Supplement Facts

Here’s a frightening thought. A growing percentage of our population is living with frequent or even daily stomach discomfort. Unfortunately, many of these same people become accustomed to these uncomfortable conditions. As a result, their willingness to accept their situation and do absolutely nothing becomes the norm. If not confronted during the early stages, however, the results can be disastrous.

Millions of Americans live with agonizing stomach discomfort. It’s just that simple. But what most of us fail to realize, is that overuse of popular NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium often creates more problems than it resolves. Over time, these popular, inexpensive and easily obtained NSAIDS can take a toll on the lining of the human stomach. This results in a gradual erosion that may permit acid and bacteria to penetrate into the most delicate layers of the stomach.

Many believe that stress is a major culprit. And while it’s true that stress can aggravate previously ignored stomach lining challenges, it is not the only factor responsible for the compromised integrity of this delicate tissue. Rather, excessive and long-term consumption of NSAIDS in addition to an unhealthy buildup of gastrointestinal bacteria can be far more threatening.

Under episodes of stress, normal immune function becomes less responsive, thus preventing the body from warding off bacteria. One such bacteria of primary concern is Helicobacter pylori. By weakening the protective mucous lining of the stomach, h. Pylori allows acid to penetrate the stomach’s mucous membrane and erode the sensitive inner lining. Researchers are still trying to determine how this bacterial infection is contracted, but do know that nearly 20% of people under 40, and almost half of those over 60 carry it. Temporary relief often comes in the form of antacids and antibiotics, but these can disrupt normal digestion and harm essential stomach acids that serve as immune barriers in the support of beneficial bacteria.

New Ulcetrol™ from NOW® includes PepZin GI™ from Lonza, a patented form of zinc-carnosine that has shown great promise in enhancing normal digestive function. To increase its activity, we’ve included a powerful base of synergistic compounds to help provide superior stomach lining protection.*

Powerful ingredients yield powerful protection

PepZin™ GI

10/6/04

LIKELY USER: People with digestive discomfort; People who may have been exposed to H. pylori; People under a lot of stress; People over 45 years old; 20% of the US population have ulcers (80% of them have elevated levels of H. Pylori)

KEY INGREDIENT(S):PepZin GITM (Patented Zinc-carnosine blend); Mastic gum; Slippery Elm bark; Calcium carbonate

MAIN BENEFITS: “Strengthens stomach walls”; Helps the body maintain an environment hostile to H. pylori, to support a healthy stomach and digestive tract lining; May relieve GI discomfort and heartburn.

OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES: FDA approved new ingredient. The ingredient is a coordination complex of zinc with dipeptide L-carnosine; Natural alternative to current digestive aids; Supported by abundant human and animal data.

The loss of the stomach lining is a key factor in succumbing to overloads of H. Pylori, and this loss is made worse by NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which are reportedly the second largest cause of ulcers in this country. NSAIDS include aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. The loss of the protective stomach lining allows stomach acid to damage the stomach wall itself, leading to ulcers forming. The traditional method of treating this is by using antacids and antibiotics, which disrupt the normal digestion and the protection of the GI tract from pathogens which are not harmed by an antibiotic. Additionally, stomach acid and beneficial bacteria are both immune barriers that can be harmed by this treatment.

PepZin GI™ works by supporting mucus secretions in the stomach to protect the stomach wall by protecting the integrity of the stomach lining. It also acts as an antioxidant, providing additional protection of the mucosal cells that protect the stomach lining. Zinc inhibits the growth of H. Pylori. PepZin GI ™ also protects the stomach from damage caused by taking NSAIDS. PepZin GI™ also protects the mucosal wall of the large intestine and provides some SOD-like antioxidant activity.

This synergistic formula adds calcium carbonate for a mild antacid effect and slippery elm bark powder for its soothing effect on the mucus membranes, protecting them from the effects of stomach acid. Mastic gum is used for reported effects on H. Pylori and healing of stomach walls.

DOSE: 2 per day, in divided doses

References

Did you know that poor digestive function is a contributing factor in more than ninety percent of America's serious health issues?! The waiting rooms of doctors are jam packed, in part because so many people are suffering with gastrointestinal problems. The medical establishment and alternative health and wellness practitioners don't always agree, but both sides are certain that a healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of good health. Proteins, the building blocks of life; carbohydrates and fats, your body’s source of energy; vitamins and minerals; and water – all are assimilated through digestion. If you’re not properly digesting the foods you eat, your body isn’t obtaining the nutrients it needs to repair, renew and thrive. Without the raw materials it needs to repair the damage we do to ourselves every day, your body begins to break down, leading to poor health and accelerated aging ^2,3.

While there are a multitude of factors involved in healthy digestive function, one of the most important is the delicate balance of bacteria found in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There are three main types of flora in the human GI tract - Bifidobacteria, Bacteroides and Eubacterium. Of slightly less importance are Lactobacilli, Streptococci and Peptococci and other transitory flora¹. Our stomachs and intestines are populated by hundreds of billions of these bacteria, or microflora. Amazingly, there are more probiotic organisms in our gut than there are cells in our bodies! That’s a lot of bacteria, but it’s GOOD bacteria, and each strain has specific functions in the human body. These bacteria aid the digestion of food and have protective qualities that contribute to good colon health. While a good balance of these different microflora is necessary, there are many factors that can, and do, disrupt this balance –certain medications, a poor diet, infection, stress, bad bacteria, aging and even the climate. The good news is a rapidly expanding body of research suggests that supplementing the diet with the right mix of microflora can have a beneficial affect on gastrointestinal function, and therefore overall health.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a well-studied microflora species that’s highly resistant to gastric acidity and is able to proliferate in the presence of bile. Like many probiotic organisms, it also adheres well to intestinal cells, helping to prevent the adherence of certain enteropathogens⁵.

Lactobacillus casei is a microflora strain that is found in the human mouth and intestines as well as in fermented vegetables, milk and meat. Recent research has shown that this bacterium is active in the GI tract and may help to modulate the immune system*. Research is continuing into this very promising probiotic.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, is highly resistant to gastric acidity and proliferates well in bile. It, too, adheres well to intestinal cells. We’ve included this particular strain because it works extremely well with L. acidophilus.

Lactobacillus salivarius is a strain that has proven highly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial species implicated in a number of digestive conditions. Studies have shown that L. salivarius is capable of producing high amounts of lactic acid, which has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth in live subjects. Compared to other Lactobacillus strains, L. salivarius was proven to have the greatest inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H. pylori,⁴ which is why this strain is included in Gr8-Dophilus™.

Streptococcus thermophilus bacterium are isolated from yogurt and are recommended for lactose intolerant individuals to help digest lactose in the intestines. This strain is included in this formula to assist in the acidification of the intestinal environment, as well as to create a favorable environment for lactic acid bacteria.

Bifidobacterium bifidum is one of the workhorses of the large intestine. It has a high tolerance to gastric acidity, and, like L. acidophilus and many other probiotic organisms, it adheres well to intestinal cells, helping to prevent the adherence of certain enteropathogens⁵.

Bifidobacterium longum is a bifidobacterium of human origin that, like lactobacillus, is extremely resistant to gastric acid and bile salts. Because it’s anaerobic (able to live without oxygen) it’s perfectly suited to colonize the colon. Initial studies have shown that this particular strain of bifidobacteria helps to support the immune system*. It also seems to decrease enzymatic activity in feces. Researchers believe enzymatic activity in feces may contribute to carcinogenesis.

Bifidobacterium lactis is one of the most well-studied strains of probiotic bacteria, with a wealth of peer-reviewed, published research on its benefits. Clinical trials on B. lactis have shown it to be helpful in a number of digestive conditions, including diarrhea and lactose intolerance, as well as immune response modulation.⁵

References

1. Brudnak, Mark A.; The Probiotic Solution: Nature’s Best-Kept Secret for Radiant Health, Dragon Door Publications, 2003
2. Various Authors; Functional Foods: Designer Foods, Pharmafoods, Nutraceuticals, Edited by Israel Goldberg; Chapman & Hall, Inc.; 1994
3. Tortora, Gerard J. & Grabowski, Sandra Reynolds; Principles of Anatomy and Physiology – Seventh Edition; Harper Collins, 1993
4. Drisko, J. et. al. Probiotics in health maintenance and disease prevention, Alternative Medicine Review, May, 2003
5. Playne, M. & Salminen, S. Health Benefits of Probiotics: Human studies and clinical trials, Nutrafoods, 2002