Renew Life FloraSMARTWhat is FloraSmart?
FloraSMART is a patented probiotic formula which provides `friendly bacteria` to the intestinal tract and colon. This helps to ensure that the bacterial environment in the intestine and colon is at an optimal level for good health. How is it delivered?
FloraSMART uses Bio-tract delivery technology which is engineered to deliver probiotics to their optimal location in the intestinal tract. Bio-tract is a patented, controlled delivery technology developed specifically for microorganisms. Bio-tract`s protective layer ensures that the product is less susceptible to heat, moisture, and oxidative stress, making FloraSMART more stable at room temperature. Click here for Renew Life FloraSMART 30 Bio-Tract tabs. What does it do?
FloraSMART`s blend of 6 probiotics helps to ensure a healthy microbacterial environment in the intestinal tract. The term `probiotic` means supporting life. Probiotics are friendly, beneficial bacteria. While there are hundreds of different strains of bacteria that live in the digestive tract, two of the most prevalent types of beneficial bacteria are lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium bifidum. These bacteria (as well as others) are normal inhabitants of the large and small intestines. Probiotics are a very important part of a healthy digestive system. Recent research shows that probiotics help to improve gastrointestinal functions, respiratory and allergy responses; as well as help to counter the negative effects of antibiotic use. Probiotics support the immune system, balance the intestinal environment, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic organisms (ex. Candida albacans). Further, these beneficial bacteria help the body to 1) produce vitamins; 2) digest foods; and 3) control overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungus. Probiotics normally present a barrier to invading organisms. However when they are impaired through stress, illness, antibiotic treatment, or changes to the diet, they can be disrupted. Bifidobacteria are known to be involved in resisting the colonization of pathogens in the bowel. Adherence of lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria to the cell wall of the intestines has been shown to prevent pathogens such as E-coli, salmonella & yersina pseudotuberculosis (Macfarlane & Cummings). How does it work?
FloraSMART is the first product that has `oral controlled` release technology. Its Bio-tract delivery technology delivers probiotics through the harsh environment of the stomach and into the intestinal tract where they can be utilized. After swallowing the FloraSMART tablet, a protective gel layer surrounds the tablet and effectively isolates the bacteria (probiotics) to reduce harmful interaction with the acidic environment in the stomach. Once passing through the stomach, it releases the probiotics in a controlled fashion over time. Delivering the living bacteria to the small intestines so that it can populate throughout the intestinal tract. This is different than other probiotic supplements, where the majority of the probiotics are destroyed in the stomach, leaving very little left to be delivered to the intestinal tract. An example of how FloraSMART compares to other products is as follows: 
How do I take it?
Take 1 tablet daily with water on an empty stomach. Do not crush or chew. The tablet must be swallowed whole to be effective. What can I expect?
If you have antibiotic induced diarrhea or yeast infections, taking FloraSMART can reduce or eliminate these symptoms. FloraSMART can reduce sensitivities to dairy and dairy products. It can also help to increase the volume of stool in your bowel movements. Many people notice an overall feeling of good health. What does it contain?
FloraSMART
There are two major types of probiotics: resident strains and transient strains. Resident strains are naturally found in the human intestine. They re-establish and adhere to the intestinal tract to repair the body`s intestinal flora (beneficial bacterial balance). Transient strains are found outside of the human intestinal system, but are extremely beneficial in maintaining its health. They are found living symbiotically on plants including many vegetables (if they have not been destroyed by pesticides). They do not re-establish in the intestinal tract, therefore it is necessary to consume them by either eating organic vegetables or taking supplements. They provide numerous health benefits as they pass through the digestive tract. Proprietary Probiotic Blend (2 Billion CFU per tablet) Resident strains:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
* The predominant friendly bacteria in the upper intestinal tract. It helps reduce the levels of harmful bacteria and yeasts in the small intestine and also produces lactase, an enzyme which is important in the digestion of dairy and dairy products. Acidophilus is involved in the production of B vitamins (niacin, folic acid, and pyridoxine) during the digestive process. This is the most prevalent strain in the body.
Bifidobacterium bifidum
* It is important for the production of B vitamins and is also particularly good at enhancing the body`s immune response and inhibiting harmful enzymes. This is the next most prevalent strain in the body.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
* It is useful for the inhibition of vaginal and urinary tract infections. It helps the body resist pathogenic bacteria and viruses and prevents rotoviral or Clostrididium difficile induced diarrhea.
Lactobacillus salivarius
* It is useful in helping to impair the growth and activity of harmful pathogenic bacteria, including H. pylori and salmonella. It also helps break down undigested protein and disengage the toxins produced by protein putrefaction.
Bifidobacterium longum
* It helps in the formation of acidic and lactic acid, along with small amounts of formic acid. These acids lower the pH of the intestines, thereby making the region undesirable for harmful bacteria. It is also a substantial producer of B vitamins. Transient strains:
Lactobacillus casei
* It inhibits growth of E-coli, as well as being effective against urinary tract infections. Each tablet contains
Proprietary Blend ... 2 billion CFU
Lactobacillus acidophilus ... 900 million
Bifidobacterium bifidum ... 700 million
Lactobacillus rhamnosus ... 100 million
Lactobacillus salivarius ... 100 million
Bifidobacterium longum ... 100 million
Lactobacillus casei ... 100 million Non-medicinal Ingredients: Cellulose, hypromellose, pectin, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, silicon dioxide (mineral source), stearic acid, turmeric
Excipients: None
Contains no dairy, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, yeast, animal products, additives, or preservatives. Warning: Do not use if you are experiencing nausea, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or severe abdominal pain. Do not use if you have an immune- compromised health condition (i.e. AIDS, lymphoma). Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if symptoms of digestive upset occur, worsen or persist beyond 3 days. Consult your health care practitioner prior to use if pregnant, nursing or after recent surgery. Do not exceed recommended dose. Keep out of reach of children. BIO-Tract delivery technology
 References:
Asahara T., Nomoto K., Watanuki M., Yokokura T. (2001) Antimicrobial activity of intraurethrally administered probiotic Lactobacillus casei in a murine model of Escherichia coli urinary tract infection. Antimicrobial Agents Chermotherapy Jun;45(6) 1751-60.
Balch, P.A. and Balch, J.F. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing 3rd Edition. New York, NY: Avery.
Berry, Donna. (2003). Reducing Microbes. Food Product Design, 1-10.
Macfarlane, G.T. & Cummings John H. (1999). Probiotics and prebiotics: can regulating the activities of intestinal bacteria benefit health? British Medical Journal, 318 999-1003.
Pascual, M., Hugas, M., Badiola, J.L., Monfort, J.M., Garriga, M.,(1999) Lactobacillus salivaius CTC2197 prevents Salmonella enteritidis colonization in chickens. Environmental Microbiology Nov;65(11) 4981-6
Probiotics Organisms, Innvista. http://www.innvista.com/health/nutrition/biotics/proborg.htm 18/04/05
Probiotics: The Friendly Bacteria, Alternative Medicine The Definitive Guide 1997ed.
Reid G. Lawson Research Institute, University of Western Ontario. (2002).The role of cranberry and probiotics in intestinal and urogenital tract health. Critical Review Food Science Nutrition 42 (3 Suppl). 293-300
Salminen, Seppo.(2001) Human Studies on probiotics: Aspects of scientific documentation. Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition Vol 45. 8-12
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