Udo's Choice Super 5 Probiotic (Raspberry) - 60 Chew Tabs

INTESTINAL FLORA: A COMPLEX AND DIVERSE UNIVERSE

Lactobacillae are located throughout the digestive tract but are especially abundant in the small intestine. Some of the main human varieties are:

- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lacticaseibacillus paracasei
- Bifidobacterium bifidum
- Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
- Ligilactobacillus salivarius

Bifidobacteria are located in the entire digestive tract but are especially abundant in the large intestine. The system's first inhabitants, these species evolve according to age, diminishing progressively towards the end of life. Some of the main varieties are: Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum in children, and Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium longum in adults.

Lactobacillae and bifidobacteria are the main probiotic groups found in the upper and lower intestine. They maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. They also produce substances which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.

FRIENDLY BACTERIA AND THEIR DIFFERENT ROLES

Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most prominent micro-organisms found in the small intestine.L. acidophilusproduces lactic acid which inhibits yeast growth, as well as natural antibiotics which enhance immune functions.L. acidophilushas been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such asSalmonella, Shigella, S. faecalisandE. coli. Moreover, studies have shown thatL. acidophilusis effective in reducing lactose intolerance, reinforcing the immune system, as well as reducing cholesterol levels and supporting healthy cell growths.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a transient (nonimplanting) strain from dairy origin that carries out important protective functions on its way through the intestinal tract. Traditionally,L. bulgaricusis found in yogurt along withS. thermophilus. Results of studies indicate thatL. bulgaricusproduces interferon, a substance that can improve the body's natural response to infection and disease. Additional studies have also demonstrated the benefits ofL. bulgaricusin cases of acute diarrhea and lactose sensitivity.

Lactobacillus casei is a bacteria commonly used for milk fermentation and is naturally occurring in the mouth and digestive tract.L. caseibreaks down carbohydrates and inhibits the growth of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria in the small intestine. L. caseihas been studied for its antimicrobial effects, its efficacy against harmful cells and its role in cellular immunity. It has also shown to be helpful in treating diarrhea caused by antibiotics and viruses.

Lactobacillus plantarum, a strain from vegetal origin, is another major species found in the intestinal tract. It secretes the naturally occurring antibiotic lactolin, and has beneficial anti-microbial activities. This probiotic is being studied for its efficacy against allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is one of the most important probiotic strains for the health of the adult digestive tract from the mouth to the small intestine. It is primarily found in the small intestine and vaginal tract and is beneficial in inhibiting the bacteria involved in vaginal and urinary tract infections.L. rhamnosushas a high resistance to bile salts and stomach acid and therefore grows prolifically. It protects against the invasion of harmful microorganisms by stimulating gut lining cells to produce mucin, a mucous coating that also prevents toxins from reaching the blood. It provides excellent control over putrefactive microbes, and effectively inhibits disease-causing pathogens. One of the most intensively studied strains ofLactobacillus, it has been shown to stimulate immune responses, enhance the effectiveness of oral vaccinations against rotavirus and serve as an oral therapy for viral gastroenteritis.

Lactobacillus salivarius is found in the mouth and in the small intestine and has been shown to improve bleeding gums, tooth decay, bad breath, oral thrush and canker sores.L. salivariusproduces B vitamins, enzymes and lactic acid, breaks down proteins and has strong antimicrobial effects which have been demonstrated clinically.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is found primarily in the large intestine. As a producer of B vitamins,B. bifidumhelps the body in the completion of its digestive process, specifically, in the absorption of calcium, iron, magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. B. bifidum produces lactic and acetic acids, which lower the intestinal pH and inhibit unfriendly bacteria from growing. Recent studies have shown thatB. bifidumcan reduce the incidence of acute diarrhea in infants and is beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. With regular use,B. bifidumcan improve immunological and inflammatory responses in seniors.

Bifidobacterium breve colonizes the large intestine and is a producer of lactic and acetic acids that inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria. It enhances immune responses against various pathogenic antigens and has been shown to repress the growth of ulcer-inducing bacteria. Recent studies have demonstrated thatB. brevecan colonize the immature bowel of infants very effectively and is associated with better weight gain in very low birth weight infants.

Bifidobacterium infantis is the most important microorganism found in the large intestine of infants and has been validated as an effective adjunct therapy in the treatment of acute diarrhea. Bacteriocidal activity has also been observed against such pathogens asClostridia, Salmonella,andShigella. B. infantishas been shown to stimulate the production of immuno-modulating agents.

Bifidobacterium longum colonizes the intestinal tract in very large quantities and plays a direct role in preventing invasion of pathogenic and putrefactive bacteria.B. longumbreaks down bile salts, helps to synthesize B-complex vitamins and has been studied for its anti-carcinogenic activities. It also stimulates the immune system, through its effects on immunoglobulin A (IgA).B. longumproduces lactic and acetic acids that lower the intestinal pH and inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria. In clinical studies, B. longum has been found to improve lactose digestion and constipation.

Streptococcus thermophilus is a transient probiotic from dairy origin. Often used in combination withL. bulgaricus, it produces large quantities of lactic acid, which limits the growth of unfriendly bacteria and helps in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. It has been shown to have antioxidant and antitumor activities.S. thermophilus also breaks down lactose and produces the enzyme lactase, improving lactose intolerance.