Much of overall wellness is correlated to gut function and the balance of the gut biome (the ecosystem of microbes in the GI tract). When these areas are not addressed, pets can often develop a number of challenging health conditions:
- Gut issues: Diarrhea, Constipation, IBS, Leaky Gut
- Digestive/Enzymatic issues: Malnutrition, Low Energy, Pancreatitis
- Immune issues: Allergies, Inflammation
At Nusentia, we have a long history of helping pet owners effectively address the gut and overall wellness and by proxy the conditions listed above, through our two main products Probiotic Miracle® and Enzyme Miracle®.
Gut Health: The Key to Immune Function
From birth on, the digestive tract of our animals undergoes “colonization” by an amazingly diverse array of microbes, which becomes the base GI flora. Depending on genetics, diet, and other factors this base can be favorable for heath or can be problematic, and result in a lifetime of inadequate to poor health.
Yes, the early days of life are extremely important in establishing this healthy GI Flora base, but it’s important to note that the base is not static—diet, stress, lifestyle, and other factors can change the balance of the gut flora during a lifetime.
Knowledge is power, so here is what you need to know:
1. Understand the role of “healthy bacteria”
To have a healthy GI Flora base it has to be predominantly colonized (inhabited) by what are known as “healthy bacteria.” These are the microbes that are known to produce beneficial effects for the body. For example, these bacterial do the following:
- Facilitate the absorption of minerals
- Digest certain sugars and proteins
- Prevent yeast overgrowth
- Manufacture vitamins
- Compete against pathogenic microbes (harmful bacteria) for colonization
- Strengthen the lining of the gut to help block dangerous pathogens, toxins, and allergens
- Stimulate the immune system by increasing T-cells, producing natural antibiotics and antifungals
2. The Gut/Immune connection as a foundation for a lifetime of good health
It is said that 75% of immunity is established in the gut, specifically the gut mucosal system, which strengthens the lining of the gut and helps to produce defenders (antibodies) against pathogens. This is especially beneficial when we consider that some of the most common ailments that pets suffer from are immune related, such as food allergies and inflammatory conditions (IBS, skin conditions, etc). This improved gut lining foundation would make a pet much less susceptible to these problems.
3. Probiotics are the best way to establish a healthy base of GI Flora
Probiotics are “healthy bacteria.” The word literally means “pro-life.” These have been classified as such due to studies showing their properties and functions within the body. The best probiotics for pets are the ones that actually contain species that are found in pets (as opposed to human formulations).
Probiotic Miracle® is a sophisticated formula that was designed specifically for your pet. The science behind Probiotic Miracle makes it a unique fit for animals and the ideal supplement to support a healthy gut.
Enzymes: Improved Digestion and More
We all know that digestive enzymes can work wonders for pets that need the assistance; especially aged pets or those with compromised digestion. But there is an emergence of scientific indicators showing enzymes to have systemic benefits that go beyond digestion.
Enzymes are reaching beyond the stomach, and science is now studying their systemic mechanisms. Systemic enzymes tend to be positioned for condition specific use: anti-inflammatory issues, joint health and cardiovascular health. Systemic enzymes are predominantly protease enzymes. There are multiple proteases (such as those found in Enzyme Miracle™ protease 6.0, bromelain, peptidase, protease 4.5, and protease 3.0) that can be both digestive and systemic in nature.
Proteases and the Immune System
In the immune system, enzymes are prized for their ability to break down proteins—many would-be pathogens, such as bacteria and the outer shell of viruses, are protein-based. Proteases can break down such protein invaders to the body, but they can also help activate immune cells.
Go Beyond Digestion-with a Broad Spectrum Enzyme
Our approach at Nusentia is to provide an enzyme formula that not only is spot on in addressing digestive burden and maximizing nutrition, but also to provide systemic benefit. The formula is chalked fill of a variety of proteases, and other supporting enzymes designed to provide optimal health for the pet.
Depending on issues facing your pet they may need to use one or the other of these two products. Many of our pet owners over the years use the combo (see Miracle Pack below) of these to ensure wellness in their pets.
Here’s to the good health of your pet!
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References
Mucosal immunity and chronic idiopathic enteropathies in dogs. Fogle JE, Bissett SA
Compend Contin Educ Vet. 2007 May;29(5):290-302; quiz 306. Review.
Vet Microbiol. 2009 Oct 20;139(1-2):106-12. Epub 2009 May 19. Portrait of a canine probiotic Bifidobacterium-from gut to guy
A dynamic partnership: celebrating our gut flora". Anaerobe 11 (5): 247–51. doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2005.05.001
Björkstén B, Sepp E, Julge K, Voor T, Mikelsaar M (October 2001). "Allergy development and the intestinal microflora during the first year of life". J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 108 (4): 516–20. doi:10.1067/mai.2001.118130
Guarner F, Malagelada JR (February 2003). "Gut flora in health and disease". Lancet 361 (9356): 512–9. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12489-0.
Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2012 Apr 15;146(2):185-9. doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2012.02.013. Epub 2012 Mar 1.
Early exposure to probiotics in a canine model of atopic dermatitis has long-term clinical and immunological effects. R, Santoro D, Ahrens K.