive properties contained in the food that you eat. Of these, diet and supplementing your intestines with probiotics is within your control. Well balanced intestinal microflora will have a significant positive effect on digestion. It also can control indigestion and bloating after eating. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an extremely difficult disorder to control. It causes distress to those who suffer from it and can effect your daily life in so many ways. Lactobacillus Casei KE-99 has shown to reduce the number of bowel movement episodes of affected individuals so they are able to eat more diverse foods.

5.Do probiotics effect or improve other health conditions?

Besides the healthful effects stated above, probiotic use creates an intestinal environment that can improve a user's immune system. The intestines are the body's largest immune organ. It's a fairly hostile environment and a well balanced system can relieve immunological stress associated with an unhealthful system. This gives the immune system a chance to enhance its capabilities in other parts of the body. Many who use probiotics such as Lactobacillus Caei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) on a regular basis report increased energy and an overall feeling of good health.

6.What is Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH)?

KE-99 refers to a strain of Lactobacillus casei, one of good bacteria normal to human intestinal system. The strain was isolated from fermented vegetation and subsequently studied extensively in vitro at a public university laboratory in California. It has been proven to have superior absorption and functionality as a probiotic as compared to other strains. L. casei has been used in many products around the world and is a well-known and documented species of lactobacillus that has probiotic effects. It is often included with other beneficial bacterium to re-establish balanced microflora in the intestinal tract after antibiotic therapy. It is generally considered safe and approved for use in food products.

7.Why do I need to take Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH)?

If you are eating a perfectly balanced diet without a lot of processed products and have a stress-free life, you may not need probiotics aid to maintain your health. However, unfortunately in the modern world, we have a lot of stress. We consume products such as antacids, antibiotics, food additives, alcohol and other foods and drugs that can cause reduction of healthy bacteria. KE-99 can help restore the lost healthy bacteria to fight against illness.

8.Does Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) help people with lactose intolerance?

Probiotics restore intestinal balance and repopulate the intestinal walls with beneficial bacteria that help us break down and digest foods including lactose.

9.Can Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) help treat Colitis and Crohn's Disease?

Crohn's Disease and Colitis are Inflammatory Bowel Diseases that among other things disrupt the bacterial balance in the intestinal tract. Infusing the gut with beneficial bacteria and eliminating pathogenic bacteria, which can aggravate these conditions, is an essential component of the effective treatment of these diseases. Because of its excellent properties and exceptional absorption Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEATLH) is an excellent probiotic supplement for sufferers of Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

10.How long do I take Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) before I will notice a difference?

It will vary for each individual. In some cases, changes can be found within a few days. In others, it may take up to two weeks. In the short term cases, these individuals seem to already have some type of malady that involves an intestinal or digestion problem. In particular, individuals on antibiotic therapy. Those where the effects have taken longer are usually in fairly good health but take a probiotic for preventive reasons.


11.How is the Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) strain different from other lactobacillus strains such as acidophilus?

Lactobacillus Casei KE-99 exhibits a greater adherence to 5 separate gut proteins compared to 4 other strains of lactobacillus including acidophilus. This means that Lactobacillus Casei KE-99 has a better chance of populating the intestinal enteric sites than the other strains. In the elimination of noxious compounds, the KE-99 strain shows a greater reduction in hydrogen sulfide and ammonia than the other strains tested. KE-99 shows a much greater affinity for enteric sites when challenged with a pathogen (E. coli 0157:H7), thereby preventing establishment and proliferation of this pathogen.

12.Do multi-strained probiotics work better than a single strain probiotic such as Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH)?

No, probiotics that contain multiple strains often create a situation in which the various strains compete with each other. A hardy single strain such as KE-99 has been shown to perform much better because of its superior ability to attach to enteric sites and establish itself while many multi-strains compete with each other and are merely evacuated. The overall benefits of other strains of intestinal bacteria are well known but they are meaningless unless they can actually attach to the intended site!.

13.Why should I take Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) when I am taking antibiotics?

Antibiotics kill off the bacteria in you intestinal system - the good as well as the pathogenic. This causes intestinal upset as the system now has trouble breaking down and digesting food and absorbing gases. In addition, once the antibiotic is discontinued, the void is often filled by the repopulation of the intestinal sites by the undesirable (pathogenic) bacteria that survived. Indeed, often the strains that survived and repopulate are less desirable and stronger (natural selection) than the original problem bacteria. Taking an effective probiotic supplement like Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) all through and after the antibiotic treatment insures both repopulation with a beneficial strain and the exclusion of the pathogenic bacteria. The KE-99 strain has been shown to be exceptionally effective in killing off pathogenic bacteria including E.coli

14.I am a bodybuilder; will Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) help me absorb protein? Yes! Probiotics improve the functioning of the intestines and increase our ability to break down and absorb nutrients including protein, vitamins and minerals. Lactobacillus Casei KE-99(GUT HEALTH) is an effective and appropriate probiotic supplement to help bodybuilders and other athletes absorb higher percentages of protein.

[Trauma1]

I found this study that tested the use of probiotics in treating common cold(rhinovirus), and influenza. More evidence to demonstrate one of the many amazing health benefits Gut Health provides:


Vaccine. 2006 Nov 10;24 (44-46):6670-4 16844267
Probiotic bacteria reduced duration and severity but not the incidence of common cold episodes in a double blind, randomized, controlled trial. [My paper] Michael de Vrese , Petra Winkler , Peter Rautenberg , Timm Harder , Christian Noah , Christiane Laue , Stephan Ott , Jochen Hampe , Stefan Schreiber , Knut Heller , Jürgen Schrezenmeir


To investigate the effect of long-term consumption of probiotic bacteria on viral respiratory tract infections (common cold, influenza), a randomized, double blind, controlled intervention study was performed during two winter/spring periods (3 and 5 month). Four hundred and seventy-nine healthy adults were supplemented daily with vitamins plus minerals with or without probiotic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The intake of the probiotic had no effect on the incidence of common cold infections (verum=158, control=153 episodes, influenza was not observed), but significantly shortened duration of episodes by almost 2 days (7.0+/-0.5 versus 8.9+/-1.0 days, p=0.045), reduced the severity of symptoms and led to larger increases in cytotoxic T plus T suppressor cell counts and in T helper cell counts.

[Trauma1]

I have some new information to add shortly. I hope that this thread can answer some of your questions. More to come shortly everyone.

[Ikaika]

Interesting. Once you take this stuff there really isn't a reason to take it ever again if what you said about KE99 outcompeting other bacteria is true.

[Trauma1]

Originally Posted by Ikaika

Interesting. Once you take this stuff there really isn't a reason to take it ever again if what you said about KE99 outcompeting other bacteria is true.

Are you referring to competitive exclusion? If you don't maintain a constant within the bacterial flora it can rapidly change. The challenge here is to keep the good bacteria in a constant state of control. Taking Gut Health daily will ensure consistent effects and competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria.

[Ikaika]

Why would it change if your strain of bacteria can out-compete everything else? There is no need for external stimulus to keep the good bacteria in a state of control if the strain is stronger than the other bacteria entering the system.

I don't mean just popping one pill and being done...I'm saying that if you buy a bottle, use it, etc. you don't really have a reason to keep taking it since the bacteria will colonize your digestive tract. They don't just pack up and leave once you stop taking the pills.

[Trauma1]

Originally Posted by Ikaika

Why would it change if your strain of bacteria can out-compete everything else? There is no need for external stimulus to keep the good bacteria in a state of control if the strain is stronger than the other bacteria entering the system.

I don't mean just popping one pill and being done...I'm saying that if you buy a bottle, use it, etc. you don't really have a reason to keep taking it since the bacteria will colonize your digestive tract. They don't just pack up and leave once you stop taking the pills.

It's a constant struggle to maintain control. Competetive exclusion just explains the process of how the probiotic bacteria attempts to equal out the playing field. The good bacteria can become limited due to competetive exclusion itself. It's not necessarily stronger than all the other bacteria it competes against in the g.i. tract and can become depleted rather quickly if not replaced.

The goal is to equal out the balance of power by excluding some of the weaker bad bacteria. You natural immune system also aides in controlling this issue, but by providing some probiotic support this takes stress off the overall immune response/effort. As a result, your body can focus its efforts more on maintaining a stronger immune state by limiting the amount of soldiers being spread thin when controling multiple issues. By providing a constant, you help maintain an equal balance overall in a constant struggle for control.

[Trauma1]

Here is a very good article on the general effects of probiotic use and the health benefits that result.

Gut Health(Lactobacillus Casei KE-99 strain)utilizes all these probiotic mechanisms of action, and was chosen for its superior ability to adhere to enteric sites within the intestinal tract while providing effective colonization of good bacteria to exhibit their effect of competetive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria. The end result is a balanced bacterial flora, and a healthier more nutrient efficient you.


http://www.calicutmedicaljournal.org/2006/4/4/e3.pdf