Tag Archives: Digest Gold™ Plus Probiotics by Enzymedica

Good Health Begins with A Healthy Gut

Posted on November 15, 2017 by | Comments Off on Good Health Begins with A Healthy Gut

LoveYourGutJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

At Professional Supplement Center, we’re often asked about digestive health support. How many of us would eat healthier if we really appreciated our gut and its importance to human health, physiology, and survival? Our bodies rely on the major digestive, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and respiratory organs to provide the daily functions that sustain, not only health, but also human life. These organs have many functions that we may rarely think about unless we experience ill-health.

Our brains provide thought and memory, keep our hearts pumping, allow voluntary muscle control, and receive sensory information. Our pumping hearts bring oxygen, nutrients and immune compounds to every bodily cell. Our lungs provide oxygen exchange and repel bacteria and harmful organisms. Our endocrine glands secrete hormones or chemical messengers that control our metabolism, direct our sleep cycles, and make digestion, detoxification and reproduction possible.

The gastrointestinal system, commonly known as the gut, is home to our microbiome that allows for digestion, waste removal, nutrient absorption, and very importantly, the regulation of immune homeostasis. It’s a widely held belief that gut microbiota have a profound effect on immune health, as well as autoimmune-related diseases both inside and outside the gut. Although approximately one third of these vitally important microorganisms are common to most people, two thirds are specific to each individual.

While each of us has a unique identity when it comes to our microbiome, the essential functions that directly impact our health are the same. A healthy and balanced gut microbiota is key to ensuring proper digestive functioning and overall wellness.

Everything we ingest influences the health of the microbiome, A diet rich in nutritious, fiber-filled foods will keep the microbiome thriving and energy levels steady. Conversely, a diet filled with low-fiber, nutrient-poor foods results in an unhealthy microbiome that allows deleterious bacteria to flourish. To maintain diversity and proper functioning of the gut microbiota a varied and balanced diet is essential.

Two widely studied elements considered beneficial for the gut health are prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics, or fermentable fibers, are the indigestible compounds in foods that selectively promote the growth and activity of certain beneficial bacterial species. Naturally present in fermented foods, garlic, onions, asparagus, oats, apples, flax seeds, bran and more, prebiotics can help with various digestive problems and have been shown to boost the immune system and improve metabolic health.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts. Probiotics, which can be found in foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles and sauerkraut, as well as supplements, support not only digestive health, but also immunity and overall health. Probiotics can help to balance the gut flora when it has been affected by poor diet, infections, antibiotic treatments and external factors such as stress. Poor gut health is tied to chronic inflammation, joint pain, autoimmune diseases, cognitive disorders, fatigue, allergies, hormone dysregulation, depression, and insufficient vitamin production, as well as improper nutrient absorption, digestion and elimination.

Remember, a happy, healthy functioning gut has a positive effect on physical, mental and physiological health. Canadian and Chinese researchers have found evidence to suggest that a healthy gut could be linked to healthy aging, and concluded that food and probiotics could be utilized to improve biomarkers of health. To enhance gut health, eliminate toxic foods from the diet. Repair and heal the gut with a clean diet and key nutrients. Add probiotics to restore proper bacterial balance and consider digestive enzymes to promote healthy digestion.

  • Avoid antibiotics unless truly needed, as they eliminate beneficial as well as deleterious bacteria, which can lower immune functions and raise the risks for infections, allergies and diseases.
  • Exercise to lower stress. Stress hinders the immune response and causes the release of immune compounds known as cytokines that contribute to inflammation that can damage healthy cells.
  • Supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, CoQ10, and vitamins C, D and E, support overall health and can help to keep free radical damage from disturbing the health of the microbiome.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality supplements to support a healthy functioning gastrointestinal system:

Broad Spectrum...Broad Spectrum Probiotic & Prebiotic by Prescript-Assist™: This broad-spectrum pre- and probiotic supplement delivers a proprietary blend of 29 separate strains of beneficial bacteria to help support optimal gut health and function, and restore a normal balance of gastrointestinal microflora. With more than six years of clinical development and testing, this professional formula is designed for overall wellness support, relief of occasional abdominal discomfort, and promotion of a healthy gastrointestinal environment.

Just Thrive...Just Thrive® Probiotic & Antioxidant by Just Thrive®: This unique probiotic formulation provides strains naturally designed to colonize in the small intestine supporting the body’s ability to improve the growth of its own strains of heathy and beneficial bacteria. Gluten, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO vegan formulation.

Daily Care ProbioticDaily Care Probiotic by Probulin®: This shelf stable, balanced once daily pre-and probiotic provides 10 billion CFU of 12 probiotic strains per capsule in support of digestive heath and microflora balance. Gluten, wheat, dairy and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

Probiotic-5 (dairy...Probiotic-5 by Pure Encapsulations®: This dairy-free blend of five key beneficial probiotic strains is designed to promote the health and comfort of the gastrointestinal tract, healthy cellular function and overall health. Dairy and soy free, Non-GMO vegan formulation.

Digest Gold™ Plus...Digest Gold™ Plus Probiotics by Enzymedica: This very popular, award winning formula provides the convenience of high potency digestive enzymes with guaranteed delivery of active probiotic cultures. TherActive™ delivery ensures probiotic release in the lower intestine for optimal benefit. Gluten, wheat, dairy, casein, and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

References:
The Gut: Where Bacteria and Immune System Meet. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research/advancements-in-research/fundamentals/in-depth/the-gut-where-bacteria-and-immune-system-meet
The role of the gut microbiome in the healthy adult status. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009898115000170
The role of gut microbiota in immune homeostasis and autoimmunity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3337124/
The Structure and Function of the Digestive System. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/the-structure-and-function-of-the-digestive-system
Diet & Gut microbiota. http://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/en/about-diet-gut-microbiota/
The 19 Best Prebiotic Foods You Should Eat. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-best-prebiotic-foods

 

 

Comments Off on Good Health Begins with A Healthy Gut

Posted in Home

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

What’s Your Gut Telling You?

Posted on March 3, 2016 by | Comments Off on What’s Your Gut Telling You?

GutTellingYouJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

 

 

The fact is, you can’t really have good overall health unless you have a healthy, well-functioning gastrointestinal tract. Our gut is a complex and abundant ecosystem, colonized by more than 100 trillion microorganisms. Each person has a distinct, highly variable and diverse composition of microbiota, influenced by genetics, age, diet, chronic stress, illness, medications, geographic location, environmental factors and even method of birth. By affecting physiology, metabolism, nutrition and immune function, the gastrointestinal system plays a crucial role in the regulation of our physical and mental health and, as such, the gut microbiome is the subject of extensive and ongoing research. Increasingly, studies show that an unhealthy microbiome and a compromised gut barrier can contribute to a wide range of disease processes, including autoimmune diseases, diabetes, obesity, mood disorders and chronic inflammation. In contrast, a healthy functioning gut allows for optimal digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients and an optimally functioning immune system.

As studies show that more than 100 million Americans suffer from some form of digestive issue, it’s no wonder that we are paying more attention to our digestive and intestinal health. Understanding the microbiome is extremely important, especially for those who have poor digestion, fatigue, or other more serious chronic conditions. It may be helpful to note that our individual microflora consists of three types of bacteria, which are categorized as essential, opportunistic and transitional microbes. In a healthy gut, the bacteria live in balanced harmony known as symbiosis, in which the essential or friendly bacteria keep the less desirable opportunistic bacteria in check, thereby promoting health and preventing illness or disease. Conversely, an overgrowth of opportunistic bacteria can result in an imbalance or dysbiosis, which can compromise our system as a whole and put us at increased risk of disease and chronic conditions.

Dysbiosis may be caused by a high sugar, low fiber, nutrient poor diet, illness or infections, chronic stress, and medications such as antibiotics and OTC heartburn relievers. Symptoms can include constant digestive upset, fatigue, sugar and carb cravings, frequent illness, mood imbalances or depression, chronic joint pain, and skin issues such as eczema or psoriasis.

For optimal immune health and overall wellness, focus on the microbiome to rebuild and support gastrointestinal health:

  • Eat plenty of fermented pre- and probiotic foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut, miso and pickled vegetables.
  • Include whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in fibers, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts.
  • Eliminate refined carbs, added sugars and processed foods. Try eliminating foods such as gluten, dairy, soy and yeast for two weeks to see if digestive symptoms improve.
  • Consider taking a high-quality, multi-species pre- and probiotic supplement to re-establish a healthy balance of microbiota.
  • To address poor digestive symptoms and support proper digestive and overall health, take a good quality digestive enzyme supplement with meals.
  • L-Glutamine, an amino acid, promotes cellular health in the intestinal mucosa by reducing oxidant damage and boosting cell wall regeneration.
  • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice soothes and coats the stomach, helping to reduce stomach inflammation, heartburn and acid reflux.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and many high quality supplements to support and maintain gastrointestinal health:

Broad Spectrum Probiotic & Prebiotic by Prescript - AssistBroad Spectrum Probiotic & Prebiotic by Prescript-Assist™ – This professional broad spectrum formula delivers a proprietary blend of 29 separate strains of beneficial bacteria to support optimal gut health and a normal balance of friendly microflora in the intestinal tract. Gluten and dairy free, vegan formulation. No refrigeration necessary.

 

Digest Gold™ Plus ProbioticsDigest Gold™ Plus Probiotics by Enzymedica – This award winning digestive enzyme formula provides high potency digestive enzymes, along with 500 million guaranteed potency active probiotic cultures that are specially coated to ensure delivery into the intestinal tract for optimal benefit.

 

L-Glutamine 1,000 mg.L-Glutamine 1,000 mg by Pure Encapsulations – This formula nutritionally supports the healthy functioning and maintenance of the gastrointestinal tract and enhances the integrity of the mucosal lining, aiding proper nutrient utilization and absorption and limiting the passage of toxins through the intestinal barrier. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formula.

 

DGL - Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root ExtractDGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice Root Extract by Bioclinic Naturals – This clinically effective chewable tablet formula supports the stomach lining and offers fast relief of occasional stomach and digestive tract discomfort. Gluten, soy and dairy free formulation.

 

References:
Structure and functions of the gut microbiome. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25022563
The role of gut microorganisms in human health. http://www.eufic.org/article/en/artid/The_role_of_gut_microorganisms_in_human_health/
Dysbiosis. http://www.therootofhealth.com/dysbiosis/
Why Your Digestive Health is More Important Than You Think. http://www.theactivetimes.com/why-your-digestive-health-more-important-you-think

 

 

Comments Off on What’s Your Gut Telling You?

Posted in Home

Tagged , , , , ,

The Importance of Digestive Enzymes

Posted on July 16, 2014 by | Comments Off on The Importance of Digestive Enzymes
DigestiveEnzymesJacquieIconBy Jacquie Eubanks
BSN, RN
 

By some estimates, more than 100 million Americans appear to have digestive issues that can impact their ability to properly digest their food.  The inability to completely digest foods can lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain and problems with elimination.  For some, this can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).  For many others, low-grade inflammation, infections, allergies, dysbiosis, food intolerances, poor diet or simply aging may lead to improper digestion of food and poor absorption of nutrients.  A properly working digestive system allows for food to be broken down into small, usable molecules and for the complete absorption of the nutrients without causing intestinal discomfort.

Enzymes are not only essential but are required for all biochemical and metabolic processes and play a critical role in everyday health and maintenance.  They turn the food we eat into energy, support the immune system and hormone production, and enable the ability to utilize vitamins and minerals.  In order to utilize nutrients from foods, several organs release specific enzymes that individually break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats as well as vitamins, minerals and other compounds into small absorbable particles. 

  • Amylase and other sugar-specific enzymes break down large starch or carbohydrate molecules into a two-sugar molecule known as maltose.  Other digestive enzymes are released in the small intestine to further break down maltose into simple sugars, which are then absorbed by the cells. 
  • Lipase is manufactured by the pancreas and, when combined with bile produced by the liver, breaks down dietary fats, or triglycerides, into fatty acids and monoglyceride molecules that then can pass through the small intestine and into the blood stream. 
  • Protease, peptidase and other protein digestive enzymes break down large protein molecules into a pool of single amino acids, which are then absorbed by the small intestine. 
  • Lactase is essential to the complete digestion of milk and dairy products.  Lactase breaks down lactose, a simple milk sugar.  When an insufficient amount of lactase is present, lactose intolerance or the inability to digest milk sugar can result. 

Intestinal health is critical to the health of your immune system and your optimal health.  A properly working digestive tract is essential to energy production, proper bodily functions, and overall wellness.  Insufficient digestion can lead to a very wide range of health concerns including autoimmune disease, arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.  Lifestyle changes, dietary modification and enzyme supplementation can often help to lessen the uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing symptoms associated with impaired digestion.  Although we produce enzymes in our bodies, we must continually replenish enzymes through proper nutrition and good eating habits. 

  • Consume more raw foods, especially organically grown raw foods, as they naturally contain the necessary enzymes needed to digest and absorb the nutrients contained in the food.  Processing and cooking destroy natural food enzymes.  Food enzyme deficiency places unnecessary stress on the pancreas and other enzyme releasing organs to produce the additional enzymes needed for proper digestion. 
  • To reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, add more cleansing and alkalizing vegetables and eat a small amount of fruits.  Celery, cucumber, avocado, arugula, melon, pineapple, and blueberries are helpful choices. 
  • Avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as gluten, sugar, alcohol and processed foods.  Foods processed with additives, preservatives or nitrates are often lacking the enzymes needed for proper digestion. 
  • Consume more anti-inflammatory foods including essential fatty acids found in cold water fish and eat leafy greens, high fiber whole fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods, which support a healthy gut microflora. 
  • The proper chewing of food, along with the enzymes and lubricants contained in saliva, initiates the digestive process, allows for food to enter the stomach in a pre-digestive state, and relieves some of the stress on an overburdened digestive system.  Unfortunately, many of us do not properly chew our food. When we rush through our meals, foods entering the stomach can be sadly lacking in pre-digestive enzymes. 
  • Regular supplementation with digestive enzymes can take the stress off the pancreas and the entire body.  Powerful digestive enzymes support normal body organ functioning while preserving the natural production of digestive enzymes.  Taking a digestive enzyme supplement with meals reduces the amount of energy we spend digesting our foods and helps to maximize our enzyme producing potential. 

Below is a sampling of enzyme supplements for digestive support.  Choose the one that’s right for you and say goodbye to common digestive inefficiency and hello to healthy digestion and increased nutrient absorption. 

Digest Gold™ Plus ProbioticsDigest Gold™ Plus Probiotics by Enzymedica provides award winning, high potency digestive enzymes along with guaranteed delivery of specially coated TherActive™ probiotic cultures for maximum performance.  Formulated to assist in the digestion of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fiber, these digestive enzymes plus probiotics supply a complete formula for optimal digestive health. 

Similase® (Tyler)Similase® (Tyler) by Integrative Therapeutics provides comprehensive support for digestion and absorption of all food groups including protein, carbohydrate, fat, fiber and phytate.  This physician developed formula contains pure plant enzymes, including amylase, protease, lipase, lactase, phytase, cellulase, sucrase and maltase, that are active in both acidic and alkaline gastrointestinal environments. 

Digestzyme-VDigestzyme-V by Ortho Molecular contains a full spectrum of 20 vegetarian digestive enzymes to provide comprehensive digestive support in a broad range of pH levels.  This unique formula also includes artichoke and gentian root, which stimulate bile production and support the body’s natural enzyme production. 

Digestive Enzymes UltraDigestive Enzymes Ultra by Pure Encapsulations contains a high-strength blend of vegetarian enzymes that support enhanced digestion of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, dairy, and fiber that promote optimal nutrient absorption and bioavailability.  

Comments Off on The Importance of Digestive Enzymes

Posted in Home

Tagged , , , ,