Description:
A healthy immune system defends the body against disease and the outer world. At one time or another we’ve all experienced what may happen if our immune system is unsuccessful– the common cold, influenza and sinusitis are just some of the illnesses that can occur. Typically, these are transient with symptoms only persisting until our immune system can bounce back and respond. In a worse scenario, the immune system malfunctions by mistakenly attacking healthy cells, tissues, and organs. This failure to recognize self vs non-self is collectively known as autoimmunity and is not so transient.
There are currently over 80 autoimmune conditions that have been identified. These are multifactorial diseases with a variety of triggers including environmental and genetic. The hallmark pathological processes of autoimmune conditions are most typically inflammation, dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and micronutrient deficiencies. An imbalance between Th1/Th17 and Th2/Treg cells has been found in autoimmune patients, with Th1 and Th17 pushing excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. Knowing that autoimmunity cannot be cured, the goal is to guide patients into remission and help them stay in remission while managing these pathological processes. Fortunately, there are a number of natural therapies that have been demonstrated to improve both symptoms and immune markers in autoimmune conditions.
It is well-established that the immune system is entangled with the digestive tract, being the first line of defense against the outer world. Multiple studies find that patients with autoimmune conditions have a significantly different composition of gut microbiota when compared to healthy controls, and we know that the microbiota plays an important role in the initiation, regulation, and maintenance of the immune system.
With this in mind, it only seems logical that probiotics would benefit immune regulation. Indeed, multiple studies have demonstrated the ability of probiotics to modulate the immune system and positively affect clinical endpoints. For example, Bacillus coagulans, a spore-forming probiotic, is able to normalize both the quantitative parameters of the immune system (the number of splenic lymphocytes, macrophages and T-lymphocytes) and the cells’ functional activity to promote host immune system function. One double-blind clinical experiment demonstrated that B. coagulans PTA-6086 is an effective therapy for reducing pain markers and mobility in autoimmune patients.
Ingredients:
Unit of Measure above: Each vegetable capsule
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bacillus coagulans (U-IS2) | 500 million CFU |
| Baikal skullcap (root, Scutellaria baicalensis) 12:1 extract equivalent to 3000mg of dry root, standardized to 30% baicalin | 250mg |
| Curcumin (root, Curcuma longa) | 100mg |
| Astragalus (root, Astragalus membranaceus) 8:1 extract equivalent to 600mg of dry root | 75mg |
| Milk Thistle (seed, Silybum marianum) standardized to 80% silymarin | 50mg |
| Quercetin (Quercetin dihydrate) | 50mg |
Non-Medicinal Ingredients:
Microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate.
Indications:
Used in Herbal Medicine to help maintain a healthy immune system. Helps to support liver function. Used in Herbal Medicine as an adaptogen to help increase energy and resistance to stress (e.g. in case of mental and physical fatigue related to stress).
Directions for Use:
Adults (19 years and older) – Take 2 capsules, 2 times per day. Take with food. Consult a healthcare professional for use beyond 12 weeks. To support liver function: Use for at least 3 weeks to see beneficial effects.
Cautions:
Do not use if • you have an immune-compromised condition (e.g. AIDS, lymphoma, patients undergoing long-term corticosteroid treatment). Consult a healthcare professional prior to use if • you are pregnant • you are breastfeeding • you have an autoimmune disorder • you have a fever • you are vomiting • you have bloody diarrhea • you have severe abdominal pain • you have gallstones • you have a bile duct obstruction • you have stomach ulcers • you have excess stomach acid. Consult a healthcare professional prior to use if you are taking • antiplatelet medication • blood thinners. Stop use and consult a healthcare professional if • hypersensitivity/allergy occurs • symptoms of digestive upset (e.g. diarrhoea) occur, worsen or persists beyond 3 days • you develop liver-related symptoms (e.g. yellowing of the eyes and/or skin, dark urine, abdominal pain, jaundice). Stop use if you experience abdominal discomfort such as • constipation • abdominal distention. Keep out of reach of children.
