What are they?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines them as ‘living microbes, that when utilized in appropriate quantities confer positive health benefits to their consumers.”

What do they do?

Science is still learning how they work, and each species may work differently from one another. The National Institute of Health (NIH) helped to map the normal bacteria that live in and on us, the microbiome. Now that they know that they are studying the changes in this microbiome that may cause disease. As probiotics metabolize, they may produce metabolites that provide other health benefits to the body. There is research in this area going on now. These metabolites are called Next Generation Probiotics (NPGs). Initially probiotics were considered a food product but now they are being studied as possible medicines and, in the future, may be regulated by the FDA.

How do I know if I need them?

There is a long list of reasons to take probiotics including: diarrhea, bloating, constipation, C diff infection, IBS, traveler’s diarrhea, diverticulosis, infant colic, and gum disease. Some even say they are good for acne, atopic dermatitis and menopausal issues. There are some conditions where probiotics can be harmful so, please if you have any health conditions such as immune compromised, check with your health care provider before starting any supplement. As I stated earlier these products can produce metabolites as they metabolize and some of those may be harmful.

Where do I get them?

The first place to get them is from food. Think yogurt, cheeses like gouda, cheddar, Swiss and parmesan. Other good sources are sour kraut, miso and pickles. After food it’s supplements. Don’t run out to the drug store and buy the cheapest one you see. You need to be careful about what you pick. Regardless of the species, probiotics need to be kept moisture free. They should be individually foil packed or in an amber glass bottle. You also need to look for high live culture counts. Check the expiration date and the storage recommendation. Some probiotics need to be refrigerated after opening.
As always, I recommend pharmaceutical grade supplements. These are certified to have in them what they say they do and can only be purchased from a health care professional. I will place a link at the end of this article for your convenience.

What genus, species, or strain do I need?

First let’s define these terms. Genus is the family, species is a member of the immediate family, and a strain is a member of the species. For example, Lactobacillus=genus, acidophilus=species and probiotics are the strains. One genus may produce many strains. Different strains may produce different results.
There are three main probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces.
Lactobacillus occurs naturally in the gut and other places in the body. As a probiotic it may promote good bacteria to multiply and help with digestion, vaginal infections, immune function, and possibly help to reduce cholesterol.
Bifidobacterium is also found in the gut. It helps to produce lactic acid which prevents bacterial overgrowth. It may also help to produce vitamins like thiamine, folic acid, biotin, nicotinic acid and others.
Saccharomyces increases the production of digestive enzymes. These enzymes help to break down dietary sugars. Its main use is to treat leaky gut and to treat or prevent diarrhea.
So how do you know which strain you should take? Choose based on your symptoms or the outcome you are looking for. If you are on antibiotics, for example, you might choose one that prevents diarrhea.
Some brands mix strains, these may not be the best choice. More may not be better. Many strains have not been clinically studied and may do more harm than good or do nothing at all.
There is so much research out there that I could go on for days about these products. I’ve tried to give you the basics but if you want more information or have questions, I would be happy to help you. You can contact me at

SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com

To purchase pharmaceutical grade vitamins or supplements visit the following site.
Http:/www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas

I may receive a small commission if you purchase from this site.

#muchmorethanjustvitamins

What is it?

NAC is short for N-Acetyl Cysteine. It is not an essential nutrient, (our body does not produce it). We must get it from food or supplements, but it is an amino acid that is necessary for the production of glutathione, an antioxidant. We cannot survive without glutathione.

What does it do?

• Respiratory: NAC main use is to clear mucus in the respiratory system. Think Cystic Fibrosis in children.
• COPD: It may thin the mucus and help with elasticity of the lungs. Studies are ongoing.
• Acetaminophen overdose: If used in the first 8 hours it may prevent liver damage by stopping the formation of a metabolite that is toxic to the liver.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): According to Health Match, NAC binds to glutamate. Glutamate is an “excitatory” neurotransmitter, which can be elevated in OCD. This binding effect decreases the amount of glutamate available in the system. It may also help to increase some other chemical transmitters.

• Stress: The antioxidant properties of NAC help to lower stress levels by reducing the amount of reactive oxygen molecules (ROS). These molecules can build up and may damage DNA, RNA, and result in cell death. The more common name for these molecules is “free radicals”.

• Liver & kidney health: May help to detoxify the liver and slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end stage renal disease (ESRD), due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Eyes: Retinitis Pigmentosa; this eye disease is inherited and rare. It usually begins in childhood. Vision is decreased in low light and at night. It also may cause tunnel vision. The study is looking to see if NAC may slow progression of this disease.

• Exercise: Some studies show that NAC may reduce the time to fatigue in prolonged excersice

How do I know if I need it?

As always, check with your health care provider before starting any new vitamin or supplement; however, if you have Chronic bronchitis or other chronic respiratory issues, if you have liver problems, or if you have mental health issues, or chronic inflammation NAC may be for you.


How much do I need?
The dosage of NAC is dependent on several factors, including weight, age, and general health. The dose ranges between 600mg to 1200mg. Start low, go slow! Too much can cause, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, itching, eye irritation, skin swelling, or wheezing.

Where do I get it?

I you are following my blog you know that I never recommend that you buy drug store OTC vitamins or supplements, due to non-regulation of these products by the FDA. I only recommend pharmaceutical grade products. I use a company named Xymogen. They are certified to have in them what they say they do, and they are made here in the USA. They are only available through a health care professional. I will place a link for your convenience at the bottom of this page. Foods that are high in protein; meat, fish, seafood, chicken or turkey provide cysteine which the liver then processes into NAC.

What is a NAC Attack?

This is a Phase III Multicenter Randomized Parallel Double Masked Placebo-Controlled Study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Oral N-Acetylcysteine in Retinitis Pigmentosa.

If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com

Http:/www.wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas
I may receive a small commission if you purchase from this site.

#muchmorethanjustvitamins