The 21st century has seen a revolution in how we view bacteria. We now understand that gut microflora dictates many aspects of our health status from digestive regularity and metabolic function to even mental health. At the same time, we are realizing that our microbiome is affected by changes in the external environment such as diet, geography, stress response and many kinds of medication. Human clinical trials are finding that targeted probiotic strains can have potent health effects. For instance, supplementation with specific probiotic blends can provide positive outcomes for individuals suffering from mood disorders and mania. Other trials have demonstrated benefits in those with metabolic dysfunction and weight gain. One mechanism that may explain these widespread benefits is the ability for bacteria to modulate the immune system and inflammatory pathways. Many human trials have documented the effect of probiotic therapy for alleviating intestinal inflammation, normalizing gut mucosal dysfunction and down-regulating hypersensitivity reactions. Multi-Strain 11 contains a broad range of strain specific probiotics with well researched effects on balancing the immune system, including Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Lactobacillus salivarius is known for its ability to effectively upregulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and modulate the human intestinal epithelial cell response to enteric pathogens. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on the other hand, is best known for the prevention of atopic conditions such as eczema, and allergic rhinitis. In fact, a reduced risk of eczema in high-risk children has been noted after Lactobacillus rhamnosus supplementation in women during and after gestation. These preventative effects were found to extend beyond infancy when researchers followed up four years later. Other clinical trials have shown that Lactobacillus rhamnosus can positively balance Th1 and Th2 immunity, and improve tolerance to cow’s milk. Multi-Strain 11 is Cyto-Matrix’s multistrain probiotic containing 9 different strains and a guaranteed 11 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per vegetable capsule. Over 70% of the probiotics found in Multi.Strain 11 are Lactobacillus rhamnosus, making the formula particularly indicated for the healthy balance of the immune system, the prevention and treatment of atopic concerns such as allergies and eczema, as well as common digestive complaints such as flatulence and bloating. Over a decade of clinical use by Canadian integrative healthcare practitioners has made Multi.Strain 11 one of the most trusted probiotic formulations in the country with strong anecdotal evidence to support its use. Multi-Strain 11 has been formulated with an enteric-coated vegetable capsule to ensure that each probiotic strain survives the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. Multi-Strain 11 is also entirely free from fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). FOS is typically added to probiotic supplements as a prebiotic, yet many patients report worsening gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence and bloating. Given that Multi.Strain 11 is FOS-free, this product is also safe for use in individuals following a low FODMAP diet.
