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BetaZyme
by Nutritional Frontiers
BetaZyme contains Betaine
HCl, pancreatin, pepsin, glutamic acid, ox bile extract,
and gentian root. Betaine HCl
(hydrochloric acid) promotes
the proper pH of the stomach
which optimizes the ability
of the stomach to break down
food.
There is a mistaken assumption that heartburn, indigestion and reflux are caused by
overproduction of stomach
acid. Many patients and doctors alike ascribe to this belief
and routinely use stomach acid
blocking medications at any
sign of stomach dysfunction.
Unfortunately most people
don’t realize that the symptoms of stomach acid (HCl)
over-production are similar to
the symptoms of acid underproduction. Therefore people
could be making their stomach
symptoms worse by taking
acid-blocking medications!
Betaine HCl provides a source
of hydrochloric acid, which is
needed for digestive enzyme
function. Due to poor diet
(lack of fiber, too much alcohol, fast food, processed food,
and sugar) and overuse of antacid medications, many of us
suffer from symptoms of low
stomach acid. Symptoms may
include heartburn, bloating,
gas, stomach pain, acne rosacea, and more. The Heidelberg
pH diagnostic test is one way
to assess over- or under-production of stomach acid.
Digestive Health
the Natural Way
“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be
your food.” HIPPOCRATES, around 400 BCE
What is the digestive system?
Many healthcare practitioners suggest that overall health begins in the digestive
tract. Inefficient digestion compromises all parts of the body because digestion of food
provides fuel for all body processes, organs, and systems.
The three keys of digestion include:
1. Absorption: when nutrients from food pass from the intestines into the bloodstream
2. Assimilation: when nutrients enter cells or tissues to perform various essential
functions
3. Elimination: voiding waste products from the body
There are many components of the digestive system. The mouth, esophagus, stomach,
small intestine, large intestine, rectum, and anus comprise the digestive tract. These
components plus the accessory digestive organs (the salivary glands, pancreas, liver,
and gall bladder) comprise the digestive system.
The digestive system and immune health
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a prominent role in immune health. The GI tract is the first line
of defense against ingested microorganisms. The acidity of the stomach provides an unwelcome environment for many pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms. IgA antibodies in the mucus that lines
the intestines are another line of defense against invading ‘bugs.’ Bile is produced in the liver and stored
in the gall-bladder for excretion into the small intestine. Enzymes in bile, saliva, and the cytochrome
P450 system in the liver help protect the body from damage by pathogens and toxins.
Furthermore, the beneficial bacteria in residence in the
intestines act as competition for disease-causing microorganisms that might try to colonize the gut. Finally, an enormous mass of lymphoid tissue is found in the intestines.
This tissue is known as GALT (gut-associated lymphoid
tissue) and it stores numerous types of immune cells like B
lymphocytes and T lymphocytes.
Of course the digestive tract also indirectly supports the
immune system by providing the nutrients and vitamin cofactors necessary for the optimal functioning of all cells,
including those of the immune system.
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BetaZyme continued...
Pancreatin is a combination of 3 digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas
and released into the small intestine to
support the breakdown of food. The enzymes are lipase, amylase, and protease
and they help with the digestion of fats,
starches, and proteins.
Pepsin and glutamic acid help break
down proteins into polypeptides. Antacids decrease the effectiveness of
pepsin and therefore may increase the
number of partially digested proteins
that can pass through the intestine,
thereby possibly increasing the risk of
food allergy development.
Ox bile & gentian root support bile
production and gall bladder function.
Gentian stimulates saliva, bile, and gastric juices. Ox bile supports fat digestion & absorption of the lipid-soluble
vitamins A,D,E, and K.
Natural digestive support: Diet
To attain and maintain health of the gastrointestinal tract, proper diet is essential. In general, a healthy diet is one that emphasizes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean
protein, and good fats. The amount of protein, fat, and grains (the primary source of carbohydrates for most people in North America) eaten depends on individual constitution
and energy output, health concerns, and personal preference. For instance, someone with
diabetes or insulin resistance should eat fewer carbohydrates than the general population.
Therefore people with diabetes should focus more on fresh vegetables and protein with
minimal intake of high carbohydrate food items like grains and some fruits.
For most people, five servings of fruits and vegetables a day is ideal. Fresh produce is
best, followed by frozen and lastly canned goods. Canning can decrease nutrients as well
as add unwanted excess sodium. Furthermore, cans are often lined with BPA (bisphenol A) a chemical with potentially negative effects on human health. At a minimum,
pregnant and nursing women as well as infants and young children should avoid eating
canned foods.
Regarding protein, non-vegetarians should opt for lean cuts of meat (especially game animals like venison and bison). Poultry and meat should preferably be organic, grass fed,
and free range. This reduces pesticide, herbicide, hormone, and antibiotic exposure. Furthermore, grass fed animals produce meat that has the proper ratio of omega fatty acids,
unlike conventionally raised animals. Finally, pasturing animals is much more humane
than keeping them confined in feed pens.
Fish is another excellent protein source for non-vegetarians, but be sure to choose species of fish with low levels of mercury and other toxins. The Environmental Protection
Agency and the Environmental Working Group provide lists of ‘safe’ fish populations
for human consumption.
“Good” fats should be part of any healthy diet, as fat is an essential component of our
hormones, nervous system, and cell membranes. Good fats include foods like olive oil,
nuts and seeds, certain fish, and avocadoes, for example. ** Consult your healthcare
practitioner to help tailor a healthy, whole foods diet just for you.
Natural digestive support: Supplements
Nutritional supplements and herbs can provide much needed support for digestion. Everything from diarrhea and constipation to acid reflux
and peptic ulcers may be improved with judicious use of nutritional supplements and herbs. Listed below are just a few of the many options
for various digestive conditions
.
G.I. Complete by Nutritional Frontiers
This unique powdered supplement is healing to the lining of the digestive tract. It supports proper immune function, can
help regulate bowel movements, promote optimal microbial balance in the gut, and is a great choice to improve “leaky gut.”
G.I. Complete contains 5000 mg of L-glutamine which provides fuel for intestinal cells. This formula also contains zinc
carnosine, arabinogalactans, DMG, DGL, slippery elm, marshmallow root, and aloe vera leaf.
Arabinogalactans from the larch tree have been used to stimulate immune function, aid regularity and support the production of beneficial bacteria.
DMG (Dimethylglycine) is distinguished as having 3 US Patents including one for modulating immune response and for
the treatment of inflammatory dis¬eases. DMG has been used for over 20 years to modulate inflam¬mation in the GI tract
and help support immune function.
G.I. Complete features several herbs, including DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice- from licorice root), slippery elm
(Ulmus rubra), marshmallow root (Althea officinalis), and aloe vera leaf extract.
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G.I. Complete Continued...
DGL is a versatile herbal extract which
functions as an anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, demulcent, anti-spasmodic, and
anti-oxidant. It helps heal ulcerations by
stimulating the formation of granulation
tissue. In addition, licorice is anti-viral
and promotes cortisol balance.
Slippery elm and marshmallow root
have similar applications as DGL in terms
of reducing inflammation and soothing
tissues. All three of these plants possess
demulcent, emollient, and mucilaginous
properties. Clinically, they have been
used to help GERD, ulcers, inflammatory
bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and gastritis.
Probiotics formulations:
Probiotics support digestion, immune health, and bowel regularity.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that reside in the human
digestive tract. Studies in both animals and humans show immune-stimulating effects from yogurt with live cultures, such as Lactobacillus
acidophilus and other probiotics. Probiotics can increase the activity of
several types of white blood cells. In preliminary human studies, consumption of live culture-containing yogurt has been associated with a
reduced incidence of several immune-related diseases, including cancer,
infections of the stomach and intestines, and some allergic reactions.
Probiotics also improve digestion in those with food allergies & food
sensitivities and may reduce the incidence and severity of colic in infants. Other conditions that may be helped by certain species of beneficial microorganisms are Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, and
Candida infection.
Nutritional Frontiers’ probiotics formulations include the supplements
listed below. Please note 2 of the products are unique combinations of
digestive enzymes and probiotics (see CybZyme and ProbZyme).
– Frontier Biotics: contains 5 billion CFU which includes 8 strains along with FOS (fructooligosaccharides) to
support digestive health. FOS is a fiber and a pre-biotic, which supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms.1
capsule per serving.
– CybZyme: contains digestive enzymes along with 250 million CFU of beneficial microorganisms comprised of 2
strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium. 3 capsules per serving.
– ProbZyme: This chewable tablet contains a combination of digestive enzymes and probiotics: 2.25 billion CFU
made up of 5 strains.
– Super Biotics: contains 50 billion CFU of a proprietary blend of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum,
and Bifidobacterium longum along with 50 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019.
– S.B.C. contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial gut microorganism which promotes good bacterial re-colonization in the intestines. Saccharomyces b. is especially helpful to counter antibiotic-associated diarrhea, like C. dificile.
MicroGone Capsules and MicroGone Tincture by Nutritional Frontiers
Normal gut flora is essential for health. Abnormal gut flora, decreased immunity, stress (high cortisol), repeated antibiotic use, and infection allow for pathogenic micro-organisms like bacteria, yeast, and parasites to colonize the gut.
These herbal formulations were designed to help fight already established infections of the gastrointestinal tract.
MicroGone Tincture contains the following herbal ingredients:
– Pau d’arco, Juglans nigra & cinerea, Echinacea angustifolia, Olive leaf extract, Usnea, Lomatium, and Cat’s claw bark
MicroGone capsules contain black walnut hull, wormwood (Artemisa annua) stem & leaf powder, grapefruit seed extract, olive leaf extract yielding oleuropein, Pau d’Arco bark, black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed, and garlic extract.
These bitter plant extracts assist the body in eliminating unwanted organism and help promote detoxification. Please
note these products should not be used by infants or by pregnant or lactating women.
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