Natural Factors Women's Multi Probiotic With Cranberry Extract - 60 V-Caps

Dr. Murray's Ultimate Probiotic Women's Formula with CranRich provides:

-Large variety of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria probiotic species in order to better reflect the natural composition of intestinal and vaginal flora
-Probiotic species selection based on published clinical studies on intestinal and vaginal flora balance including the strain lactobacilli fermentum HA-179. L. fermentum is a probiotic species that has been specifically studied for its potency to help restore healthy vaginal flora
-Probiotic strains from human and dairy origin, natural inhabitants of women's intestinal and vaginal flora
-Naturally gastric resistant probiotic strains ensuring maximized potency after passage through the stomach's acidity
-Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) helps prevent urinary tract infections. Substances in Cranberry prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder where they can multiply and cause infections.

What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria normally present in the digestive tract. They are vital for proper digestion, assimilation and synthesis of nutrients, prevention of yeast overgrowth and other pathogens, plus many other very important functions. Ideally, a healthy gut should have a 80 to 20 percent ratio of good to bad bacteria. However, because of improper food choices, antibiotic use, toxicity, etc., this delicate balance is disrupted resulting in poor digestive functions which can over time contribute and cause a variety of diseases and illness'.

Some Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation include:
-Assists in maintaining normal intestinal flora.
-Helpful for digestive disorders including IBS, Heartburn, Gas, etc.
-Replenishes intestinal flora following antibiotic therapy.
-Helpful for lactose intolerance.
-Enhances digestion and assists the synthesis of B vitamins.
-Helps inhibit and reduce Candida (yeast overgrowth).
-Prevents and treats yeast infections, thrush and athlete's foot.
-Enhances nutrient absorption.
-Promotes immune function.

Urinary Tract Infections

Infections of the urinary tract are quite common, especially in women. Infections usually begin when bacteria colonize the bladder lining and cause inflammation (cystitis). The infection may spread up into the kidney causing nephritis or to the prostate causing prostatitis.

Symptoms of cystitis are urinary frequency and urgency with burning pain on urination. Emptying the bladder may not relieve the symptoms. The urine may be cloudy or "coke coloured", due to the presence of blood. Lab testing of the urine reveals the presence of bacteria. Symptoms can be mild, with gradual onset or severe, with a quick onset. Fever and lower back pain signal that the kidney is affected. The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are the same but are usually recurring and lab testing is negative for bacteria.

Conventional treatment of cystitis involves the use of antibiotics to clear up the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of urinary tract pathogens. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

To prevent cystitis proper hygiene is essential. Do not use scented or coloured toilet paper or feminine hygiene products. Douches, lubricants, latex condoms, spermicides and seminal fluid can also cause bladder irritation. For women, always wipe from front to back when using the toilet and both partners should urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse. Wear breathable cotton underwear. Exercise the bladder by contracting the bladder muscles as you would to stop the flow of urine. Repeat this several times a day.

Tips to Help Prevent UTI's
-Take Vitamin C Regularly
-Take Probiotics Regularly
-Drink Pure Cranberry Juice, Or Take A Cranberry Supplement
-Drink LotsOf Pure Water Daily
-Ensure Good Hygiene
-Avoid Coffee And Cola, They Irritate The Bladder Wall
-Limit Or Avoid Refined & Processed Foods
-Do A Kidney And Bladder Cleanse Periodically
-Get Tested For Food Sensitivities/Intolerances
-Do A Candida Cleanse

Intestinal Health

Some of the most important players in intestinal health are not part of our own body. Friendly intestinal bacteria, often called probiotics, are an essential part of digestion. They break down food particles, manufacture vitamins and prevent the infection of the tract with other microbes. Each bowel movement actually contains millions of these friendly bacteria; they are in a constant state of renewal. Many concerns like indigestion, gas, bloating and constipation can be due to an imbalance of the intestinal bacteria. It is easy to upset this balance by improper diet or taking medications like antibiotics.

Many foods that we eat, other substances we consume and our lifestyles contribute to intestinal disorders. Highly processed foods, alcohol, medications and tobacco are difficult for our body to break down and may also physically damage the digestive lining.

Processed foods are also deficient in nutrients so not only does the body have to work extra hard to digest the food, but it also gets depleted of the things it needs to do its work. Water and fibre intake is important to have proper moisture and bulk in the stool and make bowel movements regular.

Stress, anxiety and other emotional concerns put our nervous system in an excited state. Our digestive processes are only fully functional when our nervous system is relaxed. Sedentary lifestyles decrease movement throughout the digestive tract. As our transit time slows there is more opportunity for the re-absorption of processed toxins and greater chance of microbial overgrowth. Slow transit time also dries the stool and makes it more difficult to pass. Our body is designed so that each time we eat a meal we have a bowel movement. Many individuals can be considered constipated and have bowel movements less than once daily.One can eat the most nutritious food but if the intestinal membrane is not in good working order the body will not be able to absorb the nutrients.