Our purpose is not to hinder the physiological processes of the organism. Ours is a holistic approach. An approach that encourages the ristoring of the physical balance, by facing the causes as efficiently as possible and by ensuring a fast relief of all the symptoms.
Symptoms and relief
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Stomach and intestine
A good diet and an efficient digestive process are essential to be in good health because we are what we eat, but most of all, we are what we manage to absorb. Long term good health depends on healthy nutrition, on an adequate digestive process and assimilation of foodstuffs; over time, gastric problems and incomplete digestive processes lead to several chronic disorders (gastritis, reflux, constipation, meteorism, occasional diarrhea) and other serious diseases (food intolerances, diseases from immune-complex deposition, liver overloaded with toxins, etc.). The primary function of the gastrointestinal system is to dismantle complex molecules so that nutrients deriving from foodstuffs, which would not be usable or absorbable at native state, are made bioavailable. Gastric and intestinal problems are very widespread.
Inflammations and damage of the gastrointestinal mucosa, responsible for the insurgence of gastritis and ulcers, affect large groups of people: around 70% of adults frequently experience heartburn and 50% of people aged over 45 suffer from chronic gastritis; moreover, 10% of the population, especially those aged between 30 and 50, show clinical signs of peptic ulcer, single or multiple. Intestinal dysbiosis is, on the other hand, at the origin of the most diverse health problems, ranging from Candida to an unbalanced immune system that can lead to frequent illnesses, several disorders of the intestine, food intolerances, etc.
The intestine plays a key role in the organism’s immune defensive system.
Beneficial, physiological flora inhabiting the intestine acts as a bulwark to contrast the invasion of pathogens (with the release of natural, antibiotic substances) and to limit intestinal proliferation of a number of saprophyte microorganisms (Candida, Escherichia colia, Enterococci, etc.), which can cause serious problems in other body districts when out of control, for instance in the uro-genital tract.
Besides hosting this particular defensive ecosystem, the intestine is home to the lymphatic tissue, organized in germinative centres of T and B lymphocytes (Peyer’s patches), as well as being scattered across the intestinal submucosa. Another mechanism of intestinal defense is exerted by the selective permeability of the mucosa. This is structured in order to be able to absorb nutritional substances and reject waste, toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. Selective permeability is vital to maintain the mucosa’s integrity and ensure all related mechanisms, so that the complex defensive system works efficiently.
Today’s nutritional lifestyle, rich in refined, preserved foodstuffs and poor in fibres useful for the microflora, combined with use/abuse of drugs (antibiotics, contraceptives, anti-inflammatories), added to contamination from heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, etc.), causes in the long run a disorganization in the intestinal bacterial flora, which heavily undermines the mucosa’s integrity and its related defensive systems. In these conditions, the intestine falters in it ability to protect the organism, becoming vulnerable to the attack of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses.
Numerous viruses (Rotavirus, Adenovirus, etc.) and bacteria (Salmonella, Shigelles, Campylobactyer Yersinia Enterocolitica etc.) can attack the intestine, causing nausea, vomiting and, more frequently, diarrhea.
Symptoms generally complete their cycle within 12 – 24 hours, leaving the organism strongly debilitated due to the massive loss of liquids and mineral salts. In order to replicate, intestinal viruses usually exploit epithelial cells coating the surface of villi, destroying them.Until the damaged cells are replaced by new, mature cells, the absorbing capacity of villi is temporarily, totally lacking; faeces remain liquid and are expelled (diarrhea). Damaged epithelial cells release substances called cytokines that, by interacting with the immune system, trigger a set of inflammatory responses which accelerate intestinal peristalsis.
The outcome is an amplified excretion of liquid faecal mass, with an increase of diarrhea and diminution of digestive efficiency and absorbing power of the intestine. The organ suffers an actual shock. As regards bacterial infections, toxins coming from bacteria contained in polluted foods or drinks, which are a frequent vehicle of contamination, not only reduce the intestinal mucosa’s capacity to absorb water, but also stimulate the secretion of water and salts from the mucosa itself, causing a great loss of liquids and mineral salts.
The frequency with which an individual is prone to episodes of diarrhea caused by intestinal viruses and bacteria is a clear indication of an intestine in poor condition. More often than not, intestinal microflora is not sufficiently organized (intestinal dybsiosis), there is a lack of integrity in the mucosa and the local lymphatic tissue suffers from the general situation of imbalance.
Treatment of intestinal infections with conventional medicine
Conventional medicine resorts to the use of medicines that block diarrhoeic attacks, coupled with antibiotics to avoid proliferation of intestinal pathogens. Emergency therapy simply blocks the phenomenon drastically, slowing down the movement of fluids in the intestine; however, all these medicines are actually only palliatives,not entirely free from side effects, since they turn out to be either toxic or they cause constipation, sepsis, ischemic colitis or disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Use/abuse of antibiotics does not represent a resolutive approach frequently leading to sensitization besides causing the insurgence of problems related to bacterial resistance. Therefore, these two pharmacological therapies end up aggravating the situation of the intestine, exposing it to further problems. On the other hand, it is absolutely necessary to protect the organism from dehydration, particularly children and adults, so as to avoid further intestinal infections.
Hence, the importance of having valid alternatives available for the treatment of intestinal infections, whatever their origin, by resorting to plant extracts that respect intestinal physiology.
Nature helps you solve intestinal infections
A natural and effective approach
Solving intestinal infections requires both an emergency therapy (Phase 1) and a maintenance therapy (Phase 2). Once again, use of Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) can prove to be very useful, considering its efficacy for health purposes. Beneficial effects on the digestive tract (stomach and intestine) have been confirmed by numerous studies and applications.
GSE and intestinal infections
Grapefruit Seed Extract has broad spectrum antimicrobial efficacy : in fact, it has been proven by Laboratories and Institutes worldwide, including Italy, that GSE is active against over 800 bacterial strains (both Gram+ che Gram-), as well as against viruses and over 100 strains of yeasts and moulds. There is ample evidence, by now, confirming its validity, stating moreover that as for efficacy and rapidity of action, GSE is unequalled in nature.
More specifically , concerning microorganisms that most frequently attack intestinal mucosa, countless publications prove the fact that GSE is active on bacterial species such as Salmonella, Shigelles, Campylobactyer, Yersinia enterocolitica, etc., which are common and frequent causes of intestinal infections. Results obtained on the efficacy of GSE against viral strains are also encouraging, in particular those specifically causing intestinal infections, namely Rotavirus, Adenovirus, etc.
A study published in the “Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine” Vol.5 n° 3 of 1990, conducted in vitro and in vivo on intestinal microflora, proves the efficacy of GSE, used in different concentrations, towards pathogenic microorganisms; it also proves its “selectivity”, in that it does not have a significant, negative impact on Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Moreover, use of GSE does not cause the development of bacterial resistance.
Recent studies, carried out by a group of Polish researchers at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Krakow, who were verifying GSE’s capacity to exert protective action on the gastrointestinal mucosa, have reached the conclusion that GSE has a cytoprotective activity through the increase of PG2 endogenous prostaglandins, suppression of lipid peroxidation and increase of intramucosal blood flow mediated by sensory nerves’ release of nitric oxide.
All this, together with a heightened superoxide dismutase activity and release of gastrin, promotes the reparative activity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Thus, results obtained confirm the incredible cytoprotective role of GSE, revealing its ability to accelerate wound healings at gastrointestinal mucosa level. It not only protects… but also repairs!
For the above-mentioned reasons, GSE therefore represents the cornerstone of an extraordinarily effective approach against intestinal infestions. Its association and synergy with specific plant extracts enables to tackle the disorder with specific actions in 2 set phases:
PHASE 1:
- to counter and solve the problem of diarrhea using a product containing exclusively natural ingredients, capable of exerting a combined action that is at once astringent and “selectively” cleansing on the intestine;
- to integate intestinal microflora through intake of probiotics and plant active principles with an immunostimulant action.
PHASE 2:
Once the emergency phase is over, intake of a product that can continue the “selective” cleansing action, without exerting an astringent action, while reinforcing the natural defenses of the organism.
This approach, combined with a healthy lifestyle (in terms of diet, but not only), includes the use of natural remedies that are well known in folk tradition and the efficacy of which in providing a definitive solution has been confirmed by recent studies.
PHASE 1
1. To counter and solve the problem of diarrhea using a product containing exclusively natural ingredients, capable of exerting a combined action that is at once astringent and “selectively” cleansing on the intestine:
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: given its broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties, it is a natural remedy dealing with most causes of the problem.
Krameria: it contains up to 10% of cathetic tannins; used as an astringent, given the astringent properties in its tannic acid content, it does not cause any harmful side effects.
Carob: it contains a great quantity of mucilages (around 62%); often used in the therapeutic treatment of diarrhoeic enteritis, thanks to a threefold mechanism of action: physical, chemical and physico-chemical.
Oak: it contains a mixture of tannic compounds, mostly gallic and ellagic acids, in such quantity as to exert an energic astringent action, all the more strong according to how inflamed and hyperemic the tissue is. The same tannins exert a synergic antimicrobial activity.
Anserine: due to the high tannin content it is considered to have a marked astringent activity, as well as being bacteriostatic on dysenteric bacilli.
Black Bilberry: it offers an astringent action accompanied by a remarkable antiseptic activity and has proven efficacy towards Staphylococcus and Coli.
Cypress: bioflavonoids and diterpenoids in considerable quantities ensure an anti-inflammatory and astringent action.
Baobab: due to the high presence of tannins with astringent properties and mucilages, which are soothing and rehydrating, it is considered to be a radical treatment against diarrhea. Extremely rich in soluble fibres (20 – 30%) acting as a prebiotic on intestinal bacterial flora.
Hawthorn: it contains a complex set of active principles; in this case its antidiarrheal, astringent, sedative and hypotensive properties are exploited, useful in diarrheas of nervous origin.
Alchemilla vulgaris: generally employed for internal use in inflammatory forms, it exerts an astringent, protective action.
Agrimony: it contains a fair amount of tannic substances with an astringent effect; besides, its salicylates exert an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
All these plant ingredients are best conveyed in tablets.
2 - To integate intestinal microflora through intake of probiotics and plant active principles with an immunostimulant action…
Nature can help you with…
Triad of probiotic bacteria: to provide adequate colonisation of the whole intestine, from small to large intestine, contrasting intestinal dybiosis, with consequent rebalancing of the immune system. Probiotics indicated, for a total of not less than 3 billion cells, are in this case: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.Cultivated on topsoil, they are therefore naturally free from milk derivatives, and produced using integral cultivation systems, i.e. complete with supernatant fluid (a substance produced by beneficial bacteria during their growth on the culture medium). This fluid is composed by antimicrobial compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, acidophilin, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and immunostimulants; the supernatant works as a natural swab for probiotic bacteria, allowing them to survive gastric acids and provides all that’s needed for form colonies, as they remain in their natural environment.
Fructo-oligosaccharides: prebiotic fibres with a marked capacity to keep probiotics alive and stimulate colonisation of the colon by bifidobacteria.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: natural antibiotic action for direct action against pathogenic microorganisms and for selective intestinal cleansing, while fully respecting physiological bacterial flora.
Uncaria: a plant native to South America, the bark is used, proving to be powerfully effective as an immune system regulator. Its use leads to an increased resistance in the organism against infections and improves its response in case of illness.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni): useful in regulating the functioning and regeneration of cells and damaged cells, it simulates the production of T cells, which play a key role in destroying diseases and strengthening the immune system.
The ideal form of intake for such plant active constituents is represented by practial vials with measuring cap. Recommended does: one vial a day, to be taken on an empty stomach. For children, single use vials with patented cap, based on probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria tomentosa.
PHASE 2
Once the emergency phase is over, intake of a product that can continue the “selective” cleansing action, without exerting an astringent action, while reinforcing the natural defenses of the organism.
For a “selective” cleansing action …
Nature can help you with…
Grapefruit Seed Extract: a natural and effective alternative to traditional antibiotics, when these are not strictly necessary. GSE has scientifically proven, broad spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic properties, as well as being effective against intestinal Candidiasis.
Echinacea: it slows down the spread of pathogenic germs, triggering a defensive mechanism against them while promoting the regenerative activity of tissues. For this reason, Echinacea preparations are considered effective in the treatment of septic conditions in infective pathologies;
Rhodiola rosea: it can heighten the organism’s resistance against toxins, increasing the level of enzymes, of RNA and proteins and is therefore capable of reducing recovery time following fatigue and prolonged diseases;
Uncaria tomentosa: it has a specific action in stimulating the immune system, increasing the number of lymphocytes and enhancing the reactivity of immunocompetent cells against antigens;
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia): with amply demonstrated antiviral properties, it is effective against bacteria and fungi and is a powerful stimulant of the immune system.
The ideal form of intake of such plant ingredients is represented by swallowable tablets, to be taken at the recommended doses, preferably before meals, for one month. Also available in the drinkable version for children: a 250 ml containing the same composition of the tablets.
To reinforce the organism’s natural defenses…
Nature can help you with…
Triad of probiotic bacteria: to provide adequate colonisation of the whole intestine, from small to large intestine, contrasting intestinal dybiosis, with consequent rebalancing of the immune system. Probiotics indicated, for a total of not less than 3 billion cells, are in this case: Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus.Cultivated on topsoil, they are therefore naturally free from milk derivatives, and using integral cultivation systems, i.e. complete with supernatant fluid (a substance produced by beneficial bacteria during their growth on the culture medium). This fluid is composed by antimicrobial compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and acidophilin, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants and immunostimulants; the supernatant works as a natural swab for probiotic bacteria, allowing them to survive gastric acids and provides all that’s needed for form colonies, as they remain in their natural environment.
Fructo-oligosaccharides: prebiotic fibres with a marked capacity to keep probiotics alive and stimulate colonisation of the colon by bifidobacteria.
Grapefruit Seed Extract: natural antibiotic action for direct action against pathogenic microorganisms and for selective intestinal cleansing, while fully respecting physiological bacterial flora.
Uncaria: a plant native to South America, the bark is used, proving to be powerfully effective as an immune system regulator. Its use increases the organism’s resistance against infections and improves its response in case of illness.
Morinda citrifolia (Noni): useful in regulating function and regeneration of cells and damaged cells, it simulates the production of T cells that play a key role in destroying diseases and strengthening the immune system.
The ideal form of intake for such plant active ingredients is represented by practial vials with measuring cap. Recommended does: one vial a day, to be taken on an empty stomach. For children, single use vials with patented cap, based on probiotics (B. infantis, B. longum, L. Rhamnosus), fructo-oligosaccharides, GSE, Astragalus and Uncaria tomentosa.
DIETARY ADVICE
TIMING REQUIRED FOR THE DIET: AT LEAST 1 MONTH (START DIET ONLY ONCE THE ACUTE EPISODE OF DIARRHEA IS OVER)
FOODS TO AVOID
- Simple sugars (white sugar, glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, sorbitol, mannitol, lactose,
galactose, maple syrup, agave juice, honey, molasses) - Foods that are rich in yeast and moulds (in other words, all fermented foodstuffs: bread, pizza, sweets or other baker’s wares, cheese, vinegar, beer, alcohol, soy sauce)
- Milk, dairy products and foods to which you are intolerant or allergic
- Sweetened drinks, packaged food, preserved food, refined food
FOODS TO CONSUME WITH CAUTION
- Refined cereals (pasta and glazed rice), potatoes, chips, corn, popcorn , whole cane sugar, red meat
- Whole cane sugar (only if necessary)
- Foodstuffs that cause flatulence (subject to personal sensitivity: legumes, potatos, maize, carrots, artichokes, onions, cauliflower, raisins, apricots, plums, chestnuts)
RECOMMENDED FOODS
- Vegetables, if tolerated (preferably seasonal vegetables, bearing in mind the cleansing action carried out on the intestine by garlic)
- Fruit (possibly seasonal and if well tolerated), Whole grain cereals and pasta (spelt, kamut, rice, quinoa, etc.)
- Fish, white meat (preferably organic) & oleaginous seeds (nuts, almonds, sesame, sunflower)
DRINKS
Drink at least two litres of water, away from meals and at ambient temperature, daily, choosing water with fixed residue levels below 50 mg/L and with pH lying between 6 and 7.
Red cranberry juice has proven to be particularly active against intestinal viruses.
GENERAL ADVICE
Avoid use of medicines unless strictly necessary (in particular antibiotics, cortisone-based medicines, antidepressants and contraceptives). Avoid use of laxatives. Do daily exercise (at least a half an hour walk). Avoid anxiety and stress as much as possible.
