Antibiotic use is on the rise, and along with it is a rise of complications stemming from their use. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, though not all bacteria are bad. The colon contains several hundred species, comprised of thousands of strains, of beneficial bacteria, which are also destroyed by antibiotic use.

Potentially harmful bacteria and fungus also inhabit the colon. These are normally kept in balance by the beneficial bacteria, also known as flora, that inhabit the colon. When the flora are destroyed by antibiotics harmful microbes, such as Candida albicans and pathogenic bacteria can overgrow in the intestines. Candida overgrowth has numerous symptoms, which can mimic over 95 different diseases. In severe cases the symptoms can become permanently disabling, or even fatal.

The flora that inhabit the intestines, have various other important functions. The flora can produce vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin K. They also produce antiseptic and immune stimulating hydrogen peroxide, and stimulate the production of interferons. Peroxides and interferons provide cancer protection for the body. Hormone metabolites are broken down further by the flora providing further protection from cancer.

Various products are available on the market that claim to replenish or rebuild the levels or friendly flora in the colon. There is much doubt as to the effectiveness of some of these products. Products containing "live" bacteria, known as probiotics, are generally of little or no use. These bacteria live and thrive in an alkaline environment, but they must first pass through an acid stomach, containing digestive enzymes, to reach the colon. Enterically coated products help somewhat, but are still not the answer since the bacteria are affected by other factors, such as time and heat. Live bacteria products that have been shipped in non-refrigerated trucks, and which have sat unrefrigerated on store shelves for extended amounts of time, are of little or no value. It is also important to keep in mind that these supplements only replace a few, of the over 200 species, and thousands of strains, of beneficial bacteria that inhabit the intestines.

Fiber is a major source of food for the flora. Fibers are composed of long chain sugar molecules. The flora break the chemical bonds of the fibers creating simpler sugars which provide for their energy and growth.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are becoming a popular substitute for fibers as a means of building intestinal flora. FOS is a long chain sugar molecule, though it is not quite as long as a fiber molecule. Most FOS products on the market are produced from plain table sugar. The sugar molecules are linked together into longer chains, forming FOS. FOS is also present in high amounts in plants, such as elecampane and chicory root.

Flora Garden differs from other products in several ways. First, Flora Garden does not contain live bacteria. Instead, Flora Garden provides fibers and natural FOS as food sources for each of the several hundred species, and thousands of strains, of flora to stimulate their growth. FIbers and FOS used to stimulate the growth of the flora are known as prebiotics.

Flora Garden also incorporates moisture retaining herbs to provide a more friendly environment for the flora to thrive in. Vitamins and minerals in Flora Garden provide additional health benefits.

Ingredients:

Apple Fiber- Fiber source to feed the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the colon

Chickweed- Provides fiber, and saponins that retain moisture for an improved growth environment for the flora. Rich in vitamin C and lecithin. Stimulates healing in the colon, reduces intestinal inflammation, and removes mucous from the colon.

Oatgrass- Fiber source. Rich in B vitamins and silica.

Beet root- Stimulates growth of intestinal flora. Excellent nutrient source.

FOS Fructooligosaccharides - Natural fiber source derived from chicory. Food source for the intestinal bacteria.

Licorice root- Provides saponins for moisture retention in the colon. And reduces inflammation in the colon.

Yucca root- Excellent source of fiber and saponins, and reduces intestinal inflammation.

Kelp- Contains algin which holds moisture in the colon. Excellent source of nutrients.

Recommend ½ to 1 teaspoon, in juice or water, 3 times daily, on an empty stomach at least 20 minutes before meals.

Note: The herbal claims being made are based on historical uses and scientific research from outside the U.S.A. They have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a guide for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease.