Posted on

Which is better? Prebiotics + Probiotics or just a mega dose of Probiotics?

This is an interesting question and one whose answer may be more influenced by a person’s lifestyle and food choices.

Until recently,  products that contained both pre and probiotics weren’t an option… there were issues with the prebiotics and probiotics being combined in the same capsule and for that type of  combination to have the ability to survive various gut conditions. Therefore, the option was left to the specific combination, number of different strains and number of CFU’s in a probiotic formula.

If you eat a good amount of fiber – both plant and grain based – then the good bacteria in your gut are most likely well fed.  Also, if you feel that your foods are being digested and broken down well, that would be further evidence that your good bacteria are getting the food they need to prosper. This couples with daily ‘exercise’ or at least a non-sedentary lifestyle would suggest that mega (10 or more strain and 20 billion or more CFU) probiotic would most likely be your best choice.

On the other hand if you’re not a big whole grain, fruit and veggie eater and don’t move about much on a daily basis, then your gut flora would more likely appreciate some prebiotic support – and a good prebiotic and probiotic combination may serve your needs best.

Posted on

After some research on natural approaches to parasite issues, I’m leaning toward Dr. Clark’s 3 ingredient kit. Was wondering how important is it that I follow her protocol?

Here’s an approach to following Dr. Clark’s protocol (recipe).  If you’re going to make your Grandmother’s famous lemon cake, but decide that you don’t have the time or the energy to mix it all by hand (as the recipe states and as you have always done).  Instead, this time you decide to use your electric mixer.  When the cake doesn’t turn out as you expected, then you shouldn’t be surprised.  Therefore, if you alter her protocol, don’t be surprised if your results are different than expected.  Click here and you’ll see her 18 day protocol.  There are also many frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that do lend themselves to some variances in the protocol. For example… taking the Black Walnut straight up or mixing it in foods or beverages. Click here if you’d like to see some  FAQ’s.

Please note, this protocol and these FAQ’s are strictly based on Dr. Clark’s research and contents in her published books.  Before following her protocol (which is off product label instructions) and before taking  any over-the-counter product, it is always advisable to discuss its use with your primary care professional.

Posted on

Frequently Asked Questions – Dr. Clark’s Parasite Protocol

These frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding Dr. Clark’s parasite protocol are solely based on her research and recommendations as presented in her published books.  Before taking any over-the-counter product, it is always advisable to discuss its use with your primary care professional. These FAQ’s are not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment.

Do I need to change my diet or should I expect changes in my daily routine?
Simple answer: No. Diet can remain as usual.

Should I take these products on an empty stomach or with food?
Almost all dietary supplements specify on their label that they should  preferably be taken with a meal unless otherwise directed by their physician. Please see each product label.

In Dr. Clark’s protocol, she starts the Black Walnut with 1 dop.  Is this literally 1 drop or a dropper full?  It is just one drop.. not a dropper full.  As explained, this slow approach of one drop, two drops, etc. is to introduce the unique flavor of the Black Walnut tincture.  If a person finds the flavor Ok- they may choose to take it straight up.  For those who don’t particularly like the flavor, they will want to mix it in a another beverage.  See the next question.  Do NOT take the Black Walnut Tincture if you are allergic to nuts!

Can the Black Walnut Tincture be mixed with some other liquid – or do I have to take it straight up?
Dr. Clark prefers straight up and chased with water. However, she knew that the taste may be unappealing to some and they would not be able to take it without mixing it in something that would hide the flavor. She suggests not taking any of the ingredients (but especially the black walnut tincture) with acidic juices, such as orange, grapefruit, or tomato. Mixing the Black Walnut Tincture in prune juice, apple juice or any type of yogurt smoothie is a good choice. Do NOT take this product if you are allergic to nuts.

Some of the days specify several capsules. Do I have to take them all at once?
Dr. Clark realized that not everyone can swallow multiple capsules all within minutes of one another.  For those she suggests looking at the daily capsule count and dividing it up into a twelve hour period.  Spreading them out in a way that is best for you.

I can’t swallow pills.  Any way I can still take the Cloves and Wormwood portion of this?
You can gently twist each capsule to ‘unscrew’ it and then empty the contents out.  The Cloves are the easiest to mix with foods.  Think of mixing cloves into anything that you would like cinnamon in .  Some good choice may be: vanilla and/or banana smoothies, vanilla, coconut or banana yogurt or pudding, or oatmeal. Wormwood lends itself to a heartier fare.. think tomato sauce based dishes, chili, hearty soups.  Just add after the food has been completely cooked.

The following FAQ’s apply ONLY to the Original Para Kit as it is sold by OneLifeUSA Vitamins.

Has OneLifeUSA ever changed the formula from what Dr. Clark personally and directly setup?
Simple answer: NO

Why is your Black Walnut Tincture dark green… almost black? Especially when Dr. Clark says in her book, the way to tell that the tincture is fresh and has been made from green hulls is if it is light green in color.
The instructions in Dr. Clark’s books refer to making her Black Walnut Tincture and its specified light green color is only applicable when the product is being made in a home kitchen. When the green hulls of the walnut are pressed by hand (as described in her books) – the resulting liquid is a light green color. When these same green hulls are pressed in a commercial lab using heavy  equipment, the result is a dark green colored liquid. It is very easy to add a few drops of vitamin C to the liquid and turn it a light green color. OneLifeUSA Vitamins chooses not to do this, as it is not part of Dr. Clark’s formula. We are quite confident in our Black Walnut Tincture and its compatibility to Dr. Clark’s intended standards, as she personally came to our lab to oversee the commercial manufacturing of her products and approved this Black Walnut product. Our product is a double maceration (Double strength) at a 1:1 ratio of gm herb to ml menstruum (1/2 teaspoon contains extractives from 2,500 mg fresh plant material) – just a specified by Dr. Clark herself.

Why doesn’t OneLifeUSA make the Black Walnut Tincture in a larger size? Or as freeze dried?
Making this in a larger bottle (even just doubling it to a 2 ounce bottle) would reduce the cost, but it would NOT insure fresh-full strength product. The black walnut tincture does not remain at full strength for long after it has been opened and exposed to air. Additionally, Dr. Clark was quite specific that this tincture be made in one ounce bottles with eye dropper tops (not a screw top with disposable pipettes). No freeze dried version, because Dr. Clark required this ingredient be a liquid tincture.

Do the products in OneLifeUSA’s Original Para Kit contain flow agents or fillers like magnesium stearate?
Simple answer: NO

Are OneLifeUSA labs certified and inspected by the FDA?
As GMP certified labs they must be registered with the FDA and are subject to unannounced inspections. Fully complying with FDA standards, additional work is done to help implement new FDA guidelines as they are mandated.

Are the ingredients used in OneLifeUSA’s Original Para Kit tested?
Yes. Ingredients are tested and must pass for: bacteria (including
Staphylococcus and E.coli), yeast and mold. All ingredients must pass a mineral and metal analysis. Additionally, potency verification of each  ingredient is confirmed and the fill weight of each capsule is confirmed.

I’ve completed OneLifeUSA’s Original Para Kit, what’s next?
Many choose to optimize their experience with Dr. Clark’s methodology of ‘weed and feed’. First the ‘bad’ bugs get  ‘weeded’ out (Original Para Kit). Then a feeding of ‘good’ bugs and crucial healthy liver support (OneLifeUSA’s Post Cleanse) help insure a healthy gut flora. It’s just like gardening: Once the weeds have been eliminated, the remaining good flowers and grasses need support to flourish and take over – choking out the return of the ‘bad’ weeds and creating a healthy balanced garden (gut flora)!

(summary of follow up protocols shown below).

OneLifeUSA’s  Complete Post Cleanse is the suggested follow-up to the Original Para Kit. It targets the removal of any residue (Colon Clear) plus a product for  healthy liver support (Liver Health) and a uniquely blended Probiotic formula (ProBalance) to help rebuild healthy gut flora.

Unbalanced gut flora often goes hand-in-hand with unbalanced Candida levels. If this is your experience, then you may want to consider OneLifeUSA’s Can Balance Protocol. This two product protocol applies the weed and feed approach: CanBalance (for weeding) and ProBalance probiotics (for feeding).

The weekly Maintenance Protocol is perhaps recognized as the ‘booster’ shot to the  Original Para Kit. OneLifeUSA’s Original Para Kit is the only kit that comes with enough product to complete the 18 day protocol  and one maintenance cycle. The number of maintenance cycles completed depends on individual circumstances. Maintenance protocols are available in 12 and 15 week kits.

OneLifeUSA’s Liver Health and ProBalance probiotic  products, may be great choices for your continuing as part of your daily routine.

These FAQ’s have been provided for your convenience and may also serve as a great conversation starter with your health care professional. They are not intended to replace the recommendations provided by Dr. Clark (in her books) or those provided by your health care professional.

Posted on

What are prebiotics?

Prebiotics….

Prebiotics are actually a type of fiber and are often referred to as prebiotic fiber. They are necessary for all your ‘good’ bugs (probiotics) to survive and thrive.

The term prebiotic is a relatively new, although the type of fiber they refer to has been around for ages.  Prebiotic fiber is an indigestible form of fiber that acts as a good source of food for the ‘good’ bug flora in your gut. For a fiber to be classified as ‘prebiotic’ is must resist digestion and absorption in the upper gut, be fermented by intestinal microflora and stimulate the growth of ‘good’ bug flora.

Prebiotics exist both in particular foods and dietary supplements.  Foods that contain prebiotics include: Bananas (the greener the better), garlic, onions, broccoli, and whole grain oats.  Common prebiotics found in supplements include: Inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides or FOS, psyllium, and wheat dextrin.

Bottom line… Probiotics and prebiotics have a symbiotic relationship… they need each other.  Together they are the cornerstone of good and balanced gut health.  Because of the important link between healthy gut flora and our overall health, it’s clear that providing your body with both pre and pro ‘biotics’ is essential.

Posted on

What are probiotics?

What are probiotics?

When you see a reference to ‘good’ gut flora or ‘good’ bugs in your gut, most of those remarks are referring to different types of ‘good’ bacteria – meaning they are good for your body’s health. Probiotics is the general term that includes most of those good bacteria.

As noted on the Mayo Clinic’s site:  “Probiotics are good bacteria that are either the same as or very similar to the bacteria that are already in your body. Your lower digestive tract alone teems with a complex and diverse community of these bacteria. In fact, there are a greater number of bacteria in your intestines than there are cells in your body.”

Your intestines are also teeming with ‘bad’ bacteria (can cause harm and negative health related issues).   Having too many of the “bad” and not enough of the “good” bacteria — often caused in part by an unhealthy diet — can wreak all sorts of havoc on your body’s health. As further noted on the Mayo Clinic’s website: “This imbalance can lead to weight gain, skin conditions, constipation or diarrhea, and various chronic health conditions.” The key is too have more of the ‘good’ guys than the ‘bad’.

Consuming foods rich in probiotics (some yogurts, some cheeses, kefir, sauerkraut and kimshi) and taking a probiotic supplement can help you increase your ‘good’ gut bugs and help keep the ‘bad’ ones at bay.

It’s important to keep in mind that there are many different types (strains) of probiotics, each with specific purposes.  You need a good variety of different strains to help achieve a balanced and healthy gut flora.  A variety of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species are the most common beneficial bacteria used in dietary supplements.

 

Posted on

Most Common Parasite (Worm) In the US?

What is the most common parasite (worm) infection in the US?

The pinworm (“threadworm”). This worm is a small, thin, white roundworm (nematode) called Enterobius vermicularis that lives in the colon and rectum of humans. Pinworms are about the length of a staple. While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit their eggs (up to 15,000) on the surrounding skin. Humans are the only known host, and about 209 million persons worldwide are infected. More than 30 percent of children worldwide are infected. Pinworm infection is spread by the fecal-oral route, that is by the transfer of infective pinworm eggs from the anus to someone’s mouth, either directly by hand or indirectly through contaminated clothing, bedding, food, or other articles. Pinworm eggs become infective within a few hours after being deposited on the skin around the anus and can survive for 2 to 3 weeks on clothing, bedding, or other objects. People become infected, usually unknowingly, by swallowing (ingesting) infective pinworm eggs that are on fingers, under fingernails, or on clothing, bedding, and other contaminated objects and surfaces. Because of their small size, pinworm eggs sometimes can become airborne and ingested while breathing.