The human gastrointestinal system performs many important functions, including creating a barrier to keep harmful chemicals out. It also has the all-important job of digesting food and absorbing nutrients. If it fails at this, people quickly become malnourished, which brings many physical problems.
Immunity is in the Gut
Another function of the gastrointestinal system, typically referred to as “the gut,†is establishing immunity. The gut is exposed to a lot of dangerous bacteria, molds and fungi. In fact, research shows more than 70 percent of the body’s immune defenses are in the gut.
These important functions of the gut are managed mostly by bacteria and not by the body, according to an online article in Life Extension earlier this month. The bacteria in your gut comprise what is called your normal flora. Foods and supplements that replenish normal flora are called probiotics.
The Power of Probiotics
Probiotics have long been credited with the remarkably low rates of chronic, age-related ailments in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. For thousands of years, these cultures have eaten probiotics in the form of fermented milk and vegetable products such as yogurt and pickles.
Research Shows Broad-Spectrum
Probiotics Improve Health
Research is catching up with this traditional wisdom in the form of a new science called pharmabiotics — the use of broad-spectrum probiotic products to improve intestinal and immune health.
The science of pharmabiotics is based on an explosion of research highlighting the amazing health benefits of the trillions of bacteria living in our bodies, according to Michael A. Smith, MD. (The Power of Probiotics for Gut Health, Life Extension, July 2014.) These bacteria are so intimately involved with health they are considered an actual part of the human organism.
An article from the European Journal of Nutrition reports there are greater benefits of multi-strain probiotic formulas vs. single-strain products. Research suggests that because each probiotic strain possesses different health benefits, a blend of several high-quality strains provides a wider range of immune support.
ALTRUM introduces its Best Sellers catalog (G3272), a new resource that can be used to introduce customers to the most popular ALTRUM supplements. This attractive, 12-page catalog features concise product descriptions and pricing information. It introduces potential customers to the benefits of becoming a Preferred Customer and the convenience of the Auto-Ship Program. It is available in singles or in packs of 100.
Direct Jobbers Ray and Sandy Bowman of Augusta, Ga. are among a growing number of ALTRUM Nutritional Drink Mix fans. They share their stories on page one. Inside, Direct Jobber Marla Stauffer from Pennsylvania shares her enthusiasm for the nutritional drink that is fast becoming an ALTRUM best seller.