Note: In my prior business, Juice Press (also known as Just Plants), we imported a plant-based probiotic under the trade name "Proviotic" (GLB44). In my new venture, goodsugar, we are importing a similar proprietary probiotic supplement from the same flower source (GLB18).
While vitamin supplements containing vitamins C, D3, B12, and A are essential for immunity, trace minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron play a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. However, both meat eaters and vegetarians commonly experience deficiencies in these micronutrients, which are essential for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Probiotics, or "good bacteria," promote a balanced immune and digestive system and aid in the absorption of critical nutrients to support a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The digestive tract houses trillions of these beneficial bacteria, which are necessary to counterbalance harmful bacteria in our bodies. Probiotics protect us by preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria and inhibiting the growth of pathogens. They also enhance the intestinal barrier function, stimulate the immune system, and alter the existing intestinal bacteria to support a healthy GI tract. Scientific research has linked an imbalance of good bacteria in the digestive system to various common illnesses and health issues.
The balance of bacteria in our gut, known as the microbiome, has a significant impact on both our gut and immune system health. Approximately 70 percent of our body's immune system cells are located in the digestive tract, highlighting the continuous and dynamic effect of intestinal bacteria on our overall well-being. Various factors, including diet, stress, pollution, pesticides, and frequent antibiotic use, can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. Probiotics stimulate the gut to produce antibodies that protect against harmful bacteria, helping the immune system recognize and combat these pathogens.
When a baby is born, their digestive system is typically sterile from bacteria. Contact with the mother's fluids during birth introduces bacteria into the baby's digestive system through the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin. Breast milk provides the necessary nutrients for bacteria to thrive, including both new beneficial bacteria and food for existing ones. The presence of good bacteria in infants has a positive impact on their overall immune system.
Throughout our lives, our lifestyle choices and environmental factors can affect the balance of good and bad bacteria in our digestive system. Factors such as an acidic diet, stress, and antibiotic treatments can deplete good bacteria, making it difficult for them to repopulate. Exposure to specific pathogens, such as H. pylori, can also damage the beneficial flora and lead to diseases like ulcers in the gut. To restore gut flora balance, supplementation with a proven probiotic may be a solution.
An effective probiotic should be able to survive the low pH of the stomach. For example, GLB18, a digestive probiotic, can survive at a pH level as low as 2.4 and thrive in the normal pH range of the small and large intestines. Once in the intestines, probiotics encounter trillions of cells, both beneficial and harmful, engaging in a continuous battle. Good bacteria, such as GLB18, release proteins that specifically target pathogens without harming other beneficial bacteria. Probiotics containing multiple strains are generally not tested for potential competition or destruction among themselves, as introducing different strains alongside the existing millions in the gut does not significantly impact their survival. A single strong and friendly strain can successfully make the journey and survive.
The particular family of bacteria used in GLB18 has been shown in laboratory tests to effectively combat E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. Prebiotics, which are derived from plant-based foods, serve as food for probiotics, allowing them to carry out their functions effectively. Probiotics have been extensively studied for their potential use in treating various diseases and health issues, including cancer and depression.
It's important to note that not all probiotics are created equal. The research conducted by Harvard University on the probiotic we sourced from Bulgaria showed promising results. The specific strain of bacteria used in our probiotic, GLB18, demonstrated the ability to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria in laboratory tests. This highlights the effectiveness of this particular subset of friendly bacteria in supporting digestive and immune health.
One important aspect to consider when choosing a probiotic is the presence of allergens. Our probiotics, GLB44 and GLB18, are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. They are manufactured in a facility where they are grown in organic, raw vegetable juices. This means they do not contain milk, soy, wheat, nuts, or any other major allergens as defined by the FDA, making them suitable for individuals with various dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
One common concern is the interaction between probiotics and antibiotics. It's important to note that antibiotics can kill both good and bad bacteria in the gut. Taking a probiotic alongside antibiotics can help restore and enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. Our probiotics, GLB44 and GLB18, can complement antibiotic treatment by promoting the regrowth of digestive bacteria, mainly consisting of good flora bacteria.
When it comes to side effects, some probiotics may cause gas or bloating. However, neither GLB44 nor GLB18 have been reported to cause such discomfort. In fact, probiotics containing L. bulgaricus or Lactobacillus plantarum, which are present in our probiotics, may even relieve abdominal bloating and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
The process of creating our probiotics involves naturally extracting the friendly bacteria from specific flowers in the Bulgarian mountains. These bacteria are then cultured in raw, pure, organic vegetable juice. After 24 hours, the liquid is dehydrated at low temperatures to preserve the vitality of the probiotic. This ensures that the final product retains its effectiveness and potency.
To reap the full benefits of probiotics, it is recommended to take them daily as part of a healthy lifestyle. There is no maximum course duration, as probiotics are considered safe in limitless quantities. The levels of bacteria in our immune system can vary due to factors such as stress, work, and sleep levels, so daily intake of probiotics helps maintain a high number of beneficial bacteria for a healthy digestive and immune system.
Probiotics are safe for people of all ages, including children, adults, and the elderly. They have been used in consumer products like starter cultures in yogurt for over 60 years and are recognized by the FDA as safe for consumption.
In conclusion, probiotics play a vital role in supporting digestive and immune health by promoting a balanced immune system, aiding in the absorption of critical nutrients, and protecting against harmful bacteria. The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is crucial for overall well-being, and probiotics help maintain this balance. Our probiotics, GLB44 and GLB18, are vegan, pure, organic, and scientifically proven to be effective in supporting a healthy GI tract and immune system.