Questions & Answers

How can you benefit from Sofica?

Researchers are discovering more and more about how good bacteria may provide health benefits by altering the intestinal microflora and supporting intestinal function. Though benefits vary depending on the type of bacteria used and the amount consumed, experts agree that daily consumption of those bacteria is most beneficial.

Digestive Irregularity

Are you going days between bowel movements?  Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the United States, with about 3 million people reporting being affected frequently. Research has shown that regular daily consumption of the probiotic organisms in Sofica may optimize the function of the gastrointestinal tract by shortening intestinal transit time, which improves regularity.

 

Colon Health

Health issues related to the colon is the second most common chronic digestive health issues in the United States. Though many risk factors have been studied, including genetics and environmental factors, many researchers believe that interactions between diet, the intestinal microflora and the cells in the lining of the colon are the key to what causes these chronic digestive issues.  Unfavorable changes in the intestinal microflora, sometimes caused by changes in the diet, may set the stage for the development of chronic digestive issues.  Regular, daily consumption of Sofica may help maintain a healthy intestinal microflora and promote a healthy environment. Another theory for the cause of chronic digestive issues is that prolonged exposure to harmful compounds in the colon may trigger the process. Although the research is not conclusive and more research is needed, Sofica may be beneficial for several major intestinal functions. Animal and laboratory studies have found that good bacteria may reduce the formation of these harmful compounds in colon cells and may actually bind to these compounds, rendering them less harmful.

 

Digestive Instability
Going to the bathroom too often?  There are many causes of diarrhea, with bacterial and viral infections being among the most common. However, diarrhea often occurs when the intestinal microflora becomes unbalanced. This can happen temporarily, for example, when antibiotics are prescribed to fight an infection and “good” bacteria are destroyed along with the bad. Doctors suggested as far back as the early 20th century that live bacterial cultures, such as those found in Sofica, might restore the microfloral balance in the intestines and offer benefits for diarrhea sufferers.

 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
More than 1 million people in the United States suffer from IBD, a painful and debilitating chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. The two most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Currently there is no cure. Studies have found higher than normal levels of “bad” bacteria in the intestinal tracts of people with IBD and there is growing evidence that the intestinal microflora plays an important role in the development of IBD. Therefore, supplementing the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria such as those found in Sofica can support a natural and healthy bacteria balance to support digestive health. 

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS involves a problem with how the muscles in the intestines work, coupled with heightened pain perception in the colon. It is typically characterized by gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Some studies have shown that an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the intestine may be an important factor in the development of symptoms for some people with IBS.

 

Immune Function and Natural Defense Systems
Your body has its own natural defense mechanisms against invading bacteria and viruses, collectively known as the immune system. While you may be familiar with some aspects of your body’s disease-fighting capabilities, you may be surprised to find out that approximately 70% of your body’s immune system is located in the digestive tract, where specialized cells play an incredibly important role as a first line of defense against invading bacteria. Research suggests that good bacteria may have a beneficial action on the intestinal microflora, the functioning of the intestinal lining and regulation of critical components of the immune system such as antibodies and natural killer cells.

The microflora that occupies the lining of the intestinal tract also acts as a physical barrier. Regular taking Sofica helps to support a natural healthy balance of friendly bacteria to reinforce this barrier and maintain intestinal health.

 

Lactose Sensitivity
Thirty million Americans are sensitive lactose (milk sugar), meaning their bodies don’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.  Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, which may begin about 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking foods that contain lactose. Because of the good bacteria found in Sofica, it can help alleviate some of the mild symptoms associated with lactose sensitivity.  Research suggests the probiotic organisms such as those found in Sofica can reduce lactose content in food by “predigesting” some of the lactose, metabolizing it to lactic acid.

 

Other Benefits
Allergies, infections, reduction in blood cholesterol levels and control of high blood pressure are other areas that are currently being investigated for the potential health benefits of probiotic organisms such as those found in Sofica.

What are the good bacteria vs bad bacteria?

The complex ecosystem of bacteria that lives in your intestinal tract is called the intestinal microflora. You’re not born with this intestinal bacterial ecosystem in place. It begins to develop after birth and becomes more sophisticated once food is introduced. But the character of the intestinal microflora is not constant; the types and number of bacteria are influenced by several factors including stress, antibiotics, illness, aging and your diet. Research suggests that when the intestinal microflora is out of balance (not enough friendly bacteria), it may affect your overall health.

 

There are over 400 types of bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract. You actually have about ten times the number of bacteria in your intestinal tract as you do cells in your entire body (about 100 trillion bacteria cells total). Most of these bacteria are not harmful; in fact, some are beneficial and are important for normal human growth and development. Some bacteria, however, can cause disease. Under normal circumstances, the “good” bacteria far outnumber the bad and any shift in the balance of “good” or “friendly” to “bad” bacteria may affect how well your gastrointestinal tract functions.