Frequently Asked Questions
About ENZALASE®
How to I know if I need an
enzyme supplement for digestion? If you experience indigestion and
bloating after a meal, or if food seems to “hang” in your
stomach, you will benefit from taking an enzyme supplement.
Irregular bowel habits including constipation and diarrhea can
also signal a need for enzyme supplementation. If you have such
symptoms on a regular basis check with your doctor before
taking any supplement. Most people over 40 can benefit from
taking an enzyme supplement for improved digestion but it may
not be necessary to take one with every meal. Heavy meals, late
dining, spicy meals and meals containing foods not normally
eaten are candidates for enzyme supplementation. People over 50
often require an enzyme supplement with lighter meals as
well.
I take probiotics and they
work sometimes but not all the time, would an enzyme supplement
help? Some will.
To be of benefit to probiotics, an enzyme supplement must have
strong concentrations (high activity units) of fiber digesting
enzymes like cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase. These
enzymes release prebiotic sugars and soluble fibers from
vegetables and grains. Once free these prebiotics feed the
probiotics so they work better. ENZALASE®is a new multi-enzyme
supplement that contains high levels of prebiotic releasing
enzymes
Can ENZALASE® replace
FOS? Yes, when
you see FOS (a soluble fiber that feeds certain probiotics)
declared as a food ingredient, it’s there as a synthetic
compound. When ENZALASE®releases FOS from vegetables and grains
it’s present with other natural compounds that reduce
intestinal gas (which can be significant when synthetic FOS is
consumed).
Does ENZALASE® reduce
intestinal gas in other ways as
well? The
alpha-galactosidase enzyme in ENZALASE®helps reduce gas
produced by intestinal bacteria when raffinose family
sugars, present in cabbage, broccoli, beans and other
vegetables, are consumed.
Does ENZALASE® help reduce
lactose intolerance? The lactase enzyme in ENZALASE®splits
lactose (milk sugar) into two simple sugars, glucose and
galactose, which are readily absorbed in the intestinal tract.
This helps prevent lactose from reaching the colon where
anaerobic bacteria consume it producing gas and
discomfort.
How does ENZALASE® benefit
my general health? By improving digestibility of major
food types, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, ENZALASE’spotent
enzyme groups help free other nutrients such as vitamins and
minerals bound within these foods. Once free they can be
absorbed by the small intestine and utilized by the body. For
example, much of the magnesium in a steak is bound within
muscle tissue, digest the muscle tissue and out comes the Mg.
ENZALASE® also benefits general health by other mechanisms,
when taken between meals, as indicated for the SYSTEMIC HEALTH
program, the protease and lipase enzymes may help encourage
circulation.
I’ve been told that it’s
not necessary to protect enzymes from stomach acid, is that
right? No. Many
enzymes are sensitive to stomach acid and lose activity when
held at a pH below 2.5 for an hour or more (typical time spent
in the stomach). Lactase, for example, can lose 25% or more of
its activity under these conditions, lipase even more. So
protection from stomach acid is important and the gel-matrix
formula used to Acid-Proof® ENZALASE®(patent pending) is a
vital requirement to get full potency (declared enzyme activity
units) through into the small intestine.
What is the reason for the
high lipase level in ENZALASE®? Lipase is the enzyme that digests food
fats that coat the food mixture (chyme) when it enters the
duodenum portion of the small intestine. If you don’t get the
fat off the food particles other enzymes can’t function
effectively since fat interferes with their ability to attach
to there substrates. For example, alpha-amylase can’t
effectively attach to starch (its substrate) and digest it if
fat is in the way. ENZALASE®, with 6,000 FIP lipase
units/capsule, is effective at digesting fat so other enzymes
can function better.
What is EnzaStim® and how
does it help ENZALASE® work
better? EnzaStim®
is a unique emulsifier (polysorbate 80 on silica – patent
pending) that helps the lipase in ENZALASE®digest fat
more effectively. Fat needs to be emulsified (mixed with
water) before it can be digested. The body produces bile
for this purpose but not always on schedule or in the
necessary amounts. EnzaStim® provides insurance that
emulsification occurs.
Explain what is meant by
ENZALASE’s "Deep Release
Technology." This
was quite a fortuitous discovery. The gel-matrix that
gives ENZALASE®its Acid-Proof® protection in the stomach
does not completely dissolve in the front part of the
small intestine but holds together, with much of its
enzyme activity tagging along, until it reaches deep into
the intestinal tract. Here, for the first time with an
enzyme supplement, a portion of the enzymes deep release
and offer a deep digestion response. This is particularly
important for the prebiotic release enzymes, the
pectinase, cellulase and hemicellulase, as they do better
in the lower G.I. tract where peristaltic activity
(intestinal motility) is slower.
Can I take ENZALASE® at the
same time I take my probiotic? Yes, but its best to separate them by
2-3 hours.
What is a good probiotic to
take with ENZALASE®? The #1 Probiotic is Theralac® see
Theralac.
Why do I need to
refrigerate ENZALASE® when other enzyme supplements are stored
at room temperature? All enzymes, like probiotics, are
perishable. Typically, enzymes lose 1% of their strength per
month. This can jump to 2-5% under elevated temperatures and
high humidity. Most enzyme companies will not tell you this.
It’s okay to hold ENZALASE®at room temperature for up to three
months due to its Totally Inert Packaging (TIP Packaging®) in
amber glass bottles with moisture and oxygen absorption
packets. Store ENZALASE®under refrigeration when at home to
insure potency through the expiration date.
Can I overdose on
ENZALASE®? By FDA
definition, the enzymes in ENZALASE®are foods and are all
generally recognized as safe (G.R.A.S.). Our recommendation is
not to exceed 6 capsules per day. Due to its potency, rarely
does one need to use more than one capsule per meal (or one
capsule daily for probiotic stimulation).
Will ENZALASE® interfere
with prescription medications? Generally not, but some prescription
drugs do react with enzymes and others may have their action
enhanced by enzymes. Always check with your doctor and
pharmacist regarding these possible interactions before
starting on an enzyme supplement
What is the most common
effect I will experience when taking
ENZALASE®? The
two most common effects reported are: 1. Improved digestion and
greater intestinal comfort after a meal. 2. Improved regularity
with reduced bloating and intestinal gas. After 1-2 months a
noticeable increase in energy and general well being is often
reported as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Theralac.
What are
probiotics? Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that
are able to colonize the intestinal tract and help promote
healthy structure and function; Lactobacillus acidophilus is an
example of a well known probiotic.
Is Theralac the same as
Acidophilus? Yes,
but much more...Theralac capsules contain 5 billion CFU of
Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA-1 strain), a well documented,
bile tolerant strain with a long history of use in human
dietary supplements. This makes Theralac five times stronger in
"Acidophilus" than most probiotic products. Additionally,
Theralac contains 15 billion CFU of four symbiotic probiotics
that go beyond the capability of Acidophilus: These are select
strains of lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species that are
backed by scientific studies. ONLY THERALAC CONTAINS THIS BLEND
OF RESEARCH PROVEN PROBIOTIC STRAINS.
How do I know which
probiotic bacteria are best for
me? Always
request scientific references for the specific bacteria
listed on a product's label. Make sure the references
cite the exact strains indicated on the label! Only
thoroughly researched, well documented human strains are
safe and acceptable. Be sure each is listed by its Latin
name (two words in italics) and by a strain
designation.
What is a CFU and why do I
need so many? CFU
stands for Colony Forming Unit . It's the number of bacterial
colonies that form on a Petri dish and indicates a product's
viability or strength. Your intestinal tract contains over 1OO
trillion microorganisms from about 1,000 different species,
mostly bacteria. Only high potency probiotic products (those
containing 10 billion CFU/capsule or more) can reliably
re-establish the probiotic population within this huge
number.
Is a probiotic deficiency
common? Quite
common! Many lifestyle factors favor undesirable microorganisms
over probiotics in your intestinal tract: stress, poor diet
(sugar and fat), alcohol, prescription drugs, travel, frequent
colds or infections, and aging are the big ones. It's hard for
a modern person not to have a probiotic deficiency to some
degree.
What are the symptoms of a
probiotic deficiency? They vary from person to person but may
include one or more of the following: Constipation or diarrhea,
indigestion, incomplete digestion, heartburn, excess gas and
bloating, lactose intolerance, weak immune response (frequent
colds and infections), fatigue, low energy, muscle weakness,
and food allergies. Obviously, you cannot be at peak health if
you have a probiotic deficiency!
Do I need to take Theralac
every day to correct a probiotic
deficiency? No.
Theralac's advanced, high potency formulation allows you to
take two capsules per week once your intestinal tract's
microflora has been balanced (this occurs for most people after
taking Theralac daily for two weeks). The ability to take a
probiotic twice a week provides convenience and cost savings.
NOTE: Taking Theralac daily for two weeks provides 280 billion
CFU to your intestinal tract, a very effective dose by
probiotic standards. Once this dose colonizes the intestinal
tract it can be maintained by taking two capsules (40 billion
CFU) per week.
What is a
prebiotic? A food
grade substance that benefits probiotic bacteria by some
specific mechanism.
How do Theralac's
prebiotics work? Theralac contains two prebiotics that
are effective at low dosages; Lactoferrin and LactoStim
(patented). Lactoferrin binds iron and makes it difficult for
iron dependent, gram negative bacteria (like Salmonella and E.
coli) to grow. This gives gram positive, probiotic bacteria
(which require less iron) a competitive advantage. LactoStim is
a food grade emulsifier that stimulates the growth and
reproduction of Theralac's probiotic bacteria
(patented).
Will foods rich in FOS also
benefit Theralac's probiotics? Yes. FOS, or fructooligosaccharides,
are prebiotics that you can get by eating certain foods, and
are required in larger quantities compared to Lactoferrin and
LactoStim. The following foods contain a unique source of
soluable fiber (FOS) that stimulates probiotic bacteria. Eat
some when you take Theralac! Food FOS Garlic 1.0% Honey 1.0% Rye Bread 0.6%
Asparagus 0.4% Bananas 0.3% Onions 0.3% Barley 0.2% Tomatoes
0.2%
So, how does Theralac work
in my intestinal tract? The probiotic bacteria in Theralac
attach to the soft lining (wall) of your intestinal tract and
help keep it healthy. The lactobacillus ("lacto") strains are
most active in the small intestine while the Bifidobacterium
("Bifido") strains work best in the large intestine (colon). A
healthy intestinal wall encourages optimum absorption of
nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, and supports
healthy digestion and elimination. Theralac also benefits your
immune system...
How does Theralac benefit
my immune system? Theralac's five probiotic strains work
together (in symbiosis) to stimulate the mucosal immune system
on the intestinal surface which then sends activation signals
to the body's systemic immune system. Because Theralac's
strains are beneficial this action is gentle and modulated. The
immune system is put on "yellow alert" so to speak, ready to
act quickly when pathogenic microorganisms appear.
What is the most common
effect I will experience when taking
Theralac? Improved elimination and regularity:
Softer and more predictable bowel movements followed by more
energy and intestinal comfort.
Is it best to take Theralac
with food or on an empty stomach? Either way works well due to Theralac's
ACID PROOF formulation. Take Theralac with water, fruit juice
or milk.
How does Theralac's
acid-proof formula compare to enteric coated
probiotics? Much
better and safer! Most enteric coated probiotics are treated
with a polymer of acrylic acid, a synthetic chemical. The
sodium alginate used to acid-proof Theralac capsules is a
natural carbohydrate found in seaweed (patented). NOTE: Studies
show that > 99% of unprotected probiotics are killed when
exposed to stomach acid for 1 hour, a typical time spent in the
stomach.
Can I take Theralac when
taking antibiotics? Yes. Take the antibiotic at the
prescribed time followed by Theralac two-three hours later.
Continue taking Theralac daily for at least two weeks after
finishing the antibiotics.
How many Theralac capsules
should I take when traveling? Take at least one per day. When
traveling to developing countries take two per day, one in the
morning and one in the evening. Intestinal problems are easier
to prevent than treat so start taking Theralac daily one week
before you leave.
It says on the Theralac
bottle, "Best if Refrigerated"; how stable is Theralac at room
temperature when traveling? Theralac can be held at room
temperature (65°-75° F) for up to 30 days without loss in
viability. Keep bottle tightly closed and out of direct
sunlight.
Can Theralac reduce lactose
intolerance? Lactose intolerance results from a lack
of the enzyme lactase in the small intestine. All five of
Theralac's probiotic strains produce lactase and may reduce the
severity of lactose intolerance.
Can Theralac improve
vitamin and mineral absorption? Vitamins and minerals are absorbed in
the small intestine. The health and integrity of the intestinal
soft lining (wall or mucosa) affects the absorption of all
nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Theralac may help
improve vitamin and mineral absorption by maintaining a healthy
soft lining. In addition, mineral absorption, especially
calcium and magnesium, is improved by a slightly acid pH at the
mucosal surface. The probiotic strains in Theralac produce
lactic and acetic acids which lower pH (acidify), if this
occurs on the surface of the soft lining it may enhance Ca and
Mg absorption.
Can I overdose on
Theralac? What
would be the effect? Probiotic bacteria, including those in
Theralac, have been used in dosages of one trillion CFU/day or
more without harmful effects. At very high dosages probiotics
may cause diarrhea in some people which can be eliminated by
reducing the dose. Sometimes when high potency probiotics are
used for the first time a short period of discomfort results
while the intestinal tract's microflora is being
rebalanced.
Can you explain the
discomfort in more detail? The discomfort that sometimes results
are caused by harmful microorganisms that are rapidly killed
off in the intestinal tract and their toxic byproducts
accumulate prior to elimination. When the intestinal tract is
severely out of balance (has low numbers of probiotic bacteria)
and one takes a high potency probiotic, it may cause a sudden
die off of harmful bacteria (or yeast) followed by
detoxification symptoms such as bloating, cramping, gas or
headaches. Usually these symptoms subside in a short time as
the probiotics gain control and the harmful microorganisms are
eliminated. If this happens, stay the course with the probiotic
or lessen the dose slightly, and drink plenty of water. If
severe or persistent symptoms occur see your doctor.
Why are Theralac capsules
made of cellulose (Vegicaps) instead of
gelatin? Gelatin
is derived from beef byproducts and is not acceptable to
vegetarians. Some non-vegetarians object to beef byproducts for
other reasons. Vegicaps are made from materials of plant
origin. Theralac does not contain any: yeast, eggs, corn, soy,
gluten, wheat, salt, lactose or beef products.
Frequently Asked Questions
about TruFiber™
DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION There are three recommended dosage
programs for TruFiber™. For Improved Regularity take two (2)
servings daily in 4-8 ounces of water, fruit juice or milk: One
in the morning and one in the evening. Stir well to dissolve
(one level scoop = one 3.6 gram serving). For Probiotic
Stimulation take one (1) serving daily along with a high
potency probiotic that supplies at least 10 billion CFU per
dose (see Theralac for information on Theralac® high potency
probiotic). For enhanced Nutrient Absorption and
Gastrointestinal Health take a minimum of 3-4 servings per week
with the largest meal of the day. Note: The high dose Improved
Regularity program offers all the benefits of the other
programs; the Probiotic Stimulation program also provides
improvement in regularity due to enhanced probiotic activity.
The number of TruFiber™ servings per day can be varied to
accommodate an individual’s specific requirements.
FOR YOUNG
CHILDREN TruFiber™ is safe for young children. A
dosage of ½ to 1 serving daily is usually adequate depending on
the child’s diet. Check with your doctor before giving any
dietary supplement to a child.
ADVERSE
REACTIONS TruFiber™ can dramatically stimulate
probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, ether those
naturally present or those obtained from a supplement. All of
the ingredients in TruFiber™ are food grade and generally
recognized as safe (G.R.A.S.) by the United States FDA.
However, when probiotic bacteria are stimulated they may cause
rapid die off of pathogenic microorganisms such as Candida
yeast. This can result in moderate discomfort (bloating. gas,
headache, diarrhea or loose stools) for several days to a week
as the harmful microorganisms die and release their toxic
byproducts faster than the body can eliminate them. Drink lots
of water and eat light if you experience this reaction, it is a
positive sign that your body is detoxifying. If symptoms
persist discontinue use and see your physician.
ALLERGIC AND OTHER
REACTIONS TruFiber™ does not contain: wheat,
gluten, soy, corn, rye, milk, casein, peanuts, yeast or animal
products. It contains no added carriers, only the two natural
fiber sources and the four, vegetable source, digestive
enzymes. The enzymes (40 mg per serving contain about 20 mg of
protein) are protein based and may cause an allergic response
in sensitive individuals. Check with your physician if you are
sensitive to proteins before taking TruFiber™. Drug
interactions: Some prescription medications may have their
absorption compromised by fiber supplements, check with your
physician before taking TruFiber™ if you are on prescription
medications. Do not take TruFiber™ if you are pregnant or
nursing.
HOW
SUPPLIED TruFiber™ is supplied in clear green,
double sealed, plastic bottles containing 180 grams net weight
(50 servings). Each bottle contains an 11 cc scoop that
delivers one serving of 3.6 grams (level measure). Keep bottle
tightly closed and store in a cool dry place. No refrigeration
required.
FDA
STATEMENT These
statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent disease.
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