Dr. Richard Cheng, Cheng Integrative Health Center

Probiotics (#60)

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a finely balanced environment where 300 different strains of bacteria compete for space and nutrients. When there is a healthy balance (eubiosis), few symptoms exist. However, dysbiosis can occur when an overabundance of potentially harmful organisms prevail. Probiotics have been extensively studied for their effect on the GI environment, and are characterized as having broad health benefits including increasing populations of healthy bacteria following microflora imbalance and increasing detoxification of harmful compounds.

Because probiotics are live organisms, there are many challenges associated with manufacturing and distributing probiotic supplements. For a probiotic to be effective, it must be shelf-stable through the expiration date and precisely delivered to the GI tract where it can have maximum benefit. BioShield Technology is an innovative manufacturing process that ensures consistent, reliable results. The microorganisms in Ortho Biotic are first protected, sealed, and freeze dried away from moisture, heat, light and oxygen. This puts the bacteria into a state of hibernation, allowing them to remain dormant until they are exposed to moisture in the GI tract. By utilizing advanced encapsulation technology, the probiotic organisms are preserved and then released on target for maximum benefit.

Ortho Biotic is a unique probiotic formula designed to deliver active organisms that have been shown to promote healthy gut flora, protect intestinal integrity and boost immune function. Each capsule includes seven proven probiotic strains chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh GI environment and adhere to the intestinal tract. Also included is Saccharomyces boulardii, an extensively researched microorganism shown to help restore microflora balance by enhancing resident probiotics.

Suggested Use:

1 capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional

Price: $45/bottle(#60), compared at $49.5 on Amazon.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential cornerstones of human nutrition. They are deemed ‘essential’ because we need them for proper health-much like certain vitamins and minerals but cannot produce them on our own. We must therefore consume these fats through diet or supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are required for a number of body functions, from proper blood flow to brain development; these long chain fatty acids are integral components of tissues and organ systems throughout the body, including the heart, skin, joints, eyes and immune system. Since omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit cardiovascular health, support healthy brain function and cognition, and have also been proven to maintain a healthy inflammatory response, achieving the proper balance of omega-3s has become an important health strategy, requiring supplementation for most people. The American Heart Association recommends that those concerned about blood lipids take up to 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day.

Orthomega 820 is a high-concentration fish oil sourced from waters off the Chilean coast. As the world’s least industrialized coastline, these cold, fresh waters provide the cleanest, most sustainable source of fish in the world. Orthomega provides 820mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per soft gel as natural triglycerides, the preferred form with superior absorption. To stabilize the oil, vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols) and rosemary extract are used to ensure maximum purity and freshness. This exclusive fish oil is purified, vacuum distilled, and independently tested to ensure heavy metals, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are removed to undetectable levels. Extensive research has shown that EPA and DHA from fish oil enhance cardiovascular health, promote better brain function, and support healthy skin, joints & connective tissues. With over 10,000 published studies in the last three decades, EPA and DHA from fish oil are among the most researched natural ingredients available and have a long history of safety and efficacy.

Suggested Use

1 soft gel capsule per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Price: $60/bottle of 180.  Compared to $69.85 on Amazon.