ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY BODY
Lactic bacteria can be found from the upper part of the small intestine to the large intestine. These micro-organisms have the specific function of transforming sugars almost exclusively into lactic acid and acetic acid that decreases the pH (increasing the acidity) of the digestive system. This produces substances that suppress harmful bacteria. Lactic Bacterium is abundant in nature and are essential for human and animal survival. They are also normally present in the skin, in the digestive system and in the vaginal mucosa where they fulfilled numerous roles and to protect tissues against harmful microbes. These functions are so vital that lactic bacterium is labeled "probiotics" - agents that protect life!

LACTIC BACTERIA IN PROPHYLAXIS AND IN THERAPEUTIC TREATMENT
Lactic bacteria perform the following essential functions in the digestive system:

Transforms glucose into lactic acid, creating a favorable environment for the desirable microbial balance
Limits the action and development of putrefactive microbes
Inhibits the development of pathogenic bacteria
Hydrolyses lactose and eliminates the intolerance of the digestive system toward this sugar
Contributes to intestinal peristalsis and accelerates the evacuation of wastes
Coats the intestinal mucosa and protects it against the invasion of harmful microorganisms
Activates macrophages (immune cells) that suppress harmful bacteria and protect the digestive system.

Many factors can affect and upset the desirable harmony of intestinal flora. Disease, stress, excessive food proteins, contaminated food and antibiotics can all tip the balance in favour of the implantation and development of putrefactive and infectious microorganisms to the detriment of desirable bacteria. Prolonged use of antibiotics will destroy lactic bacteria present in the digestive system and allowing the development and predominance of harmful microorganisms such as coliforms and pathogenic staphylococci.

Gastro-intestinal infections caused by bacteria are generally due to the presence of Escherichia, Shigella, Salmonella, Klabsiella, Proteus and Staphylococcus. These infections occur more frequently in children as a result of consumption of contaminated water or food or from the transmission of infectious microbes from other individuals or infected places.

Prolonged administration of antibiotics will result in antibiotic-resistant pathogenic colonies. The already antibiotic-resistance Escherichia coli can be genetically transmitted to other kinds of enterobacteria of the Shigelia, Salmonella, Klabsiella and Proteus genus. The emergence of such antibiotic-resistant bacteria is alarming due to complications in the administration of effective medication.

Lactic bacteria protects against vaginitis:
They were originally known as Doderlein bacillus, but we now know that it includes Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bifidus, L. rhamnosus, L. fermenti, and L. antarum, amongst others. Arising from the prolonged use of antibiotics, hormonal imbalance, inadequate enemas, contact with contaminated individuals, a weak immune system, vaginitis may develop caused by Candida Albicans, trichonomas vaginitis or other infectious bacteria. One successful treatment of this condition utilized appropriate lactobacilli. Introduced by an enema, it restored the normal lactic flora, lowered the pH of vaginal secretions to a desirable level (4.5) to clear the infection.

Intestinal putrefaction:
Mainstream medicine after more than 85 years of denial, now recognizes that Metchnikoff** was right when he stated that intestinal putrefaction was the source of many diseases that reduced the vitality and longevity of the human being.

This intestinal putrefaction caused by harmful bacteria brings about the development of toxic substances that include several acids, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, amides, methylated amines, methane, indole, phenol, mercaptans, amongst others.

The body is not always able to defend itself against the activities of harmful microorganisms. This may result in several organs being affected. Consequently, the secretion of digestive enzymes is hindered, the kidneys become impervious, the endocrine system weakens, and the suprarenal becomes infected. The consequence of these organic disorders would lead to debility, arthereosclerosis and premature senility.

Mainstream medicine has only recently accepted that hepatitis encephalopahty may be caused by the breakdown of nitrogenous substances in the colon and the absorption of toxic material especially ammonia and amines by the digestive system. In the past, treatment consisted of enemas and laxatives, administration of antibiotics, and even surgical removal of the colon. An alternative treatment that is emerging used lactic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophillus) to restore the balance of flora in the digestive system. In reducing harmful bacteria, there was a reduction in the incidence of amines and ammonia in the blood of the patients. The effectiveness of this treatment has now been confirmed by subsequent successes of patients' recovery.

Reduces gas and bloating:
Lactic acid bacteria inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and their production of toxins and gas. Antibiotics, on the other hand, not only destroy both good and bad bacteria, but also increase gas production.

Inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria:
L. Acidophilus has a superior capability of producing lactic acid, which is anti-bacterial. Bifidobacterium help protect the body from harmful bacteria by adhering to the intestinal mucosa (cells lining the intestines). It produces acetic acid and activates macrophages (immune cells) that suppress harmful bacteria.

Decreases the production of toxic and cancer-causing compounds in the intestinal tract:
Acidophilus bacteria suppress the production of harmful substances such as ammonia, indole and hydrogen sulfide that are hazardous to the human body. Bifidobacterium helps to decrease the amount of toxins going to the liver. Gut bacteria "recycle" toxins such as ammonia by using it as an important source of nitrogen for their own protein synthesis during their growth phase. Bifidobacterium and Acidophilus bacteria decompose nitrosamines (cancer causing compounds) and can also suppress the production of nitrosamines in the intestines.

Have an impact on cholesterol:
Bifidobacterium and L. Acidophilus may play an important role in cholesterol metabolism of their host. Intestinal bacteria convert cholesterol into a less absorbable form (coprostanol) thus reducing its absorption in the intestinal tract. Several human and animal studies have suggested a cholesterol lowering effect from lactic acid bacteria.

Produce vitamins and other nutritional factors:
Bifidobacterium have shown an ability to produce vitamin B1, whereas acidophilus bacteria have been shown to suppress the growth of bacteria that decompose vitamin B1. Bifidobacterium are also capable of producing B6, folacin, B12 and several amino acids.

THE ROLE OF LACTIC BACTERIA IN THE PREVENTION AND THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES:
Among the most important are: Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. bifidus, L. bulgaricus, L casei, L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum, L. fermentum. L. salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus and Streptococcus faecium. They inhibit the proliferation and the activities of pathogenic bacteria in several ways.

By the production of lactic acid:
Harmful and pathogenic bacteria cannot develop in an acidic environment

By the production of specific antibiotics:
Lactobacillus acidophilus produces acidophiline, L bulgaricus produces bulgarican, other lactobacilli produce lactocidine, lactobacilline, hydrogen peroxide, bacterial peptides, lactic streptococci produce nisin and streptococcins. These are all anti-septic to pathogenic bacterium.

It has been shown that lactic bacteria, in particular Streptococcus faecium, colonize the intestinal mucosa preventing its attachment by other harmful microbes. This protects the integrity of the digestive system eliminating the onset of many digestive disorders.

Other studies by Japanese Universities suggest that lactic bacterium is effective in:

promoting bone deposition to tissue through activation of tissue metabolism;
promoting Hb synthesis of red corpuscles in blood thereby increases oxygen intake and improves tolerance to carbon dioxide and enables maintenance of muscle contraction exercise resulting in more strength

THE SUPPLY OF LACTIC BACTERIA:
A proper diet favours the presence of lactic bacteria in normal quantities in the digestive tract. In the case of gastro-intestinal problems, vaginal infection and the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to have recourse to a reliable supply of lactic bacteria. Human strains of lactic bacteria are preferred over dairy sources.

Difference between lactic bacteria derived from humans and those derived from dairy:
Lactic bacterium is expected to remain and grow in the digestive system. However, there are both colonizing (permanent) and transient strains. The best strains for supplementation are those that are typically colonizing and are safe. Bacteria strains may show host specificity. Strains that are effective in one species of an animal may not necessarily be effective in another species. Lactic acid bacteria, such as Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium are normal residents of the digestive system of humans. On the other hand, L bulgaricus and S. thermophilus, strains commonly used to culture yogurt, have been shown to be absent from the flora of humans and apparently do not colonize the intestinal tract. Various yogurt strains may not resist stomach acid and therefore may not survive to reach the lower intestinal tract though they may afford brief, transitory benefits. It is important to ensure that lactic bacterium survive the journey through the stomach so that it can properly perform its role within the intestines.

Supplementing the diet with Probiotics:
An adequate and consistent supply of lactic acid bacteria (Probiotics), like vitamins, minerals and enzymes, is necessary for long-term good health. In our modern world, it is almost impossible to obtain optimum levels of these essential nutrients without some form of supplementation. The acids in an empty stomach are very strong and few strains can withstand this harsh acidity (pH of 1 to 2) for extended periods. It is therefore essential to be able to ensure that the supplemental probiotics are consumed in a manner such that it will reach the intestines.

The protection of the body against dangerous microbes by regular consumption of friendly bacteria is a preventative habit that is important. This is particularly important when traveling and after the administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics destroy all flora and lactic bacteria must be replaced quickly to prevent the establishment of harmful and pathogenic bacterium. Travelers are particularly vulnerable for a variety of reasons.

A good "live" probiotic is LB17 live probiotic with 17 strains of lactic bacteria, potent yet gentle, and more effective than any other lactic bacteria supplement.

**Elie Metchnikoff (1845-1916). Russian biologist; the founding father of modern immunology. Authored and championed the theory that phagocytic cells actively defend the host body against pathogens and diseased cells. Co-winner of the 1908 Nobel Prize in medicine along with Paul Ehrlich, for their work on the theory of immunity.

The above information is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace competent health care advice received from a knowledgeable healthcare professional. You are urged to seek healthcare advice for the treatment of any illness or disease.
Health Canada and the FDA (USA) have not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

60 capsules per box
CAD$50.00

Probiotics Ingredients

17 strains of Lactic Bacteria
Compare LB17 to other probiotics
Lactic Bacteria essential for a healthy body