Primal Defense

HSO™ (Homeostatic™ Soil Organisms) Probiotic Formula

Primal Defense is the #1 selling probiotic in the Natural Products Industry (SPINSscan 52 week ending 03/19/05).  It is the leading whole food probiotic containing 14 species of Homeostatic™ Soil Organism (HSO) blends.

The HSO™ Probiotic Blend in Primal Defense® helps support normal gastrointestinal balance of good and potentially harmful bacteria to help maintain a balanced, healthy internal environment.  It contains probiotics that promote regular bowel function and help maintain an already healthy immune system – both of which are beneficial to overall health, and it maximizes the benefits of a healthy diet by supporting normal absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the gut.

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Unlike other probiotics, the key probiotics in Primal Defense® can thrive in the toughest digestive environments and are undeterred by stomach and bile acids.

Select ingredients in Primal Defense® are produced through the Garden of Life proprietary Poten-Zyme™ fermentation process that makes the nutrients more available to the body.

Primal Defense® comes in two easy-to-use forms: Powder and Caplets

Primal Defense® is the only probiotic formula that contains a unique whole food blend with Homeostatic™ Soil Organisms (HSOs). The HSOs in Primal Defense® are important probiotics you would get in abundance if your food came from soil untouched by pesticides, herbicides and other widely used chemicals. To replenish the valuable probiotics our pasteurized, irradiated and disinfected food no longer provides, Primal Defense® includes 12 species of hardy beneficial microorganisms in the form of the HSO Probiotic Blend. Let the unique HSOs in Primal Defense® take you to a new level of total health.

Contains more than 100 naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and live enzymes.

Requires no refrigeration.

Primal Defense Caplets (Garden of Life) - Average rating - Write a review Show Reviews Reviews April 11, 2008 Reviewer: Terry in Missouri My husband was on very strong antibiotics for a prolonged period of time and his system became completely messed up. In addition, a secondary infection started in his intestines requiring yet another antibiotic, further compromising his system. I started him on Primal Defense and with continued use, even after another round of strong antibiotics, he is regular, healthy, and feeling great again. This is an excellent product. Was this review helpful to you? Yes  No

Primal Defense Powder (Garden of Life) - Be the first to write a review

249-0022 Garden of Life Primal Defense Caplets 90 caplets Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 Caplet Servings Per Container: 90 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value* Total Calories 0      Total Fat 0  g 0%    Sodium 5  mg <1%    Protein <1  g 2%    Calcium 38  mg 4%    Iron (from ionic plant based minerals) 2.3  mg 13%    Proprietary HSO Probiotic Blend Barley grass, oat grass, lactobacillius plantarum, bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium lactis, lactobacillus rhamnosus, bifidobacterium breve, lactobacillus casei, lactobacillus brevis, lactobacillus salivarius, lactobacillus acidophilus, bacillus subtilis, lactobacillus paracasei, bifidobacterium longum 610  mg   Ionic Plant Based Minerals 285  mg   *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. This product is made with natural ingredients; therefore color may vary from lot to lot. 100% vegetarian. Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, croscarmellose sodium, silica, magnesium stearate (vegetable source), vegetable coating, bacterial proteases, probiotic cultures. Recommended Use: Adults 1 caplet 3 times per day with 8 oz of water or juice. Best taken on an empty stomach. Begin with 1 caplet per day and gradually increase to suggested amount. Warning: As with any dietary supplement consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or are under medical supervision. CAUTION: If you are currently undergoing HIV treatment, chemotherapy or allograft therapy, do not use before consulting with your physician. Before beginning any program of weight loss, consult your health care practitioner. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you notice any errors in the information above, please let us know. If you have further questions about this product, please contact Garden of Life at 561-748-2477

What are probiotics and why do I need them?

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that, when ingested, help support healthy microbial balance in the gut. * Healthy human intestines contain billions of microorganisms both good and potentially harmful. The good bacteria in the intestines are considered an integral part of normal immune system support.

Probiotics are important because they can synthesize certain vitamins and short-chain fatty acids to support a healthy intestinal lining and bolster immunity. * When your intestinal lining is occupied by healthy beneficial flora, it leaves unwelcome microorganisms deprived of both space and nutrients.

Healthy people usually have a ratio of approximately 85% good and 15% potentially harmful organisms in the intestinal tract. In some cases, even those who appear to be well might have an unfavorable ratio as a result of daily exposure to environmental toxins and a modern lifestyle. For example, taking antibiotics and drinking chlorinated water, may often change the optimal microbial balance essential for good health.

Garden of Life believes that probiotics are their most beneficial when they are not separated from their food source. The probiotics in Primal Defense® are cultured with whole foods and then left intact. Many probiotic companies separate the probiotics from their food source. This is why so many probiotics need to be kept refrigerated. Once stripped of their food source, probiotics need to be kept refrigerated in order to remain viable. But what happens when these probiotics are introduced to the acidic environment of the stomach that is at 98.6 degrees? For this reason, Garden of Life believes the probiotic food source is as important to the delivery of the benefits of probiotics as the probiotics themselves.

A comparison of Primal Defense vs. Isolated Probiotics

What are HSOs and where do they come from?

Large scale use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals has changed the bacterial balance in the soil. In order to obtain the benefits we historically obtained from consuming foods cultivated in healthy soil, Garden of Life developed a Homeostatic™ Soil Organism Probiotic Blend utilizing 12 species of beneficial microorganisms.

HSOs or homeostatic soil organisms, are good beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that optimize digestion and immune function.

• HSOs are now used by health care practitioners worldwide.



• HSOs originated from non-mutated colonies found in unpolluted soil and plants. Now they are cultivated in US laboratories using proprietary methods.



• HSOs optimize the digestive terrain and immune function as they move through the digestive tract and form colonies along the intestinal walls.



• HSOs multiply as they do so, and thus compete with harmful organisms i.e. pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungal forms for receptor sites. They crowd out these harmful organisms while establishing themselves throughout the digestive tract.



• HSOs soon establish themselves in the intestinal tract and slowly produce the correct environment for nutrient absorption. This leads to a balanced pH, a very important aspect of a healthy digestive tract.



• HSOs work from the inside of the intestines dislodging accumulated decay on the walls and flushing out the waste.



• HSOs break down hydrocarbons, a unique ability to split food into its most basic elements allowing almost total absorption through the digestive system. This increases overall nutrition and enhances cellular development.



• HSOs produce specific proteins that act as antigens, encouraging the immune system to produce huge pools of uncoded antibodies. This increased production of antibodies may significantly boost the body's ability to ward off diseases.



• HSOs are very aggressive against pathological molds, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses.



• HSOs work in symbiosis with somatic (tissue or organ) cells to metabolize proteins and eliminate toxic waste.



• HSOs stimulate the body to produce natural alpha-interferon. Alpha interferon is a potent immune system enhancer and a powerful inhibitor of viruses.



• HSOs provide critical Lactoferrin supplementation. The microbes produce lactoferrin as a by-product of their metabolism. Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein essential for retrieving iron from foods.

What can occur if I don’t have enough beneficial bacteria?

A lack of beneficial bacteria in your diet can result in an unbalanced internal environment and a lack of support for your normal immune system function. *

What is the difference between Primal Defense® and other probiotics?

Primal Defense® is the only probiotic containing 12 species of hardy beneficial microorganisms in the form of the HSO Probiotic Blend. The ability of the probiotics in Primal Defense® to support the normal healthy flora balance in the gut is not based solely on CFU count, but also on their ability to withstand harsh conditions in the digestive tract such as stomach and bile acids. Primal Defense® also contains naturally occurring substances that function as prebiotics.

If I’m healthy, how can I benefit from taking Primal Defense®?

Total health begins in the gut, so an optimized digestive tract has a plethora of health benefits. Primal Defense® contains probiotics that support healthy gut flora balance, promote regular bowel function, and support a normal immune system - all of which are necessary to support overall health. *

Additionally, the probiotics in Primal Defense® maximize the benefits of a healthy diet by supporting normal absorption and assimilation of nutrients in the gut. *

What probiotic species does Primal Defense® contain?

The Superfood blend in each Primal Defense caplet is cultured using the following 14 probiotic species:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus salivarius
• Lactobacillus paracasei
• Lactobacillus plantarum
• Lactobacillus caseii
• Lactobacillus brevis
• Bifidobacteria bifidum
• Bacillus subtilis
• Bacillus licheniformis
• Bifidobacterium breve
• Bifidobacterium lactis
• Bifidobacterium longum
• Saccharomyces boulardii*

What are HSOs (Homeostatic Soil Organisms)?

The main component in Primal Defense is HSOs™, which have been used for over 22 years by thousands of health care practitioners. The non-mutated naturally occurring colonies of probiotics are from the original, pristine cultures found in unpolluted soil and plants, now cultivated in U.S. laboratories using proprietary methods. The HSOs™ are in a substrate of nutrient rich superfoods providing vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes and proteins. The probiotics are then made dormant using the Microflora Delivery System™, which protects and delivers them directly to the GI tract where they multiply and flourish.

How do HSOs work?

Impervious to stomach acids and the digestive process, the microorganisms move through the stomach into the intestinal tract where they form colonies along the intestinal walls. HSOs™ multiply in the intestines and actually compete with harmful bacteria and yeasts for receptor sites, crowding out pathogens and taking up residence. Once established, the organisms quickly begin producing the proper environment for nutrient absorption, thus reinstating a balanced pH.

According to early research and anecdotal evidence, the following is a summary of the actions of HSOs™ .

• HSOs™ work from inside the intestines dislodging accumulated decay from the walls and flushing out waste.

• HSOs™ break down hydrocarbons, a unique ability to split food into its most basic elements allowing almost total absorption through the digestive system. This increases overall nutrition and enhances cellular development.

• HSOs™ produce specific proteins that act as antigens, encouraging the immune system to manufacture huge pools of uncoded antibodies. This increased production of antibodies may significantly boost the body's ability to ward off disease.

• HSOs™ are very aggressive against pathological molds, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses.

• HSOs™ work in symbiosis with somatic (tissue or organ) cells to metabolize proteins and eliminate toxic waste.

• HSOs™ stimulate the body to produce natural alpha-interferon, a potent immune system enhancer and powerful virus inhibitor.

• HSOs™ provide critical Lactoferrin supplementation as a by-product of their metabolism. Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein essential for retrieving iron from foods.
  

What is the difference between Primal Defense and other probiotics?

Even if they manage to get through the destructive stomach acids, most probiotic supplements can have a difficult time implanting in colons that are pH imbalanced or have too many harmful bacteria. HSOs™ are designed to implant in any colonic environment. The Microflora Delivery System™ensures that the probiotics colonize throughout the digestive tract where they are most effective. The probiotics contained in Primal Defense™ are grown and incorporated into a living whole food substrate using the Poten-Zyme™ process, which allows them to thrive on their long journey through the GI tract.

Most probiotics on the market today grow bacteria, and then in a centrifuge, separate them from their substrate. We believe the substrate is as important as the probiotics themselves. Many probiotics have included fructooligosaccharides (FOS) in their product. FOS is an indigestible sugar that may cause digestive disturbances in certain individuals. Primal Defense™ contains no FOS.

Since most probiotic supplements contain live cultures, they are temperature and age sensitive, therefore requiring refrigeration. If room temperature can begin to degrade these probiotics, imagine what the warm human body will do. Our HSOs™ remain dormant until activated by body fluids, thus requiring no refrigeration. Many probiotic products measure their potency in colony forming units (CFU), whereas in Primal Defense™, it's not the quantity of probiotics, it's the quality. The hardy probiotic strains in Primal Defense™ are resistant to heat, cold, stomach acid, chlorine, fluorine, ascorbic acid and bile. The efficacy of a probiotic should be based upon its ability to ferment foods.

Two Primal Delivery Systems

Primal Defense comes in two easy to use forms: powder and UltraZorbe™ caplets. UltraZorbe™ caplets (Ultra-absorption) utilize a proprietary technology that fully preserves the delicate probiotics and enzymes in the product without the use of heat. UltraZorbe™ caplets are designed to rapidly disintegrate and dissolve thus delivering the nutrients in the most efficient and effective manner. Just drop a few caplets in water and see for yourself.

Primal Defense™ is a natural whole food probiotic blend of HSOs™ (Homeostatic Soil Organisms) utilizing the Poten-Zyme™ process and the Microflora Delivery System™. Primal Defense™ contains naturally occuring enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and phyto sterols/sterolins.

How to take Primal Defense Ultrazorbe Caplets

How Many / How Long. This is a therapeutic product. Proceed gradually. Primal Defense begins to clean out toxins and pathogens right away. However, if you increase too quickly, the cleansing will occur faster than the body can eliminate the accumulated toxins. This may cause some discomfort (see "What to Expect When Taking Primal Defense Ultrazorbe Caplets")

1. How many: Start with one 900mg caplet per day and work up to a minimum of six per day for an average of about three months. This is done by taking one caplet for the first few days, two for the next few days, etc. People with severe problems may want to work up to and stay on a higher dosage longer. The therapeutic dosage for chronic or problematic illness is an average of twelve 900mg. caplets per day. NOTE: If you have an iron issue, please take caution that 12 caplets a day of Primal Defense is over 27 mg. of iron a day, or over 150 percent of the RDA. During the three month period you will saturate your body with beneficial bacteria and allow the immune system functions to react. After three months or so you can gradually decrease back to the recommended maintenance serving of three caplets per day (one bottle per month).
2. Water: Drink plenty of water: 8-10oz of only distilled or reverse-osmosis filtered water.
3. When to take: Primal Defense is most effective when taken on a timed schedule. It is best to take the product 2-3 times per day equally spaced out by time. Take on an empty stomach at least 1/2 hour before meals, first thing in the morning or before bedtime.

Prohibitions. The following prohibitions should be observed:

1. NO CHLORINATED WATER. Chlorine can kill beneficial bacteria in the body. Use distilled or reverse osmosis filtered water only. Drinking chlorinated water once in a while (such as in a restaurant) is OK.
2. NO HARSH HERBAL COLON CLEANSES. These may be too invasive and interfere with the bacterial balance. If constipation occurs take a mild herbal laxative. HSOs cleanse the colon of putrefaction and balance colonic bacteria environment. This is generally accomplished in a gentle, systematic manner.
3. COLON HYDROTHERAPY (physical cleanses, water only, no oxygen) is an excellent method of removing die-off bacteria parasites, and also to remove broken up mucoid (putrefaction)
4. NO PARASITE KILLERS. Primal Defense and olive leaf extract will assist the body with the elimination of parasites, both regular and amoebic. Some herbal parasite killers may interfere with soil organisms ability to colonize.
5. ANTIBIOTIC DRUGS. It is believed that antibiotics MAY kill much of the bacteria in the GI track, although some strains may survive. There's no definitive research on this subject. The developing biochemist recommends continuing to take Primal Defense (as far apart from the antibiotic ingestion as possible) and increasing the dosage after the antibiotics. Do not take Primal Defense within several hours of other medications.

LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS. Many things we do in our daily life affect our bacterial balance, absorption, and immune system. The following adjustments are suggested to increase your body's positive response.

1. DECREASE COFFEE consumption. The acid in coffee will interfere with the bacterial environment. Try to consume no more than 1 cup per day.
2. DECREASE SUGAR and CARBOHYDRATES (including pasta). These feed parasites and yeast / fungi and can cause imbalances leading to diabetes and other abnormal conditions. Most of us have yeast and fungus overgrowth. Although Primal Defense will deal with this over time, why feed the pathogens if you don't have to? Many people report a decrease in sugar / carbohydrate cravings after being on the product for several months.
3. INCREASE FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLE consumption. This will facilitate good elimination. Try our concentrated whole food product Perfect Food. It is the nutritional equivalent of 5-10 servings of organic vegetables and the Vitamin C equivalent of 2 servings of fruit (per 2 level tablespoons) There are no fillers and no herbs in Perfect Food, and people who use it report increased energy and better elimination.
4. INCREASE WATER consumption. You should be drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of good water (not juice) a day on an empty stomach. Water helps flush toxins from the body to prevent re-absorption.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTS OR MEDICATION. Primal Defense can increase absorption. This means everything you ingest, including supplements, drugs and food, will be absorbed and assimilated better. You will need to monitor any medication, such as insulin and blood pressure medicine, to insure that you are not taking too much. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and whole food supplements (such as greens) are fine. Many people can eliminate enzyme supplements. Primal Defense is enzymatic in action especially when taken before meals. Primal Defense can replace other probiotics. Primal Defense contains ocean phytoplanktons (similar to blue/green algae) that contain over 70 micronutrients. These micronutrients are easily absorbed, providing a good base of trace minerals, proteins, and enzymes.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TAKING
PRIMAL DEFENSE "ULTRAZORBE CAPLETS"

What Are Beneficial Bacteria? The beneficial microorganisms in the Primal Defense are multiple strains of beneficial "transient" and "resident" bacteria. Our bodies do not manufacture soil bacteria; we used to ingest them every day with unpolluted food from rich non-chemical soil. Since it is difficult to get unpolluted food or soil any more, and we live a lifestyle that kills off much of the good bacteria in our bodies, we have to supplement our diet every day with these organisms. "Resident" bacteria such as acidophillus can only proliferate when we eat the right living foods, our colons are not overrun with yeast or pahogenic bacteria, and our colonic pH is slightly acidic. Beneficial bacteria have multiple function in our bodies. One is to cleanse the rotting layers of undigested hydrocarbons lining our digestive system (including the small intestine); another is to trigger the immune system to create extra immune-bolstering chemicals and extra antibodies (B-lymphocytes). These vigorous antibodies travel the body searching out pathogens or foreign matter, and the increased immune function helps eliminate parasites as well as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts that are in the body actively or left over from previous illnesses. A fight then begins between the revitalized immune system and the pathogenic invaders that will cause a "die-off" (detoxification).

90-Day Program. "Good" bacteria in our intestines are responsible for keeping the "bad" bacteria in check to establish proper balance in the GI tract. Because most of us have putrefaction and bad bacteria, the friendly bacteria in Primal Defense must battle overwhelming odds to crowd out pathogens and have enough left over to provide the immune system with the proper stimulus. THIS NATURAL RESTORATION PROCESS TAKES TIME. You didn't arrive at your current health state overnight. If you are taking the product because you have a health problem, DO NOT EXPECT TO SEE OVERNIGHT RESULTS. BE PREPARED TO COMMIT TO A MINIMUM OF 90 DAYS at the recommended dosage.

Toxin Elimination. Your body may go through a "Healing Opportunity" period. As the body cleanses and repairs itself, toxins MUST BE PURGED from the body. For example, a "cold" is not "the sickness", a cold is the process by which your body eliminates the toxins after the fact. Many people have very few or mild toxin-elimination responses. But some MAY go through what is known as a "Herxheimer Reaction" when the body goes through a bout of what is or has been a symptom of illness. In homeopathy, it is commonly assumed a Herxheimer Reaction is a desired signal meaning the treatment is working. Symptoms of a prior condition repeating for a period of time are called "retracing". If you do experience a "healing opportunity", Don't PANIC, THIS IS NORMAL! The HSO's in Primal Defense are not making you sick. The yeast, fungi, harmful bacteria, parasites or viruses in your body are reacting to your body's own cleansing process.

Many people, when they understand why they may get a reaction, welcome any temporary discomfort they might experience as evidence of the cleansing and healing process. This discomfort is usually short and mild, from several hours to a day or two depending on the individual. For example, a person with allergies may go through an allergic period with headaches, stuffed nose, etc. Someone with chronic fatigue may go through a short time of exhaustion or weakness. A period of constipation is common as putrefaction is being pulled from the colon.

1. Bowel Function. If you've had constipation for a long time, you may have bouts of constipation while the digestive system goes through the normalization process, especially at the higher levels of Primal Defense. Increased constipation is a result not merely of lack of fiber but absence of the good bacteria necessary for enzymatic action on the food. Primal Defense will help your body regulate the elimination process. THIS WILL TAKE TIME. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables to aid in the process and take a good green drink (try our Perfect Food organic whole food powder) as a supplement. If at any time you become too uncomfortable, decrease the dosage (i.e. if you are taking 6 caplets, back down to 3 or 4.) Do no be alarmed if your stools become very dark. This is the putrefaction being eliminated.

2. Headaches, Sore Throat, Body Aches, Allergic Symptoms, Runny Nose, Phlegm, Pimples or Skin Rashes, Flu-like Symptoms. These are regarded as classic symptoms of detoxification of the body. Rarely will these reactions cause much discomfort; often they last for only several hours and sometimes several days. Poisons have to come out of the body somewhere, and usually come out in the weakest areas. If one has had pneumonia or lung problems, often he will experience mucous and phlegm coughed up from the lungs. Sinus problems often result in headaches as the toxins are being eliminated through the digestive system. DRINK AT LEAST 8 GLASSES OF NON-CHLORINATED WATER DAILY. This will help flush the toxins out of the system.

3. Yeast and Fungus. Primal Defense is extremely aggressive against yeast and other fungi. If you have this problem, start by taking a small amount (1/2 caplet) and gradually increase to 9 to 12 per day. Many people experience yeast elimination very quickly. Sometimes this process takes several months. You may go through some sugar/carbohydrate cravings or even mild depression and tiredness. THIS IS NORMAL and will pass. If you get fecal tests, do not be surprised if more yeast or "bad" bacteria show up in your stool in the first several months. They have to come out somewhere! Because this elimination can be very quick or heavy, proceed conservatively. NOTE: If you have an iron issue, please take caution that 12 caplets a day of Primal Defense is a little over 27 mg. of iron a day, or over 150 percent of the RDA.

4. Discomfort. IF AT ANY TIME YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE ENOUGH TO CURTAIL YOUR ACTIVITIES, REDUCE YOUR DOSAGE. If you are taking 3 caplets, reduce to 1 caplet. Do not stop taking the product! Just slow down so the toxin elimination is not so fast. Remember, if you are ill, the only way back to permanent health is to eliminate the cause of the disease, not to treat symptoms with drugs.