Friendly Flora for Better Health

The word "bacteria" usually posses a negative connotation, however, there are bacteria called "Probiotics" which perform important protective and therapeutic functions.

These friendly flora consist of billions of cells which are housed in the intestines and protect the body against the toxins from "unfriendly" bacteria such as Clostridium and E.coli. When the toxins of the bad bacteria ferment in the colon, complications range from diarrhea and constipation to disease.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are a class of natural carbohydrates (specifically they are polymers of fructose) which have been found to assist the "friendly flora", such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, in the intestinal tract. FOS has been found to assist the metabolism of Bifidobacteria and lower the pH in the large intestine destroying the putrefactive bacteria.

Studies conducted have revealed that supplementing FOS to the diet significantly increases the Bifidobacteria counts. (Hidake et al. 1986)

A study which administered FOS to diabetic patients found significant decreases in Clostridium and increases in Bifidobacteria count. This study and others also report that FOS offers relief of constipation and intestinal discomfort. (T. Sano et al.1986).

Many other benefits derive from a healthy digestive tract.
FOS has been found to decrease the levels of serum triglycerides (T.Mitsuoka, 1986) and increase the production of volatile fatty acids. (Hidaka et al. 1986)

Laboratory tests have also shown that absorption of the minerals Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus increased greatly with FOS. It also reduced the inflammation that occurs with Magnesium deficiency. (Ohta er al. 1994 & Ohta et al. 1995)

Maintaining a balanced intestinal tract and digestive system is one of the most important keys to good health.
As the body ages, it becomes increasingly more difficult to produce healthy bacteria without supplementation.

FOS has clinically demonstrated stellar results in combating intestinal problems and helping the body to continually reap the benefits of Bifidobacteria and other "friendly flora".

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