Dr. Spreen states: (By) using acidophilus [Shaklee's OptiFlora 2 Product System] and digestive enzymes [Shaklee's EZ-Gest, I (am able to) stop over 2/3 of all cases of GERD. The more difficult cases (that may include overt ulcers, etc.) may involve a more aggressive approach (antibiotics), but omitting really serious GI illness, the results are nearly always extremely positive.” [22]

This is wonderful news for Shaklee members, because acidophilus is a primary ingredient in OptiFlora, and EZ-Gest is the most advanced enzyme supplement system on the planet.

Recent studies, using proton pump inhibitor in mice, found that these drugs caused significant reductions in bone mineral density and overall bone strength in only 5 days.   This class of drugs include Prilosec, Nexium, and numerous others. [23]

When these same mice were provided dairy products, fermented by lactobacilli, those bone destroying side-effects were prevented, because it improved their calcium absorption. This is just one of the benefits provided by Shaklee’s OptiFlora System, because it contains lactobacilli. It also contains the pre- and probiotics that can return balance and help to heal the lower digestive tract.

You may also want to refer to the Acidophilus Page to review the spectrum of digestive disorders that OptiFlora helps to support. [24]

The Second Digestive Failure:   Lack of Enzymes

As we age, our organs may produce fewer digestive enzymes, so perhaps the most important Shaklee product for improving digestion is EZ-Gest.

Unlike typical single-enzyme digestive aids, like Lactaid or Beano, EZ-Gest contains a full spectrum, plant-based enzyme formula that will support the digestion of all 3 macronutrients, along with a number of other hard-to-digest sugars.

It is estimated that 30 to 50 million Americans are lactose intolerant. Some cultures experience even higher incidences, such as Asian-Americans (up to 90% intolerant), and Native- and Mexican-Americans (as high as 75%). [25]

This is why EZ-Gest contains the enzyme lactase. Lactose (or milk sugar) is found in dairy products, and is present in many prepared foods. If someone lacks sufficient lactase, eating foods containing lactose will cause rapid symptoms (30 min–2 hours). Those symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Cramping
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Gas, and most likely
• Diarrhea [25]

All that suffering is caused by the inability to digest one single sugar! Trying to avoid dairy in your diet is almost impossible, and it’s NOT even a reasonable solution, because dairy provides many important nutrients, and lactase is both an inexpensive and effective solution.

As we age, many foods we used to thrive on may begin to disagree with us. Those foods include beans, broccoli, several whole grains, and an alarming number of fruits and vegetables.



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