In this article we ask THERA Nordic founder and renowned supplement formulator, Joni Laiho, some of the most commonly asked questions about our gut health product Bacti-Balance
Can Bacti-Balance cure SIBO?
While Bacti-Balance will fight SIBO, it cannot cure the condition alone. It is meant to support a comprehensive treatment plan that includes natural remedies, dietary and lifestyle changes, and conventional treatment options.
Are there any side effects of taking Bacti-Balance?
Bacti-Balance is generally well tolerated. However, the extracts in the product are potent and can initially cause digestive discomfort in some individuals.
How does Allicin contribute to gut health?
Allicin is the main antimicrobial ingredient in garlic. When raw garlic is chopped or crushed, the storage form of Allicin, called Alliin, will get enzymatically converted into its active form. This is the source of distinct smell of garlic.
Allicin, when activated, is very potent against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant bacteria. It is also strongly antifungal, especially against Candida species. In SIBO, Allicin is most effective against methane producing bacteria.
While being so effective, it does not damage the beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Quite the contrary, it supports the health of the microbiome in the gut.
What role does Oregano Oil play in this gut supplement?
Oregano Oil has a long history of use for its potential antimicrobial properties. In Bacti-Balance, Oregano Oil aids in supporting a healthy gut by targeting harmful microorganisms and promoting a balanced gut microbiota.
Carvacrol has extensively been tested as an antimicrobial agent in food to control Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Salmonella typhimurium.. and the list goes on.
In SIBO it is shown to be effective against SIBO dominated by methane, hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide so it covers all the bases.
What does enteric coated capsule mean?
Enteric coating means the capsule won't break apart in the acidic environment of the stomach. It will wait until it gets to alkaline environment of the small intestine and releases its contents.
This ensures the full effect of both Oregano oil and Allicin get directly to where they are needed.
When should I not take Bacti-Balance?
If you have Acute Gastritis or Inflamed Bowel Disease, do not take the product without consulting your doctor.
Is Bacti-Balance safe when pregnant or breasfeeding?
Unfortunately the case with 99% of supplements in the market is, that there is no enough scientific data wheter the ingredients are safe or not for pregnancy. This same applies to Bacti-Balance.
It is not recommended to use when breastfeeding, because high garlic content can change the smell of the milk (and affect the eating behavior of the child) and Oregano oil may reduce the amount of milk.
How long does it take to notice improvements in gut health?
This varies greatly between individuals. Some people notice bloating going away right away, but in most cases it takes couple weeks to build up and feel the effects. We recommend sticking with the product for 3 months, then taking a break for a couple of weeks and evaluating the benefits.
Can I combine Bacti-Balance with other digestive health products?
Generally yes, it is safe to combine with other digestive health products. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before combining dietary supplements, including Bacti-Balance, with other products. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and help determine the compatibility of different supplements.
Is Bacti-Balance suitable for long-term use?
Yes, it is. It is however advisable to take one month off every three months so that your gut does not get too reliant on the product. This rule of thumb applies to most supplements.