Raw Fermented Liquid Probiotic [review]

Probiotics seem to be everywhere and in just about anything. Last year, I did some research on the best form of probiotics and the consensus was that as close to natural and as close to raw is the best. Natural fermentation provides the best balance and mix of probiotics. Raw keeps the healthy bacteria at the highest level because heat can kill bacteria. Pro EM-1 Probiotic is a naturally fermented raw probiotic supplement.

Pro EM-1 Liquid Probiotic      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received the product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and are honest.

The Good	The Not So Good
Organic ingredients	Comes in a plastic bottle
Raw and naturally fermented
Ease to take

Pro EM-1 Liquid Probiotic Supplement is a fermented liquid probiotic made with organic ingredients and naturally occurring microorganisms. The company only uses live viable and active microbes (never freeze dried). The fermentation process produces active metabolites, including enzymes, co-enzymes, amino acids, organic acids, bacteriocins, and other bioactive micronutrients. Fermentation is a natural process that makes vitamins and minerals more available, but also provides our GI system with healthy bacteria.

The liquid probiotic comes in a dark navy plastic bottle. I do wish that the bottle was glass, but I am glad that it is dark to preserve the natural organisms. Pouring the bottle has been a bit of a challenge because of the way the opening is designed. When the bottle is very full, some of the liquid did drip down the side of the bottle. I have been experimenting with pouring quickly or slowing to see if it helps.

Pro EM-1 Probiotic ingredients:
Purified water
Organic aloe vera gel
Natural honey
Organic molasses
1 million cfu/ml of microbes:
   Lactobacillus plantarum
   Lactobacillus casei
   Lactobacillus fermentum
   Lactobacillus bulgaricus
   Saccharomyces cerevisiae
   Rhodopseudomonas palustris

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for probiotic supplements. Even in natural supplements, sometimes it is hard to avoid fillers that are required to make the product work or make the supplement easier to digest and get absorbed into the body. I like the simple ingredient list. The liquid probiotic is gluten-free and dairy-free. The mix of microbes is a little bit different than what I have read on probiotic capsule supplements and that is due to the fact that this is a raw, fermented product. I strongly believe in the power of fermentation and am glad I found this product.

Usage: The recommended dose is 1 tbsp per day, taken with meals. The liquid probiotic can be mixed with water or juice. I have also been adding 1 tsp to my toddler's yogurt.

Results: I have been taking it directly and then chasing with water. The taste is somewhat pleasant to me. I have been taking about 1-2 tsp per day and have not experienced any discomfort. If you experience discomfort, reduce the amount day and gradually increase. Since I have began taking probiotic supplements (most of the days lately), I feel like my digestion and bowel movements are regular and of a good quality. In general, I have not had any GI issues like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. I do feel like taking the probiotic supplement on a regular basis has helped my GI system.



If you are looking for a raw probiotic supplement, Pro EM-1 fermented liquid probiotic is a great supplement to boost immunity and health naturally.
  

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A Natural Complete Digestive Enzyme [Review]

Ever since I became pregnant and gave birth, there is something about meat that give me digestive issues. Furthermore, my diet is not as balanced as it should be because I am running around a toddler all day long and am lucky if I have a full meal. Starting probiotics has helped my digestion some. Adding a digestive enzyme supplement improved my digestive system even more. Enzymatrix Complete Digestive Enzyme is a complete and effective digestive enzyme formula, which includes a diverse range of 18 different enzymes to ensure proper digestion.

100 Naturals Enzymatrix Complete Digestive Enzyme      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Effective
Natural ingredients
No artificial additives or preservatives
Made in the USA

100 Naturals Upbiotics Advanced Probiotic Formula contains 18 different enzymes to ensure proper digestion with each meal regardless of food groups. Each enzyme helps with a specific type or types of foods. I like that this a complete solution for digestive enzymes and is a supplement that can be taken regardless of what is eaten. The capsules are the standard size and are easy to take. The enzyme supplement is flavorless.

Enzymatrix Complete Digestive Enzymes:
Protease 1
Protease 2
Aspergillopepsin
Amylase
Lipase
Cellulase
Glucoamylase
Invertase
Alpha Galactosidase
Beta Glucanase
Pectinase
Zylanase
Phytase
Hemicellulase
Lactase
Bromelian
Papain
Peptidase

The enzymes work for different types of food groups, including digesting beans, legumes, fruits, vegetables, carbs, fiber, grains, proteins, plant walls, sucrose, milk sugar in dairy products, fats, carbs from grains, phytic acid in nuts and grains, etc.

Other ingredients include: maltodextrin, vegetable capsule (hypromellose and water), and medium chain triglycerides.

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for supplements. Even in natural supplements, sometimes it is hard to avoid fillers that are required to make the product work or make the supplement easier to digest and get absorbed into the body. I like the simple ingredient list.

Uses: The bottle states that the 1 capsule should be taken 1-2 times at the beginning of each meal as a dietary supplement. Do not exceed 6 capsules per day. Since this was the first time I have taken an enzyme supplement, I did some experimenting with the timing since I had read that some people take the supplement up to 30 minutes before the meal and some take the supplement at the beginning of the meal. For me, it worked to take the supplement about 15-30 minutes before the meal for best results.

Results: My issues with digesting meat must be related to the fats because when I eat fattier meat, I have more issues. For example, lamb is usually very heavy for my stomach and I get indigestion after eating it. Since I have began taking the enzyme supplement about 15-30 minutes before eating a meal with meat, I feel like my digestion issues have improved some. I have reached for the baking soda (my natural indigestion remedy) less. Otherwise, I have not had any GI issues like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. I do feel like taking the enzyme supplement when I know I am going to eat a meal with meat has helped my digestion.

If you are looking for a high quality, natural enzyme supplement, 100 Natural Enzymatrix Complete Digestive Enzyme System is a great supplement to have on hand. This supplement would also be great for people who have intolerances and sensitives to food groups such as gluten and dairy because it might allow them to consume those food groups without the negative side effects.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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Probiotics for Better Health [Review]

Even if you eat a clean and organic diet, it is commonly known that foods today do not contain as many vitamins and nutrients as they did before when farming was not done on such a commercial scale and using so many pesticides and chemicals. Adding high quality, natural and organic supplements can be a great way to improve the function of your body. Whether dairy is part of your diet or not, taking a probiotic supplement supports your GI system and increases your immunity. Upbiotics Advanced Probiotic Blend consists of an optimized amount of 7 essential probiotic bacteria that are naturally found in the human body.






Upbiotics Advanced Probiotics Blend      

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Effective
Natural ingredients
No artificial additives or preservatives
Made in the USA

100 Naturals Upbiotics Advanced Probiotic Formula contains 11.5 billion organisms (at the time of manufacture). This is a higher number than most probiotic formulas. The recommended dose is 2 capsules taken daily, preferably with a meal. The capsules are the standard size and are easy to take. The probiotic formula is flavorless.

Upbiotics Advanced Probiotic Formula ingredients:
Probiotic Bacteria
   Bacillus subtilis
   Lactobacillus rhamnosus
   Lactobacillus casei
   Bifidobacterium longum
   Lactobacillus acidophilus
   Lactobacillus plantarum
   Bifidobacterium breve
Vegetable cellulose
Maltodextrin
Medium chain triglycerides

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for probiotic supplements. Even in natural supplements, sometimes it is hard to avoid fillers that are required to make the product work or make the supplement easier to digest and get absorbed into the body. I like the simple ingredient list. Though, if you are allergic to dairy, I would contact the manufacturer to ensure dairy was not used as a medium/culture for creating the probiotic bacteria.

I have been taking two (2) capsules on an almost daily basis with a meal, as recommended. I love that there is no smell or taste. The capsules are of standard size and are easy to swallow for me.

Since I have began taking probiotic supplements, I feel like my digestion and bowel movements are regular and of a good quality. In general, I have not had any GI issues like gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. I do feel like taking the probiotic supplement on a regular basis has helped my GI system.

If you are looking for a high quality, natural probiotic, Upbiotics Advanced Probiotic Blend is a great addition to your diet.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received the product to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own and are honest.

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BioTerra Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement [Review]

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Natural medicine is making a comeback and becoming more common. Herbal supplements and essential oils can be a great way to keep your family healthy, prevent illnesses and help to recover from illnesses. In some situations, modern medicine might still be required. Though you cannot go wrong with pure, natural, herbal supplements as an addition to your healthy diet. BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom Herbal Supplement promotes eye health and supports visual function.

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom    
   ($19.99, 60 capsules)

Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
100% pure and natural herbs
No taste/aftertaste
No artificial additives or preservatives
Made in the USA

BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom contains 100% natural and pure herbs in a vegetarian capsule with rice flour. All ingredients are Vegan, Non-GMO and Gluten-Free. Vision Zoom contains the following ingredients:

Lycium (fruit) - Latin name: Lycium chinese
Chrysanthemum (flower) - Latin name: Dendranthema x grandiflorum.
Jujube (fruit) - Latin name: Ziziphus jujuba
Asian Water Plantain (rhizome) - Latin name: Alisma plantago-aquatica
Astragalus (root) - Latin name: Astragalus mongholicus

This list of ingredients is one of the simplest for supplements. I like that the ingredients are non-GMO, especially since the capsules contain rice flour.

I have been taking two (2) capsules on an almost daily basis after a meal, as recommended. Vision Zoom does not have a taste or aftertaste. Even when smelling the capsules, there was no scent. Unlike some herbal supplements, I love that there is no smell or taste. The capsules are of standard size, soft and easy to swallow for me.

Usually, I do see many, if any, visible effects (positive or negative) from taking herbal supplements. I have been taking this one for a few weeks and did not think I was seeing any noticeable results, until last weekend. I was in a wedding, so after wearing eye make up for a rehearsal dinner and the whole next day, my eyes were itchy and red by the end of the second day. I kept taking Vision Zoom once per day. I noticed that the itching was gone within 24 hours. Great results for someone who does not, anymore, wear makeup every day and gets affected by it when it is worn.

If you experience eye allergies, wear contacts or have sensitive eyes, BioTerra Herbs Vision Zoom herbal supplement is a great addition to your diet.

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. Information about the product was sourced from the company website. These statements have not be reviewed by the FDA, not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any conditions or diseases. Please consult your physician before starting a new supplement. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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Melt Organic Lactose-Free Butter Spread [Review]

Although the myth about a low saturated fat diet being healthy for our bodies has been disproved by numerous studies and we are no longer afraid of real butter, we do not want to become the next Paula Deen add-a-stick-of-butter either. I prefer to cook and eat real butter, but also like to have butter alternatives on hand for family and friends. Of course, I look for natural and organic options for spreadable butter. Melt Organic is made from a Perfect Blend of organic fruit and plant based oils that are good for you. Say goodbye to butter, say hello to melt!

Melt Organic        ($7.98, 2 pack; singles available at retail stores)
Rating: total green check marks out of 5.

The Good	The Not So Good
Certified Organic	Contains natural flavor
Easy to spread
Soy-free
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Melt Organic is an improvement on butter. Melt is a new form of organic butter spread that is made from a Perfect Blend of fruit and plant based oils that are good for you in the following ways:

1. Rich source of 'good fat" (MCFAs) optimally metabolized with Virgin Coconut Oil
2. Perfect 2:1 ratio of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids
3. 425mg of Omega-3 ALA (25% RDA) and Vitamin E (25% RDA)
4. Certified Organic, Kosher and non-GMO project verified
5. Soy-Free and Gluten-Free
6. Contains Eco-Social and Fair Trade ingredients
7. No hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
8. No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Melt Organic Buttery Spread comes in the following flavors: Rich & Creamy, Honey and Chocolate. My local Whole Foods only sold the Rich & Creamy flavor, so that is the one that I purchased. We have been using Melt Organic for several weeks now. Melt Organic Rich & Creamy spread reminded me a lot of the standard buttery spreads that are sold in grocery stores. The butter spread was soft right out of the fridge and melted quickly onto my toasted bread. The buttery flavor was a little bit lighter than real butter. I would like to see Melt Organic made with no natural flavors and offered in savory flavors like herbed buttery spread.

I like that I can use Melt Organic for cooking, sauteeing, baking or straight out of the container. I used Melt buttery spread as a margarine substitute in vegan cupcakes with frosting and I look forward toward using Melt Organic as the butter for baking scones and muffins.

Rich & Creamy Melt Organic does contain a small amount of milk (in the form of Ghee (clarified butter)), but is Lactose Free and Casein Free. Honey and Chocolate Melt Organic flavors are Dairy-Free, in addition to the above mentioned. If you are looking for an alternative to butter, give Melt Organic a try. 

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above to facilitate this review. No other compensation was received. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are my own.

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