Eye, Nose & Throat Defense
(K12, s. salivarius)
“What I’ve been doing to keep my ears, nose,
and throat healthy this season-
and help keep my son healthy as well!”
-Dr. David Williams-
(This is one of those times you don’t have to invent the wheel. This introduction by Dr. Williams – whom I respect much – is well done. The product, “BioGuard”, available at Costco, is the best at a good price. Alternative products (gum, etc.), if you wish, can be found: Here)
“Here in Texas, we’re all finding that this is one of the toughest times of the year to keep our ears, nose, and throat healthy. It’s definitely a challenge. The exciting news is we now have a brand-new defense that can help-one that I’ve road-tested with my friends and neighbors with huge success.
Scientists in New Zealand identified a unique strain of healthy bacteria, called Streptococcus salivarius, s. salivarius, or simply K12 that helps to keep your entire upper respiratory system healthy.
It works by crowding out unwanted bacteria
before they affect your ears, nose and throat!
Researchers learned about K12 by studying a child who, when followed for several years, never developed a sore throat. The scientists wanted to know why, and researched all of the possibilities. What they found is this child had the K12 strain of bacteria in his oral cavity – a highly protective strain that few people in the world are lucky enough to have naturally.
How does K12 work? It’s a healthy bacteria, or pro biotic. But unlike digestive probiotics that work in your gut keeping out unwanted bacteria that affect your digestion, K12 crowds out unwanted bad bacteria in your mouth. In essence, it helps to ward off some ear, nose, and throat issues – before they even have a chance to develop.
But that’s only part of the protection it provides…
It launches a “one-two punch”
against unwanted bacteria
K12 generates two protective proteins – Salivaricin A and Salivarcin B, which are a natural defense against other bacteria. Researchers call these proteins bacteriocin-like-inhibitory substances (BLIS for short) – which is a good name, because to your upper respiratory tract they are pure “bliss”!
BLIS proteins inhibit the growth of unwanted bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes-bylaunching a powerful one-two punch. The Salivaricin A proteins rapidly kill unwanted bacteria by “punching holes” in the unwanted bacteria.
Meanwhile, the Salivaricin B proteins kill unwanted bacteria preventing them from forming a cell wall-and without a cell wall, the bad bacteria can’t exist.
Research shows it can boost your
immune response-within just 24 hours!
I’ve spent quite a bit of time digging into the research, and the studies on K12 are extremely impressive. When researchers followed adult subjects who were taking this strain, they found that certain immune markers in their saliva increased within 24 hours.
Specifically, the researchers measured the level of interferon gamma, an immune marker that stimulates the cells of your immune system. When those markers are elevated, it indicates that your immune system is on “heightened alert” and ready to react more quickly.
Plus a small study of children taking oralK12 for six months showed better ear health. It’s also been used in adults in various health products over the past five years, promoting the health of the entire respiratory system.
K12 also gives you other “bonus benefits”
-including improved dental health!
Just like K12 helps to promote healthy bacteria that benefit your ears, nose, and throat – it also helps to keep out unwanted bacteria that can affect your teeth and gums. In a study of 150 people, those taking K12 had significantly improved dental plaque scores!
Plus, it’s the only solution I’ve found that gets rid of bad breath at its root! Researchers have found that people who suffer with bad breath have fewer S. saliuarius strains of bacteria in their mouths. By introducing this strain, they could significantly improve breath scores.
In a placebo-controlled trial of subjects with bad breath, 85% of those taking 200 to 400 million CFUs (colony forming units) daily of S. salivarius K12 for two weeks had a significant reduction in volatile sulphur compounds-the foul-smelling chemical that causes bad breath.” Plus, each time you use the lozenges you get even greater benefits.
Plus, you get the “bonus benefits” I mentioned earlier, like supporting your dental health and breath. Plus, it’s the only solution I’ve found that gets rid of bad breathe at its root. Researchers have found that people who suffer with bad breath have fewer S. saliuarius strains of bacteria in their mouths. By introducing this strain, they could significantly improve breath scores.
I’ve been using these lozenges every day, and give them to our six-year-old son as well. You can give these lozenges to children as young as four.