The Healthy Gut and Metabolism Benefits of Plexus Slim®

What’s better than falling in love with a health product tailor-made just for you? Finding one that loves you back!

That’s why so many people have a strong affection for Plexus Slim®. It’s a delicious, low-calorie supplement, packed with the essentials to encourage a healthy gut and metabolism. And…that’s simply the beginning!*

GOTTA LOVE A HEALTHY GUT*

There’s a reason why a Google search for “How important is having a healthy gut?” yields 978,000 results. The term “healthy gut,” is no mere buzz term. The reason the subject is so popular is the increasing awareness of the importance of balance in the gastrointestinal system. Harmony in the gut can lead to better immune health and overall health.

We conducted a recent highly advanced, in vitro study to further investigate Slim’s ability to mimic the human gastrointestinal system. The discovery—that Slim’s powerful microbiome activating formula produced incredible results!

Slim supports healthy gut function by showing love to your gut microbes.◊*

Many gut microbes (despite the perhaps less-loveable name), work to promote positive gut health.  Bacteria can often receive a “bad wrap,” but good microbiota bacteria inside our gut is vital in processes such as digestion, producing essential vitamins, and regulating the immune system.

Over time, dietary and environmental influences and alterations have caused gut microbiota to become (not surprisingly) unbalanced. To remedy these shifts, our bodies benefit from the love of microbiome activating supplements, like Slim, that help to restore balance to the gut.*

RESTORING BALANCE WITH A LITTLE TLC

There are several aspects of Slim that help support healthy gut balance, including the powerful microbiome activating formula that was shown to increase Lactobacillus by 365 times and Bifidobacterium by 290 times. These microbes that contribute to your overall health work in tandem with Slim’s clinically studied XOS prebiotic.◊*

The results are beneficial indeed, but Slim offers even more TLC when it comes to encouraging positive immune and digestive health.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF YOUR METABOLISM

In addition to providing support for optimal gut health, Slim also contains a microbiome activating formula that can have a positive effect on metabolism. In the in vitro study, it was shown to increase Butyrate by up to 58 percent and Propionate by up to 29 percent. Both are short-chain fatty acids that help to regulate your metabolism.◊*

In addition, chlorogenic acid (from Slim’s green coffee bean extract) can support healthy glucose metabolism.*

A TASTE YOU’LL ADORE

In addition to the numerous health benefits of Slim, the mere 5 calories per serving, combined with no artificial colors or flavors is sure to capture your affection. And, who can argue with the delicious raspberry-lemon-watermelon taste?

Finally! A health product that returns your fondness by showing you love in 30-single serve packets ready to help you on your journey to health and happiness.

♢ The results of an in vitro human gut simulator study suggest that Slim’s formula may have several beneficial effects. Further research, including research conducted in humans, is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

References

https://www.bcm.edu/departments/molecular-virology-and-microbiology/research/the-human-microbiome-project

https://plexusslim.com/

Trust Your Gut

Could it be that there’s more behind the old saying “You are what you eat,” than originally meets the eye?

Well...yes, actually. When it comes to the friendly microbial neighbors living in your gut, this statement takes on a whole new meaning. Because, really, you are what they eat. Let’s talk the differences between prebiotics and probiotics, and why nurturing your microbiome is so important.1

A HAPPY HOME FOR YOUR MICROBIOME

By now, you’ve probably learned quite a bit about the trillions of microscopic organisms that call your digestive tract home–aka, your microbiome. The human microbiome is one of the hottest areas of scientific research.

Studies are pouring in as scientists rush to reveal the hidden mysteries of our tiny tummy companions—and what we’re learning is pretty darn amazing! For example—did you know that your microbiome can affect your mood? Or that an imbalanced gut can contribute to GI issues like discomfort and bloating? Or that a poor diet, misuse of antibiotics, stress, poor sleep, excess sugar, and many other things can lead to a condition of imbalanced flora, known as dysbiosis?

Fun fact: The microbiome has even caught the attention of NASA, which funds the Astronaut Microbiome Project. This project studies how living in space (aboard the International Space Station) affects our gut microbes, and the impact this has on the human immune system.2

We’ve learned so much about the role our microbial friends—and foes—play. And, although we’ve just scratched the surface, study after study links the microbiome to your overall health and well-being.3,4,5

So where do probiotics and prebiotics fall into the mix? Let’s take a closer look!

ALL ABOUT PROBIOTICS

Your microbiome is a delicate ecosystem that’s susceptible to the slightest changes to your diet, stress levels, and even routine.

These changes can be for the better, or worse. It depends on what you’re doing.

Probiotics benefit your microbiome by planting more of the good bacteria strains–such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium–right where you need them. Think of these little gut warriors as extra recruits you’re calling in for duty.

Each day, your friendly gut microbes are up against brutal odds, fighting for food and space in order to survive. Probiotics contain live bacteria cultures that can help tip those odds in your favor, and they can easily be found in foods you eat, as well as nutritional supplements.6,7

Right this way…

If you’re looking to add more probiotics to your diet, you can find them in many fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, pickles, kefir, kimchi, miso, yogurt, and some cheeses. Apple cider vinegar and kombucha are also good sources.

Since fermented foods may not be something you plan to eat daily, taking a probiotic supplement can also help you fill in the gaps. Keep in mind, probiotic bacteria can be killed by heat, stomach acid, or by simply expiring over time.

To get the most from your probiotic supplements, be sure to follow the product care instructions. Store your probiotics in a cool and dry environment (some probiotics should even be refrigerated) and look for a “delayed release capsule” to ensure your probiotics won’t be destroyed by your stomach acid.

ALL ABOUT PREBIOTICS

Planting the seeds for a healthy microbiome is an excellent first step. But what should you do to nourish the friendly gut microbes you’ve already got? That’s where prebiotics come in!

Prebiotics themselves are nothing new. They’ve been around for as long as fruits, vegetables, and other fiber-rich foods have been on the menu. However, the term “prebiotic” wasn’t first used until the mid-1990s.8

These specialized plant fibers act like fertilizer for healthy gut microbes which use them as a food source. If you’d like to get a bit more technical, prebiotics are complex carbohydrates (aka Oligosaccharides) that can pass through the stomach and small intestine, where they can be utilized by microbes residing in your colon.9

Not all fiber is considered prebiotic. What sets prebiotics apart is that they can stimulate the growth and activity of intestinal bacteria, which can help promote health and well-being.5

There are several different types of prebiotic fibers, including Inulin, Oligosaccharides (OS), Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IOS), etc.10

On the road again…

Many of these prebiotic fibers can be found naturally in vegetables and fruits like chicory, garlic, leeks, onions, asparagus, green bananas, peas, soybeans, and more. Some can even be found in beans, lentils, and raw whole grains.

Fun fact: Nursing mothers provide their babies with their very first dose of healthy prebiotics through their breast milk!11

Since so many foods are natural sources of prebiotics, you might be wondering why you’d ever need additional supplements.

Unfortunately, a large number of people consume little or no vegetables in their diet. In fact, a whopping 91 percent of the U.S. adult population isn’t coming close to the USDA’s recommendations of two to three servings of fruit and three to five servings of vegetables daily.12

Not consuming enough of prebiotic fiber leaves our good microbes in a bad situation. Without the right food, they struggle to survive–and that’s when the bad guys take over.

WHY YOUR GUT HEALTH MATTERS

Taking steps to weed, seed, feed and protect your microbiome is super important—and often overlooked!

The American diet alone makes it challenging to maintain the right balance within your microbiome. From artificial sweeteners hiding in foods to added sugars and simple carbs–there’s a lot of junk your digestive system is constantly dealing with.

This is why probiotics and prebiotics can be so beneficial. Just like your daily multivitamin, probiotics and prebiotics can help ensure your body has what it needs to stay healthy.

It’s true, more research is needed to fully understand the role the microbiome plays in our overall health. But evidence suggests your microbiome contributes to your digestive functions, mood, and even immune system function. Some researchers even call it the “microbe organ” because of the number of biochemical reactions and transformations it takes part in.13

That’s a pretty big deal. It means your microbiome doesn’t sit around idly. It’s even been compared to busy-bee organs like your liver–and you never neglect your liver, now would you?13 

Of course not!

Do a healthy gut check to find out whether or not your microbiome is out of whack. Ask yourself if you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms of dysbiosis?

These symptoms include:

• Bloating, burping, and gas after meals
• Digestive issues
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Mental fog
• Immune challenges
• Weight gain
• Skin and nail concerns
• Poor mood
• And more!

SHOW A LITTLE LOVE TO YOUR GUT BUGS

The human microbiome is sensitive and needs daily care. But we’re not talking about a complete overhaul of your day-to-day, or anything that takes a lot of time or effort. In most cases, tending to your microbial “garden” only requires a few changes here and there within your everyday routine.

These simple steps can help you maintain a healthy inner-balance:

• Eat lots of fruits and veggies–especially those loaded with prebiotic fiber
• Consume fermented foods (like sauerkraut, yogurt, and kefir) that are natural sources of probiotics
• Add more legumes, beans, and other high-fiber foods into your diet
• Reduce your sugar intake–a favorite food choice of harmful yeasts and microbes
• Use antibiotics only when necessary (they can kill off your friendly gut microbes)
• Get more sleep (just two days of poor sleep can negatively impact your microbiome)
• Exercise regularly and reduce your stress levels
• Avoid artificial sweeteners in diet foods and beverages
• Seed your microbiome with friendly strains of bacteria found in probiotics*
• Fill in the gaps and feed your healthy microbes with a prebiotic supplement*

 When it comes to your health–trust your gut. Literally. There are trillions of microbes living in your digestive system. Taking care of the good guys can help keep you feeling healthy and happy.

References

1 http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/7/1/17/htm

2 https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/1010.html

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4528259/

4 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03042.x/full

5 http://jn.nutrition.org/content/142/5/962.short

6 http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/2/361s.short

7 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-015-1921-1

8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3376865/

9 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anna_Olejnik2/publication/7674303_Probiotics_prebiotics_and_antioxidants_as_functional_foods/links/00b49526ab183450c0000000/Probiotics-prebiotics-and-antioxidants-as-functional-foods.pdf

10 http://www.nutrientsreview.com/carbs/oligosaccharides.html

11 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anna_Olejnik2/publication/7674303_Probiotics_prebiotics_and_antioxidants_as_functional_foods/links/00b49526ab183450c0000000/Probiotics-prebiotics-and-antioxidants-as-functional-foods.pdf

12 http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.80.12.1443

13 http://www.anaturalhealingcenter.com/documents/Thorne/articles/intestinal_dysbiosis9-2.pdf

14 https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12820

Spring Clean Your Body – Detoxifying Foods, Supplements & Activities

Spring has sprung! And, you’re probably making a list of all the spring cleaning projects you plan to do around the house, such as decluttering the spare room, thoroughly washing the floors, and running curtains through the washing machine.

Did you remember to add your health to the list?

Spring clean your body by purifying yourself of unhealthy microbes and substances using nutritional cleansing.

Here are a few tips to naturally spring clean your body.

Include these key detoxifying foods

Foods aren’t just delicious and nutritious—some can even provide a detoxifying effect for your body.

Heading to the grocery store? Here’s a list of some of our favorite detoxifying foods^{1, 2}:

• Cucumber
• Lemon
• Dandelion Root
• Artichoke
• Avocado
• Beets
• Fennel
• Green Tea
• Onion
• Garlic

Preferably use only organic foods to avoid adding even more toxins to your body. Try incorporating these foods into your everyday recipes and drinks. Spring is prime time for detoxification, but ideally consuming these foods year-long will help to keep the toxins moving out.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

As the saying goes, the solution to pollution is dilution. Drink plenty of purified water to keep the toxins flowing from your body. Also, try herbal teas specifically designed for detoxifying as well as green juices and smoothies. And, don’t forget other forms of hydration too! Epsom salt baths (yes, please!) and nasal rinses can be used to hydrate.

Take targeted nutritional supplements

Nutritional supplements can provide a powerful way to help remove microbes and toxins from your body.^*

Plexus Bio Cleanse™, contains supportive ingredients such as vitamin C, magnesium, and bioflavonoid complex. It helps to remove harmful microbes and substances from your body as it gently detoxifies.^*

Based on your health practitioner’s guidance and recommendations, include other supplements as needed.

Keep moving

Moving your body through exercise and living an active lifestyle is another cleansing activity to add to your daily routine.

Our favorite activities include:

• Walking
• Pilates
• Gentle stretching
• Yoga

Another great type of movement is dry skin brushing, which involves gently brushing your dry skin with a brush that has dry natural bristles. Doing this stimulates your lymphatic system and can help with detoxification.²

Spring clean your body

Just as your home looks and feels better as a result of your spring cleaning efforts, your body and mind also improve from spring cleaning. These foods, supplements, and activities bring many benefits that you. Benefits, that your friends, family, and co-workers will notice!

On your mark, get set, start spring cleaning!

> What foods and activities help detoxify your body? Tell us on Facebook!

> Discover how Bio Cleanse can help remove harmful microbes…

References

1 https://plexusworldwide.com/products/nutrition/plexus-bio-cleanse

2 http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/02/24/dry-skin-brushing.aspx

5 Tips to Combat Bloating

Ah, bloating…

The slightly puffy look. The tighter fitting jeans. The belly bulge you’ve been working so hard to get rid of.
And, let’s not forget the discomfort and general “gross” feeling. Who doesn’t love that?
Answer: no one loves that. No one even likes it.
Depending on its intensity and regularity, bloating can be an occasional nuisance or a too-frequent visitor that has long overstayed its welcome. And, can affect just about anyone at any time.
Fortunately, you don’t just have to suck it up when it comes to bloating (even if you are sucking it in). There are a few things you can try that might ease your bloating woes and get you back to looking and feeling like your fabulous, healthy self. Here are some of our favorite tips:

Exercise

You probably hear a lot about exercise in your quest for healthy living, and there’s a reason for that: regular exercise makes a big difference.
Sure, exercise can help you tone your muscles, increase your energy, and slim down. It can also do things for your digestive system—like stimulate your metabolism, promote health gut microflora, and keep your bowels functioning optimally.^1-4 Cardio exercises can also activate sweat glands, which then expel fluids, rather than retain them. When you’re taking care of your digestive system, bloating becomes a lot less likely.

Don’t overeat

Eating too much won’t just leave you feeling unwell; it also leaves you looking a little, well, bloated. Eating large meals, especially those full of starches and sodium, will leave your belly bulging.⁵ Combat overeating by paying attention to your portions, eating slowly, and stopping when you’re no longer hungry. You can also try eating six small meals a day, rather than three large ones, to help resist the urge to overeat.

Watch what you eat

Just as important as how much you eat, is what you’re eating. Foods that are more difficult to digest leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. These foods tend to create gas in your intestine, which creates that “full” look and feel. Other foods may promote fluid retention, which also leads to bloating.⁶
Many Americans consume more than double the recommended daily amount of sodium, which can cause you to appear bloated.^7,8 You can combat the effects of sodium by increasing your potassium intake.⁹ Good sources of potassium include bananas, melons, avocado, white beans, and spinach.
Starches, including bread, rice, and pasta, also create bloating, because they’re difficult for the stomach to digest. ⁶ Instead, add more lean proteins like chicken breast or salmon.

Get plenty of fluids

Low hydration can lead to fluid retention, which creates bloating. Additionally, water keeps your digestive system moving, meaning you’ll be flushing (pun intended) waste out of your system more regularly.¹⁰
Water is obviously always a good choice for hydrating, but coffee (which acts as a diuretic)¹¹ and herbal teas (especially peppermint) can be good as well. Along with supplements specifically created for weight management.^* Steer clear of soda though: those bubbles create air bubbles in your stomach, promoting bloating.

Fight gas

Gas is a common cause of bloating. Cutting back on foods that create gas—or at the very least, eating them more slowly—might help with your bloating problems. Certain herbs including peppermint, chamomile, and garlic, and probiotics like yogurt and kefir can also help fight gas.¹²
It may take some time to figure out what solution works best for you and your body. You might want to try a supplement specifically formulated to ease gas and bloating.^*
Bloating can be embarrassing, discouraging, and downright annoying. Follow these tips to look better and feel better by beating the bloat, once and for all!

References
¹ http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2014/04/29/gutjnl-2013-306541
² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670791
³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670791
⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18256465
⁵ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3631758/The-7-deadly-digestion-sins-bad-chewing-overeating-nutritionists-reveal-tips-prevent-bloating-stop-overeating.html
⁶ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388350/
⁷ https://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090326.htm
⁸ http://www.livestrong.com/article/431684-does-sodium-make-you-look-bloated/
⁹ https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/salt-and-sodium/sodium-health-risks-and-disease/
¹⁰ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/
¹¹ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/11/coffee-laxative-effect-makes-you-poop_n_7546170.html

Does your probiotic contain ENZYMES and an ANTIFUNGAL ?!?

You will not find a probiotic of this kind sold ANYWHERE in the USA OR Canada!
This probiotic is changing the face of what all other probiotics claim to do for gut health.
I know this 100%. Do you understand gut health? 

No?

Do a Google search with any kind of issue you may have to see how it might relate to the health of your gut.

"What makes Plexus ProBio5 so different from what you'll find at my pharmacy counter?" You ask...
Go grab your probiotic (if you take one), and look on the label for 'CHITOSANASE'. If you don't see it, chances are your probiotic is NOT killing the fungus in your gut...but ProBio5 can!!!

Take a look at this: It's what specifically pokes the holes in the CHITIN layer (not the protein layers) of the fungal cell wall. Chitin is like the eco-skeleton of a bug. Digestive enzymes are not able to penetrate this layer.

THAT'S what makes it so difficult to KILL fungus!

Even fungal control products....How often do you see Chitosanase?????

Now you know the KEY ingredient in ProBio5!!!

Plexus ProBio5 doesn't have billions of CFU's like most others. Know why?

BECAUSE you don’t need billions to heal your gut. What you DO need isn’t found in most probiotics; you won’t find GRAPE SEED EXTRACT, B6, digestive enzymes, or an ANTIFUNGAL in all the others, and THAT is what is actually making all the noticeable difference!

Do you think your refrigerated Probiotics are better? Did you know that if your refrigerated Probiotic is left out for more than just 20 min, ALL the probiotics DIE??? Yup.. That means during transport, or when the item is being stocked on the shelves, ALL the good flora is LOST.. Thankfully ours does NOT need to be refrigerated! Probio5 is truly amazing! It not only helps replace the good bacteria in your gut, but it also helps attack FUNGUS!!!

What do YOUR pipes look like ?

Well... This is kind of gross!..

For all of you visual people out there!

Just like everything you pour down the kitchen sink you soon forget about it after it's done. What if you never cleaned your kitchen pipes or took precautions to keep them clean?

Eventually, enough residue would build up from all of the things you pour down it and prevent any liquid from getting through...now think of your body the same way. What have you been pouring into your body for the last 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 years?

THIS is how your gut and digestive tract works in a simple non scientific way. If you don't do something to breakdown the residue, then your intestines can't properly absorb the nutrients your body needs! 
😯
It is important to have something to remove toxins from my gut and REPLENISH the beneficial bacteria I need to fight off sickness and disease. Cleaning the inside is just as important, if not more important, than cleaning the outside. Do you have what it takes??