Readers, you know that we're constantly on the lookout for books and products that will enhance your travel experience. This means a LOT of trial and error (and reading) in our house. One of the things that is most important when you travel is your health. Don't have it, bad experience. You'll probably be eating different foods, being exposed to different microorganisms, and different standards of cleanliness. Can't resist street food, diner food, farmer's markets, community festivals? Me neither. It's fairly common to have issues with your digestive system while traveling. One of the ways to overcome that is to take a high-quality, high-potency probiotic.

We were sent a review bottle of Dr. Shahani's Pro-Flora probiotics. All three of us took it, both at home and on our various travels this summer. After the first day that we tried it, we could tell that it was working.  It was pleasant tasting and easily chewable. Our digestive systems were in greater balance after a few days of the probiotics. On the road, eating differently wasn't a problem - the probiotics kept us healthy. Note: the bottle says to refrigerate after opening, which could be problematic on the road. However, we asked Dr. Shahani's Probiotics and were told that "they are very high potency so they will still be very effective without refrigeration."

We talked with Michael Shahani, director of operations for Nebraska Cultures and Dr. Shahani's Probiotics, about the product, how it works, and how it helps during travel.

WE: Please tell us about Dr. Shahani's Pro-Flora probiotics?

MS: Dr. Shahani’s Pro-Flora Adult Strength Chewable Probiotics are a convenient and tasty way to keep a healthy gut and maintain long-term wellness. The ingredients and probiotic strains in Pro-Flora chewables are ideal for treating:

Constipation
Diarrhea

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE digestive regularity, then Pro-Flora™ is for you. Everyone needs a healthy digestive system. The Pro-Flora™ formula provides maximum protection - it's just what your intestines ordered!

Dr. Shahani's Pro-Flora™ is formulated with two complementary probiotic strains - designed for optimal effectiveness. The DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus predominates in the small intestine, and Bifidobacterium bifidum colonizes in large numbers in the large intestine and colon. This combination works to maintain the best possible health and protection for the digestive system.

Pro-Flora™ is comprised of selectively isolated and especially cultured pure probiotic strains, which were researched for over four decades by Dr. Shahani, the most respected name in probiotic research. Each tablet contains 2.5 billion live organisms (CFU).

If you are one of the millions of Americans with poor digestive health, then start on the road to good health with Dr. Shahani's Pro-Flora™ probiotic, you will feel the difference!

Benefits of Pro-Flora™ chewable probiotic tablets (based on documented research):

All the benefits of Dr. Shahani's brand of the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus, plus:
Helps digest proteins and carbohydrates
Enhances immune response
Aids in the alleviation of 'traveler's diarrhea' and constipation
Assists in the production of B-vitamins
Supports liver function
Crowds out bad bacteria in the intestines

POTENCY
2.5 billion live Colony Forming Units (CFU) of probiotic bacteria per capsule at time of manufacture. The DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus 50%, B. bifidum 50%.

GROWTH MEDIUM
Enzyme-modified vegetable and/or dairy protein based medium fortified with natural proteoses, peptones, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, enzymes and growth promoting and stabilizing constituents.

DOSAGE
To be taken orally. Take 1 tablet 1-3 times daily with food. There is no Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for probiotic bacteria.

STABILITY
To insure potency and for best results, keep refrigerated. May be kept un-refrigerated for short periods of time (up to 4 weeks), but must be kept away from moisture, heat, light, and air. Use within one year from time of purchase.

Manufactured entirely in the USA

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

WE: How did you come up with the formulation?

MS: Dr. Shahani’s probiotics are all-natural dietary supplements containing the DDS-1 strain L. acidophilus and internationally recognized as the "Cadillac" of probiotic strains. They are unlike any other probiotic supplement on the market today and have been developed as the result of years of scientific research in probiotics.

Dr. Shahani's L. acidophilus is a valuable strain of probiotic because it is one of the only probiotics that can survive the stomach acids and bile salts of the digestive system. Once the probiotic is implanted in the intestinal wall, it can multiply many times over to bring the digestive system back into its microbial balance.

Dr. Shahani’s probiotics have been shown to alleviate various undesirable health conditions including:

Crohn’s Disease and IBS
Candida
Bloating
Constipation
Diarrhea
More

Dr. Shahani’s probiotics are manufactured and packaged under strict conditions, guaranteeing the highest level of quality to our customers.
Read about our manufacturing process »

Because of his pioneering research in the field of friendly bacteria or probiotics, Dr. Shahani is now respected as one of the most important figures in probiotic research.

WE:  How do you know when it is working?

MS: You will feel better! (See the effects below)

WE: How long does it take to start working?

MS: It is usually necessary to take probiotics for several days for any effects to show.  However, within 1-2 weeks, some results should be evident.

WE: What are the positive effects of taking these probiotics?

MS: Probiotics play a vital role in the healthy operation many of our body’s functions.  Here are some of the most common and well-researched problems that can benefit from probiotic supplementation:

Control Digestive Problems
Constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and symptoms of IBS are some of the most common gastrointestinal complaints in the U.S. Probiotic supplementation helps to build up a healthy supply of good bacteria in the intestine and can be an alternative to over-the-counter remedies. Probiotics are safe and effective at helping to treat these problems without side effects.

Enhances Weight Loss & Weight Maintenance Programs
In Dr. Shahani’s book, Cultivate Health from Within, he reveals research that shows that a major factor in maintaining ideal body weight is to make sure that your digestive system is functioning properly. A healthy digestive system increases energy and improves your metabolism.

Suppress Bad Bacteria
A safer and more effective way of eliminating bad bacteria in the body is by overpowering it with good bacteria. By supplementing with probiotics, there’s little room for unfriendly bacteria to settle in.

Produce natural antibiotic-like substances
In documented research, L. acidophilus DDS-1 has been shown to produce the natural antibiotic-like substance acidophilin, that kills pathogenic bacteria.  Just another reason why adding a probiotic supplement to your diet every day can help you maintain optimal health.

Inhibit Tumors and Carcinogenesis
In laboratory studies, the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus and L. bulgaricus have been shown to inhibit tumor growth and block the formation of carcinogenic compounds in the colon.

Fight yeast and fungal infections
Diets rich in sugar, cortisone and cortisone-like drugs, birth control pills, immunosuppressive drugs and antibiotics, have been major culprits in the "candida epidemic" of today. In Cultivate Health from Within, Dr. Shahani reveals studies that prove the ability of probiotics to stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body that combat candida yeast and fungal infections.

Enhance calcium metabolism
In laboratory studies, the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus has been shown to increase the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize calcium. This is an incredible advantage for individuals suffering from bone density loss such as osteoporosis and osteopenia.  This is also of great benefit for growing young adults and expectant mothers who need lots of calcium.

Improve Immune Function
Since the intestine is the body’s largest immune system organ, its ability to efficiently respond to immune attacks is directly related to its balance of healthy bacteria. Regular probiotic supplementation has been shown to maintain intestinal health and enhance natural immune system response by stimulating the body’s production of NK- and T-cells.

Reduce cholesterol in the blood
In Dr. Shahani’s book, Cultivate Health from Within, he reveals studies that show that the DDS-1 strain of L. acidophilus is a proven aid in the digesting of fats that contribute to the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood.  Consumption of the DDS-1strain of L. acidophilus has been associated with the lowering of LDL levels and the increasing of HDL levels in the blood.

Produce B vitamins naturally
L. acidophilus DDS-1 has been shown to produce B vitamins, which support and increase the rate of metabolism, help maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, and enhance nervous system function.  Vitamin B9, or Folic Acid, is essential for children, adults, and especially expectant mothers.

Reduces Skin Problems  (optional)
Probiotics have been shown to help alleviate skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

Help With Liver Function
By detoxifying the blood, B. bifidum and other probiotics help the liver to perform more efficiently and with less strain.

WE: Why is it important to take probiotics when you travel?

MS:  Helps your immune system, helps keeps you “regular”, helps protect your body from any new bad bacteria it might be exposed to.

WE: Thanks so much, Michael. I definitely saw a difference when we were taking these probiotics.

For more information, please see:

nebraskacultures.com

drshahani.com

Note: We received a review bottle of Dr. Shahani's® Probiotics. Thank you!