Indications

• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Heart health
• Digestive health

Ingredients

Serving Size: 4 Lozenges... %DV
Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS)... 2.8 g†

† Daily Value not established

Description

What Is It?
XOS (pronounced ZOSS) is short for xylo-oligosaccharide, an important prebiotic for healthy intestinal gut flora, digestion and overall health. Prebiotics differ from probiotics in the sense that prebiotics are fibres that are not digested by humans. Instead, they serve as an energy source for the bacteria or, probiotics, that live in the digestive tract. Prebiotics are necessary for, and highly effective at, promoting the growth of the gut bacteria necessary for digestion, immunity, inflammation and metabolic function. Fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin are examples of two well-known prebiotics that have been associated with health benefits, but not all prebiotics are the same. Studies show that XOS promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, especially Bifidobacterium, while other prebiotics are not as selective, and can increase the growth of both beneficial and harmful bacteria.
What Does It Do?
Primary Uses: XOS treats constipation and can prevent it when taken on a regular basis. In a study of severely constipated pregnant women in their 3rd trimester, XOS gently relieved their constipation within three days and without the common side effects of conventional laxatives. XOS increases the production of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial probiotic which influences intestinal motility to relieve constipation. XOS also increases intestinal motility by acting as a bulking agent. XOS reduces and prevents diarrhea by reducing the growth of harmful bacteria associated with “leaky gut” in conditions such as IBS and Celiac disease.
Secondary Uses: There is an increasing amount of research that demonstrates a connection between gut microorganisms and metabolic disorders. Studies show that obese individuals have more Lactobacillus and less Bifidobacterium in their intestinal tract. In animals, Lactobacillus was shown to promote obesity. XOS increases the production of Bifidobacterium, which is increasingly important in humans with type 2 diabetes; a change in their gut flora has been associated with a progression of the disease through alterations in lipid and glucose metabolism and upregulation of chronic inflammation. XOS improves the balance between good and bad bacteria in pre-diabetics. XOS has also been shown to have positive effects on cholesterol and immunity.
Who Should Take It?
XOS is formulated for individuals who want relief from acute or chronic constipation and/or diarrhea without the adverse side effects of pharmaceutical or natural laxatives and antidiarrheals. XOS is also ideal for individuals who want to promote optimal digestive, cardiovascular and overall health.

Quantity

180 Chewable Lozenges

Dose

Take 2-4 lozenges daily, 2 hours before or after taking other medications or natural health products, or as directed by a qualified health care practitioner. To maintain adequate fluid intake, take with at least 1 glass of water.

Potential side effects/Safety

CAUTION: Consult a heath care practitioner prior to use if you have been pregnant for less than 23 weeks, if you are taking medications which inhibit peristaltic movement (e.g. opioids, loperamide), or if you are experiencing any of the following; sudden change in bowel habits that have persisted for more than 2 weeks, undiagnosed rectal bleeding, failure to defecate following the use of laxative products or symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen, if laxative effect does not occur within 7 days, or for use beyond 4 weeks. May cause mild gastro-intestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating and cramps.