Without doubt, the first thing that comes to our mind by the mere mention of bacteria are diseases. In fact, these two terms have become synonymous over time. So, the idea of literally consuming live bacteria as supplements (probiotics) might not bode well with many individuals. However, recent evidence has shown that there are some kinds of bacteria that can treat and prevent numerous diseases. Besides, a normal human gut should already contain trillions of micro-organisms that are mostly beneficial. They act to protect the gut from harmful pathogens, improve digestion of food materials, and strengthen the immune system.

 

Now that you are aware we already have a lot of helpful micro-organisms living in our gut, it would no longer seem bizarre if you were to consume bacteria as a supplement to improve the population, composition, and activity of the beneficial microflora in your body. This is what the My Balance “Probiotics 40 Billion” is made for.

 

My Balance Probiotics 40 billion is a blend of 4 strains of bacteria: the Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus paracasei. It also contains extra ingredients in marine polysaccharide complex and fructooligosaccharide.

 

 • Lactobacillus acidophilus

These bacteria are one of the most common probiotic and can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods. They produce the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into lactic acid, which in turn inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria in the gut. Lactobacillus acidophilus is known to have a lot of beneficial effects on the human body. Some of these benefits include:

Research published in 2010 by Wang Ya et al., found short term treatment with probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus to prevent and reduce the occurrence of Bacterial vaginosis in women with a history of recurrent infection. If you are not aware, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there’s an imbalance in the number of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina.5

Another interesting research found treatment with probiotics containing L. acidophilus to be effective in fighting vaginal Candida albicans (yeast infection), with an upper side of preventing elapse of the infection.6

 

Just like the L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis also produces lactic acid, but along with acetic acid. As a subspecies of B. animalis, it can help break down food materials, fight disease causing microorganisms, and help in nutrient absorption. B. lactis is also found in the human gut and is popularly used as a probiotic in supplements.

There are researches out there that have demonstrated the beneficial effects of B. lactis, especially on gut health. One interesting research published in 2015, assessed the effect of probiotic fermented milk containing B. lactis in reducing gastrointestinal discomfort in adults. Just as expected, the results revealed the activity of the probiotic was able to improve gastrointestinal discomfort and decrease the frequency of its symptoms.10 There are also evidences that B. lactis might help in:

 

 • Lactobacillus plantarum

For many people seeking improved gut health, the Lactobacillus plantarum is often their go-to option for a natural reinforcement. Just like the other Lactobacillus species, L. plantarum also helps improve overall gut health by fighting off disease causing microorganisms, stimulating the digestive system, and boosting the immune system.

There’s clinical research that shows L. plantarum might be helpful in relieving some of the symptoms of IBS. Patients with IBS were divided into two groups. One group were given a capsule containing L. plantarum, while the other was given just a placebo, for a period of four weeks. At the end of the research, subjects given L. plantarum capsule appeared to have decreased pain and bloating than those given a placebo. 14

 

The L. paracasei is also found in the human gut, including the intestines and mouth.  In foods, it is found in fermented vegetables, yogurt, cheese, and milk. Just like its sister species, L. paracasei can improve overall gut health, by boosting and reducing the numbers of beneficial and harmful bacteria respectively. They can improve nutrient absorption from food materials and promote intestinal epithelial cell growth. 15

There’s also some evidence that L. paracasei can act as an anti-inflammatory. This property was especially important in fighting allergies, with supporting evidence that this probiotic can improve symptoms of nasal congestion, itching, and swollen eyes.16

The extra ingredients in the “Probiotic 40 billion” are marine polysaccharide complex and fructooligosaccharide.

As the principal component of the cell wall structures of sea weeds or exoskeletons of crustaceans, marine polysaccharide complex is proven to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-coagulant, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective properties.17

Fructooligosaccharides on the other hand, have been touted to have important benefits in reducing cholesterol levels, improving mineral absorption, and acting as a prebiotic (feed the good bacteria in the gut). 18

My balance Probiotics 40 billion Utilizes MAKTREK Bi-Pass Technology Lessonia nigrescens Extract (Marine Polysaccharide Complex) to prevent the destruction of probiotics by stomach acid. This is achieved by placing live bacteria in acid-resisting capsules with seaweed extract (marine polysaccharide complex). This delivery system ensures that probiotics stay alive and potent.
Only living probiotics are capable of performing metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant side effects. The probiotic bacteria are enrobed by an extract of Brown Seaweed (Lessonia nigrescens) called complex marine polysaccharides.
Once blended the final powder is encapsulated.
When the capsule is swallowed it will come in contact with the stomach acid. The acid will then dissolve the capsule. The complex marine polysaccharides will form a secondary internal capsule protecting the living probiotic cells from the acid. This step is a proprietary all natural buffering system that helps to support the in-transit digestive environment condition. Probiotic cells prefer balance and this system supports this balance. The MAKTrek® Probiotic Delivery System has been scientifically studied using a specified stomach acid exposure simulation. During this simulation the MAKTrek® protected probiotic supplement showed greater survival than simply acid protection alone. (19) 

 

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