Acne that itches, Constipation, Acid reflux and hemroids

Dear nhargrove,

good that you are getting relief from the constipation already.  Yes, to add a good fiber, omega oil, and enzymes would be great and yes you can take during the same time as a probiotic and is suggested.  That is what i call my HOPE formula – High Fiber, Omega oils, Probiotics and enzymes.  Any fiber is considered a prebiotic as it helps the good bacteria thrive within the digestive system.  

Probitics can be taken at the same period as antibiotics, and again is highly suggested. Just seperated from the antibiotic by 2 hours.  I would be willing to bet with cleaning up your diet and getting your gut balanced your acne will start to clear.  You could try doing a couple of rounds of CandiGone -

Brenda Watson

Dear nhargrove,

Your children are lucky to have a questioning Mom like you!

Recently I sent out a series of emails to people on my list that described “What to Look for in a Probiotic”. I am pasting that below so you can really make a good choice.

Specifically, I would suggest for you and your son (and perhaps your husband too) the Renew Life Ultimate Flora Adult 15 billion (your son is old enough at 14). I would also suggest Constipation Relief for you, at least initially. You might consider, once your digestion regulates and you no longer need Constipation Relief, possibly taking a higher potency probiotic.

Probiotics can be taken by infants. RenewLife offers a product called FloraBaby which is in a powdered form.

Probiotics are an excellent step in healing your gut – and hopefully offering relief for your acne (which can also be influenced by your hormones and your diet). Probiotics often help regulate bowel movements and they are an important factor in your immune system (fighting off sickness). You learned about them on the PBS special. 

It's always a good idea to address diet because good digestion requires eating healthy whole foods (closer to nature), high quality meats, fruits and vegetables. You'll want to do your best to eliminate processed foods, white flours and sugar from your snacks and meals.

Probiotics are actually one part of the H.O.P.E. program that I developed as a foundation for people to create healthy digestive systems. High Fiber. Omega Oils. Probiotics. Enzymes.

Fiber absorbs toxins and acts like fertilizer for probiotics, as well as exercises and sweeps out the intestine. Omega oils lubricate the intestine and decrease inflammation (assist with constipation), and enzymes help your body to digest food more thoroughly (your stomach bloating).

Your health truly does begin in your intestine!

I hope this helps.

Brenda Watson

What Should You Look For In A Probiotic?

If you watched my Road To Perfect Health television special, you’ll know that probiotics are nothing new.  They’ve been around for over 20 years and can now be found in everything from orange juice to yogurt. So what should you look for when choosing an effective probiotic supplement?  The four main points to consider that I discussed extensively in my PBS show are as follows:

1. Look for high culture count. 

The culture count refers to the total amount of live, friendly bacterial cultures in a single serving.  You need a least 15 billion cultures to begin to make an impact on your health—often more depending upon age or health-related concern.  The more probiotics the better when it comes to the culture count in probiotic supplements.

2. Check out the number of strains.

There are over 1,000 strains of beneficial bacteria in the gut.  A good rule of thumb is that a variety of strains more closely resemble the diversity that naturally exists in the gut.  Look for the naturally occurring strains that begin with Ls and Bs,  like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.  A good way to remember is that the L strains are good for the little (small) intestine.  The B strains are good for the big (large) intestine or colon.  It’s also important to get a variety of strains because each person’s body has a different bacterial footprint and utilizes some bacterial strains better than others.  Cover all the bases with one supplement for best results.

3. Make sure the capsule is designed for delayed release. 

Probiotics must travel through the harsh stomach environment and be delivered to the intestines to be effective.  If they never make it through the stomach acid, they won’t do you any good.  Delayed-release capsules are engineered to remain intact through the stomach and begin dissolving in the intestine, where they are needed most.

4. Look for potency at time of expiration, not manufacture. 

Any probiotic is fresh when manufactured, but very few remain at full strength through their expiration date.

A probiotic supplement, when delivered to the right place, with the right amount of cultures and strains, can help promote digestive health, bowel regularity and strengthen the body’s natural immune defenses.  Be sure to read the label, so you’ll know you’re giving your body the probiotic it needs.

What Should You Look For In A Probiotic?

If you watched my Road To Perfect Health television special, you’ll know that probiotics are nothing new.  They’ve been around for over 20 years and can now be found in everything from orange juice to yogurt. So what should you look for when choosing an effective probiotic supplement?  The four main points to consider that I discussed extensively in my PBS show are as follows:

1. Look for high culture count. 

The culture count refers to the total amount of live, friendly bacterial cultures in a single serving.  You need a least 15 billion cultures to begin to make an impact on your health—often more depending upon age or health-related concern.  The more probiotics the better when it comes to the culture count in probiotic supplements.

2. Check out the number of strains.

There are over 1,000 strains of beneficial bacteria in the gut.  A good rule of thumb is that a variety of strains more closely resemble the diversity that naturally exists in the gut.  Look for the naturally occurring strains that begin with Ls and Bs,  like lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.  A good way to remember is that the L strains are good for the little (small) intestine.  The B strains are good for the big (large) intestine or colon.  It’s also important to get a variety of strains because each person’s body has a different bacterial footprint and utilizes some bacterial strains better than others.  Cover all the bases with one supplement for best results.

3. Make sure the capsule is designed for delayed release. 

Probiotics must travel through the harsh stomach environment and be delivered to the intestines to be effective.  If they never make it through the stomach acid, they won’t do you any good.  Delayed-release capsules are engineered to remain intact through the stomach and begin dissolving in the intestine, where they are needed most.

4. Look for potency at time of expiration, not manufacture. 

Any probiotic is fresh when manufactured, but very few remain at full strength through their expiration date.

A probiotic supplement, when delivered to the right place, with the right amount of cultures and strains, can help promote digestive health, bowel regularity and strengthen the body’s natural immune defenses.  Be sure to read the label, so you’ll know you’re giving your body the probiotic it needs.

Which specific probiotic is right for you?