The term probiotics were first used to refer to live microorganisms in supplement form fed to farm animals to stimulate growth and to improve resistance to stress. The term literally means “healthful for life.” Life flourishes with a healthy colon. Today, probiotics have a broader definition: a live microbial supplement that beneficially affects the host by improving its microbial balance. Science is just now discovering the many health benefits of probiotics. Here are just a few.
- Promotes colon health.
- Keeps undesirable bacteria in check
- Effective treatment for intestinal distress like diarrhea
- Help reduce gas, bloating
- Helps urinary tract infections
- Helps with ear infections
- Helps with allergies
- Lessens negative effect of food poisoning
- Strengthens immune system
- Counteracts side effects of antibiotics, steroids, and chemo
- Protects out of country travelers from harmful bacteria
As you can see the benefits of probiotics are many, but getting helpful probiotics to the stomach where can do the most good is more difficult. You can
What to look for in a good probiotic supplement:
- Good protection from stomach acid.
- Guaranteed live microorganisms when you take the product.
- Well-known and trusted brand with a history of gold standard research.
- Delivers two strands of bacteria.
- Offers a prebiotic that provides the nutrients for the probiotics to thrive.
The product that delivers all of the above is Shaklee’s Optiflora system.
Optiflora represents a breakthrough in digestive health. It’s a unique, two-product system that provides both prebiotics and probiotics for dietary support of normal, healthy intestinal microflora. Once the probiotics are delivered to the digestive system, prebiotics can deliver important nutrients that healthy intestinal bacteria need to grow and thrive.
Prebiotics are a food source for probiotics. As prebiotic fibers travel through the digestive system, they nourish the good bacteria along the way and help them grow and multiply. More good bacteria in the gut means better digestive health. Research has shown that supplementing with prebiotics can significantly increase populations of beneficial microflora. Shaklee’s Optiflora Prebiotic Complex is a pleasant-tasting drink mix containing FOS, Jerusalem artichoke (a natural source of inulin), and gamma-tocopherol and provides 3 grams of fiber.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when taken in adequate amounts, supplemental populations of live “friendly bacteria” residing in the colon, which help to maintain healthy intestinal microbial balance.
One thing that makes Optiflora so special and unique is their exclusive technology for guaranteed delivery of live microorganisms to the intestines. Their state-of-the-art, patented triple encapsulation uses only natural ingredients to protect microflora until it releases them into the intestine.
The unique combination of ingredients in Optiflora provides gentle, natural, dietary support for the body’s natural ability to maintain a normal, healthy balance of intestinal microorganisms.
Optiflora promotes colon health by supporting the growth of healthy microflora naturally found in the colon.
It delivers guaranteed active probiotics Bifidobacteriumlongumand Lactobacillus acidophilus along with the prebiotics FOS and inulin.
Optiflora also provides gamma-tocopherol, a nutrient associated with colon health.
Finally, Shaklee Optiflora has no additives, preservatives, or fake colors. Just the pure wholesome goodness of healthy microorganisms your body needs to thrive.
Who Should Take Shaklee Optiflora
If you’re experiencing any digestive challenges like flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, colitis, candida, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, dysentery, or other digestive disorders, then we recommend Shaklee Optiflora become part of your daily health regimen.*
If you’re taking antibiotics or steroids or on chemotherapy then your good microflora is being wiped out and it’s important to your health to replenish it. However, some antibiotics may make Optiflora less effective. If you are taking an antibiotic, consult your doctor for advice.
If you have allergies or are prone to the urinary tract or ear infections, you could benefit from more healthy bacteria in your system.
Finally, if you travel abroad we highly recommend taking Optiflora with you. We’ve personally seen it dramatically help lessen the symptoms of food poisoning from bacteria you might get from eating in foreign lands.
If you fall into any of the above scenarios you also want to increase the use of fermented foods like sauerkraut, pickles, yogurt, and cheese in your diet. Plus, take a proven prebiotic/probiotic digestive health system like Shaklee Optiflora and see how much better you can feel. As the famous saying goes, health begins in the colon!
Like all Shaklee products, Optiflora is clinically proven to be safe and effective and comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee.
Introducing New Shaklee Optiflora DI:
New Optiflora® DI delivers unique benefits via a proprietary formula containing 10 billion CFUs with 4 bacterial strains, the most prominent being the powerhouse Bifidobacterium lactis HN019, clinically proven to support BOTH digestive and immune health.
At least 70% of our immune system is in our gut. Adding good bacteria from this strain helps restore the balance of intestinal microflora, supporting immune health.1 Optiflora DI is also clinically proven to help maintain digestive balance and comfort. And to help reduce occasional gas and bloating.
Optiflora DI probiotics were also tested to improve gut transit time – the speed at which our food is digested. When food passes through the digestive tract quickly, it is associated with a healthier gut. Danish researchers believe healthy gut transit time supports better gut metabolism.2
1. Gill HS, Rutherfurd KJ, Cross ML, Gopal PK. Enhancement of immunity in the elderly by dietary supplementation with the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis HN019. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001 Dec;74(6):833-9.
2. Waller PA, Gopal PK, Leyer GJ, Ouwehand AC, Reifer C, Stewart ME, Miller LE. Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2011 Sep;46(9):1057-64.
What’s the Difference Between Optiflora and Optiflora DI?
There are differences in the number and type of bacteria: Optiflora Pearl contains two strains (Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) for a total of 500 million bacteria, whereas Optiflora DI contains four strains (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019TM, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14®, Lactobacillus Plantarum Lp-115®, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGTM) totaling 10 billion bacteria. While it is tempting to consider “the more the merrier” in terms of number and type of strains, more impactful is the type of strain. The strains in the OptiFlora Pearl have been demonstrated to help maintain a healthy digestive balance.* Optiflora DI contains an individual strain, HN019, that has been clinically proven to support both digestive and immune health.
The products can be taken together if desired. It is always a safe regimen to add more “good” bacteria to help support a healthy gut.
To order the New Optiflora DI CLICK HERE.
To order the Optiflora Prebiotic and Probiotic System CLICK HERE.
Want to take improving your digestive health a step further? Do Shaklee’s 7-Day Healthy Cleanse which combines Optiflora DI with three other Shaklee body-cleansing products to give you more energy, better focus, better sleep, a healthier digestive system, and a feel better guarantee in just seven days? Learn more on our blog post Why and How to Do a Healthy Cleanse
Note: Results may vary from person to person. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.