THE FRIENDLY TRIO®

Lactic Bacteria - essential companions for human beings

Lactic bacteria include Acidophilus, which exists from the upper part of the small intestine to the lower part of the small intestine and Bifidobacterium, which exists from the lower part of the small intestine to the large intestine. These microorganisms, which have the specific property of transforming sugars almost exclusively into lactic acid and acetic acid, decrease the pH (increasing the acidity) of the intestines and produce substances that suppress harmful bacteria. They are normally present in the skin, the digestive system and in the vaginal mucosa where they fulfill numerous functions and assure the protection of tissues against the action of harmful microbes. These functions are so important that we designate lactic bacteria as 'Probiotic' or agents that protect life.

Many factors can modify the desirable harmony of the intestinal flora. Disease, stress, the abundance of food proteins, the consumption of contaminated foods and the taking of antibiotics can favour the implantation and development of putrefactive and infectious microorganisms to the detriment of desirable bacteria. The prolonged use of antibiotics not only has the effect of destroying lactic bacteria from the digestive system, leaving it without defense, but it provokes the development and predominance of harmful microorganisms such as coliforms and pathogenic staphylococci and their production of toxins.

A proper diet favours the presence of lactic bacteria in normal quantities in the digestive tract. In the case of gastro-intestinal problems, vaginal infection and the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to have recourse to a reliable supply of lactic bacteria. Human strains are preferred over dairy or soil based sources. Each mammal, including humans, has unique intestinal flora that helps protect the host from pathogenic bacteria, which can be specific to the host. It is not always effective to introduce bacteria from one species into another, and benefits are usually only brief and transitory. Human strains have been shown to resist stomach acid when consumed with food and are more adapted to the environment (bile acids, anaerobic conditions, etc.) of the human digestive tract and are the supplementation of choice since they are more likely to survive and colonize the human digestive tract.

'The Friendly Trio'® is formulated with Inulin (FOS).

FOS (fructo-oligosaccarides) is a prebiotic that enhances the growth of lactic bacteria in the digestive tract, especially Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Inulin (a nondigestible soluble fiber derived from the chicory root) serves as food that promotes the growth of 'The Friendly Trio'® in the colon, increasing as much as 5 to 10 times in volume.

A Natural Dietary Fiber

Inulin is a soluble fibre that is found in more than 35,000 plants and vegetables throughout the world. Because it is a natural plant product that humans have been widely exposed to, the risk of allergic reaction or intolerance to its addition to foods is minimized significantly.

Because inulin is a soluble fiber, it helps maintain normal bowel function, decreases constipation, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides and helps normalize blood sugar levels.