BLIS – K12
BLIS is an extremely safe yet powerful strain of a beneficial bacteria called S. salivarius which normally occurs in the mouth and throat. It crowds out “bad” bacteria and secretes the “BLIS” proteins (“bacterocin like inhibitory substances” proteins) which control the growth of undesirable bacteria.
BLIS K12 can also trap and inactivate viruses coming in from the outside, by promoting interferon production in the body.
S. salivarious
This is a natural existing mouth flora that appears first in newborns. While most people have the non-specific form, about 2% of the human population has an abundant amount of the more potent BLIS K12 strain. These are the people who always seem to be healthier. Studies show that children with high levels of BLIS K12 have fewer incidences of strep throat, have fewer sick days off school, may have less tooth decay and fewer recurrent middle ear infections after antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics destroy “good” microorganisms along with the bad.
S. salivarius – K12
It was discovered and isolated by renowned microbiologist Professor John Tagg at the University of Otago in New Zealand. His dream and passion, to find an alternative to traditional antibiotics, was the result of his own childhood experiences with recurring sore throats. At age 12, he suffered from a strep throat infection that led to rheumatic fever, which can cause permanent heart damage.
While he escaped any damage to his heart, he was put on prophylactic antibiotic treatment for the next 10 years with numerous negative effects. He was determined to find “a better way” to prevent streptococcus sore throat. To find such a bacteria, Dr. Tagg followed New Zealand school children through many years, analyzing their saliva samples looking for differences.
A breakthrough came when Dr. Tagg and his team discovered the specific BLIS substances (the bacteriocins) which are responsible for fighting off pathogenic bacteria such as S. pyogenes, the one that causes strep throat. The team isolated this unique BLIS-producing strain of S. salivarius K12 from a healthy child who over a six-year period never contracted sore throats. Work began to bring this next generation of advanced probiotics to market.
Availability and Types
The availability of BLIS K12 in various products marks the first time that anyone has successfully developed a probiotic specifically for mouth and throat. Unlike many other fragile probiotics, BLIS K12 is shelf stable and does not require special handling or refrigeration.
It is now available in chewable tablets, fast-melt tablets, lozenges, chewing gum, and fun stick-pack powders that can be sprinkled directly onto your tongue. BLIS K12 clings to the insides of your mouth and throat, helping to block the growth of potential pathogens and helping to kill those that are already there.
Costco carries the original Bioguard at a very good price.
Other types and forms (gums, etc) can be found at: BLISk12.