InnerSync™ - The Ultimate Probiotic

written by Dr. Michael T. Murray

Probiotics (literal translation "for life") refer to products containing bacteria that are found in the human intestine that are considered beneficial to our health.At least 400 different species of microflora colonize the human gastrointestinal tract. The type of bacteria and other organisms that colonize our intestinal tract play a major role in our health as the intestinal flora is intimately involved in nutritional status and affects immune system function, the development of cancer, cholesterol metabolism, toxin load, and aging.

The most important healthful bacteria are thought to be Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species. Unfortunately, taking products containing these organisms may not adequately increase their growth in the intestinal tract. In particular, Bifidobacteria tend to have a very difficult time colonizing the gut.

Isn’t taking a probiotic formula with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species all that is necessary to insure the proper amounts of healthful bacteria?

No. Imagine that you are wanting to plant grass for your front lawn. If the ground is not very fertile or you neglect to water and nourish the seeds, it doesn’t matter how many seeds you throw down. Your lawn will never be healthy. Now, imagine you are trying to plant the healthful bacteria in your gut by downing pills containing billions of L. acidophilus or B. bifidum. You may be wasting your money, if you are not providing the proper environment for these microorganisms to flourish. Studies show that when people use probiotic formulas containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species that these organisms do not flourish within their intestines. The higher colony counts are only transient. The fact that the colony counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are elevated only while a person is taking products containing these organisms is a clear sign that taking these bacteria alone is insufficient to effectively colonize and adhere to the wall of the large intestine.

How can colony counts of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species be increased and maintained?

A more effective approach to achieving the proper microflora has recently been introduced by Natural Factors. The product name is InnerSync™. It contains two special strains of bacteria known as Propionibacterium freudenreichii trademarked PROPIO-FIDUS. Recent studies done in France and Canada have demonstrated that PROPIO-FIDUS dramatically increases the growth of the beneficial bacteria like Lactobaccilus or Bifidobacteria as well as exerts some beneficial actions of its own including enhanced immune function.^1-3

In order for the health promoting effects of Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria species to be realized, they must reach a colony size sufficient to adhere to the lining of the large intestine and act as a protective barrier to protect and nourish the lining of the colon. Think of InnerSync™ as a way to prepare and fertilize the soil if you were going to plant a lawn. All the grass seeds in the world would not give you a healthy lawn if you were throwing the seeds on rocky, nutrient-depleted soil. If you want a healthy lawn, you have to till and fertilize the soil. If you want a healthy intestinal flora, you have to do the same thing with InnerSync.

Is this bacteria safe and where is it used?

Yes, it is completely safe at recommended levels. Propionibacterium freudenreichii has historically been used in the manufacture of Emmental Swiss cheese. It is a member of the propionic acid producing bacteria. This substance, propionic acid, has shown metabolic activity including lowering blood cholesterol levels, improving blood sugar control, preventing the overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, enhancing calcium absorption, and nourishes the cells that line the colon.

What is the dosage for InnerSync™?

The dosage for InnerSync is one or two "enteric-coated" capsules daily. This dosage provides a total of 5 to 10 billion organisms, respectively, and is equal to approximately 100-200 grams (3.5-7 ounces) of Emmental Swiss cheese, but without the calories. "Enteric-coated" refers to a special coating applied to the capsules to insure that the capsule does not break down in the stomach and destroy the bacteria. As a result, the Propionibacteria make their way to the colon and multiply creating a very fertile ground for healthful micoroorganisms like Bifidobacteria to grow. Simply stated, InnerSync™ is a major advancement in probiotic formulas.

Should I take a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria species along with InnerSync?

Yes, for the initial two weeks of use I recommend taking InnerSync™ along with another probiotic product from Natural Factors - Protec Acidophilus. This product is also enteric-coated and contains 4 billion live bacteria (L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, B. longum, and B. bifidum). Take one capsule for each capsule of InnerSync™. After the initial two-week period it is not necessary to continue with the Protec Acidophilus, but continue to take one capsule of InnerSync™ as part of your daily supplement program.

What is more important Lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria?

Both are important, but there is growing evidence that the Bifidobacteria may be more important to human health. In the days following birth, infants have intestinal flora dominated by Bifidobacteria. Unfortunately, with age and changes in dietary habits, Bifidobacteria tend to decrease as we get older.

The health effects of Bifidobacteria are impressive. ^5,6 Bifidobacteria improve gastrointestinal function, reduce the risk for cancer, lower the risk for infectious diarrheas including rotavirus, and boost immune functions.^7-15. Bifidobacteria preparations have been shown to relieve mild constipation and improve colonic transit time leading to less opportunity for fecal carcinogens to interact with the intestinal lining.^9,10

In addition to promotion of good health, what are some specific instances where probiotics should be used?

Probiotic supplementation is extremely important for preventing and treating virtually any form of diarrhea. In particular, any person who is taking an antibiotic needs to take a probiotic formula in order to prevent potentially serious side effects. Although it is commonly believed that probiotic supplements are not effective if taken during antibiotic therapy, the research actually supports the use of probiotics during antibiotic administration. ^17,18 Reductions of friendly bacteria and/or superinfection with antibiotic-resistant flora may be prevented by administering probiotic products during antibiotic therapy. Probiotic supplements should, however, be taken as far away from the antibiotic as possible.

The development of Crohn's disease - a serious inflammatory disease of the intestines - is thought to be related to the presence of abnormal colonic bacterial microflora. Specifically, it has recently been found that patients with active Crohn's disease have significantly less Bifidobacteria in their feces than do healthy individuals.¹⁹ A preliminary study found that four of five patients with Crohn’s disease went into remission for 22 months after having their bowel flora completely replaced with healthier bacteria.²⁰ These results are promising and highlight the tremendous potential of probiotic therapy.

How can probiotics reduce cancer risk?

In regards to protection against cancer, a series of population studies has suggested that the consumption of high levels of cultured milk products, such as yogurt and buttermilk, may reduce the risk of colon cancer. Bifidobacteria appear to be the most significant bacteria in this protection.¹¹ The beneficial effects of Bifidobacteria against cancer appear to extend well beyond the colon, however. Not only have various Bifidobacteria demonstrated immune enhancing and antitumor effects, but these bacteria also play a critical role in the detoxification of many cancer-causing substances including hormones, meat carcinogens, and environmental toxins.^12-15 The effect of Propionibacteria appears to be even greater than Bifidobacteria.¹⁶

References

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20. Substituting bowel flora eases Crohn’s. Med Tribune 1992; June 11: 19.