My Recommendations for Probiotics and Betaine HCl

A reader recently asked me for my recommendations for probiotics.  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts.  Good bacteria in our bodies keep in balance all the bad bacteria.

First, I would like to say that probiotics are absolutely critical to a healthy digestive system.  We must have a balance of good bacteria in our gut, or we will be prone to a host of health problems.  If the bacteria in our digestive tract is out of balance, our entire body health will also be out of balance.  Probiotics cured me from a horrible antibiotic induced colitis back in 2004.  I plan on sharing more about that experience on this blog in the future. 

Second, I want to make the point that probiotics were not the solution to my low stomach acid problem (hypochlorhydria).  To resolve the acid reflux that I was having due to the low stomach acid, I had to begin taking a Betaine HCl supplement with all my meals.

Here are my top recommendations for probiotics and Betaine HCl:

For superb quality probiotics, my top recommendation is the Garden of Life Primal Defense product.  I’ve used their products for many years, with great success.  Their Primal Defense product cured me of that antibiotic induced colitis back in 2004.  I experienced two terrible bouts of colitis, lasting 10 days each, within six weeks of each other.  With each instance, I lost 10 pounds. On the first bout of colitis, I went to the doctor and tried their suggested route of taking more antibiotics (in spite of the fact that an antibiotic had been the reason for my problem) and eating yogurt.  Six weeks later, when the colitis returned as bad as the first time, I resolved to try a different way.  Obviously, what the doctor had prescribed had not worked, and I despised the side effects of the antibiotic I had been previously given.  I searched my condition (antibiotic induced colitis and Clostridium difficile bacteria) on the internet along with possible solutions and discovered the Garden of Life Primal Defense product as a probable solution.  Immediately, I ordered it, and the day it arrived and I began taking it, the colitis began to go away.  I’ve never had another bout of colitis again.  I still use Primal Defense today.  The Garden of Life supplements can be purchased at a local natural or health food store or ordered online for a very reasonable cost at the Vitacost online site.   

For a superb Betaine HCl supplement, I recommend the Bluebonnet Nutrition brand which is of the highest quality and is actually made from beets.  This brand provides a higher dose of Betaine and also includes Pepsin, which is another digestive aid.  I was using the TwinLabs brand for years until I noticed TwinLabs was no longer producing the HCl from actual beets and instead making a synthetic version.  The Bluebonnet brand was recently out of stock from the manufacturer, and while I waited to get more, I went back to using the TwinLabs brand.  I noticed that the TwinLabs Betaine tended to make my stomach hurt and cramp.  Therefore, I plan on staying away from it altogether in the future.   The Bluebonnet brand is more expensive, but I believe it is worth it!  I have to take too many of these pills every day and cannot afford a “cheap” synthetic version.  It is critical I have a quality product.  I get the best deals for the Bluebonnet Nutrition Betaine HCl by purchasing from House of Nutrition online site .    

I also recommend the Garden of Life Q-Zyme enzyme supplement and have found it to be extremely helpful with digestion and acid reflux.

I consider Garden of Life Primal Defense, Bluebonnet Betaine HCl, and Garden of Life Q-Zyme to be extremely important daily supplements for a healthy digestive system.  I believe this due to my personal experiences.

RECIPE - Power Packed Smoothie with Hemp and Flax Seeds

I wasn't in the mood for my usual favorite breakfast choices this morning and wanted to create something new and super healthy. I remembered I recently received Hemp and Chia seeds from the Nutiva Company, so I decided to incorporate at least one of those into my breakfast concoction. I created this delicious and power packed smoothie with lots of protein and good for you omega oils.

POWER PACKED SMOOTHIE

10 oz of milk or your favorite milk substitute 
(my favorite is 5 oz coconut milk, 5 oz skim lactose free milk)

1 scoop of Dr. Mercola's Pure Protein (which contains chia seeds)
(you can substitute your own favorite protein powder)

2 tablespoons of hemp seed

2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds 
(I buy whole flax seeds and grind them myself for freshness)

1/2 of a banana (mine was frozen)

1 heaping tablespoon of Dagoba drinking chocolate dissolved in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water

(the added drinking cocoa is purely optional based on your taste preference)

I pureed all in blender and thoroughly enjoyed it for my breakfast alongside a half of a sprouted grain bagel. When I was finished, I was quite full and satisfied and that feeling lasted for many, many hours. Plus I had lots of energy for the hours I spent pulling out Christmas decoration boxes and decorating the Christmas tree!

Super Awesome Fajita Marinade

SUPER AWESOME FAJITA MARINADE

2 lbs. flank steak

2 cloves garlic

1 teaspoon cumin

½ to 1 whole bunch cilantro (depending on personal preference)

1 jalapeno

2 limes

1 orange

2 tablespoons canola oil

Unseasoned Tenderizer

Sea Salt

This recipe came to me courtesy of my good friend at the bison meat market.  I’ve slightly adjusted from his original recipe for our taste preferences.

In a food chopper/processor, combine the garlic, cumin, cilantro, and jalapeno.  Chop all together.

Cut the limes and the orange into 8ths.  (If you really like the flavor of orange on your fajitas, you can use 2 oranges.  A member of my family does not like the way it turns out with more orange, so I only use one.)    Place the lime and orange wedges into a gallon size baggie.  I squeeze some of the wedge juices into the bag and throw the rest of the wedges in without squeezing.  Add the canola oil and the chopped garlic/cumin/cilantro, jalapeno mixture into the baggie.

Sprinkle tenderizer and salt on the flank steak.  Don’t go too heavy on either one because too much of both will make the steak too salty.  Add the flank steak into the baggie.  Seal and squeeze to mix everything up well. 

IMPORTANT:  Marinade overnight!  This provides the best tasting and most tender results on your fajitas. 

Next day, grill and cut the flank steak into strips.  Be sure to cut the steak against the grain.  VOILA!  Fajita meat is ready! 

Cancer is Certainly Serious Business

WOW!  I just barely caught this video while it was still available for free online viewing.  I am astounded that Burzynski’s cancer cure is virtually unknown by the large public. 

Why is that?! 

You would think that if a cure for cancer has been found--especially a non-toxic one--doctors all over the nation, the National Cancer Institute, and the government would be tooting their horns about it super loud.  And one would think that if a cure for cancer had been found, millions of dollars would be funneled to furthering the research and development of this cure.

Oh, but no…That is not happening because cancer is serious business!  There is a ridiculously huge amount of money involved in the cancer business.  And the MANY involved in the business of producing more “pharmaceutical drugs” and of “curing cancer” only using traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments do not want to lose their precious income.  They do not care whatsoever about the best interest of the public affected by cancer.  They care about keeping their hands deep in the cookie jar and filling their pockets with more money, even at the expense of human lives.  And they will go to any outrageous lengths to stop Dr. Burzynski from treating cancer patients with his cure.

PLEASE!  I urge you to inform yourself and order the DVD for the Burzynski video and watch it.  Share it with all your loved ones and friends.  Your life or theirs may depend on it!

Take charge of your health and keep yourself informed.