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Home > Frequently Asked Questions
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT KIRKMAN®
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1. FAQs About Hypoallergenic Products and Allergies
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Q---What is an allergy?
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A---An allergy is an exaggerated or inappropriate immune response to a substance.
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Q---Can you see all of the allergies or sensitivities that a person may have?
Do you always know when an individual is reacting and, if so, what they are reacting to?
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A---No, a person’s allergic reaction can manifest itself in many different ways.
It is not always noticeable by an outward reaction, but rather may cause behavioral,
gastrointestinal, or less observable disturbances. Unless the diet and environment
are very carefully controlled, it is very difficult to know what an individual is
reacting to.
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Q---Can allergies vary from time to time?
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A---If the allergy is based on a seasonal occurrence or a periodic environmental
allergen, it can vary from time to time, but once the body recognizes a substance
as an allergen, it generally is an allergen forever.
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Q---Can an individual become allergic to something that they weren’t allergic to before?
Is there a way to avoid this?
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A---Compromised immune systems often display a shift in "T" cell activity.
Th1 cells that drive immune response to infections and disease can be shifted toward
Th2 cells that drive antibody production that responds to allergens.
When this occurs, a person can become sensitive to something that was not previously an allergy.
Usually this is a food or an environmental factor. Maintaining a very healthy immune system
protects against this cell shift.
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Q---Is there a difference between an antigen and an allergen?
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A---An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people,
but cause no response for most individuals. An antigen is a substance that causes
your immune system to produce antibodies against it. Since an antigen can actually
be formed inside the body by bacteria or tissue cells, they are perceived as slightly
different, but their effect is the same.
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Q---What does a supplement label need to tell the consumer about the presence
or absence of allergens?
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A---Supplement labels must declare ingredients present in the product.
New allergen labeling laws also make it mandatory for companies to declare
certain allergens in the ingredient lists or underneath the ingredient lists,
such as “contains soy” or “contains milk.” That mandatory declaration is only
for the most common allergens, however. Many other allergens can still be
hidden in the ingredient lists, such as corn or fruits.
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Q---What does hypoallergenic mean? |
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A---Hypoallergenic means that the ingredients chosen for a product are those that
are least likely to produce an allergic response.
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Q---Are hypoallergenic products necessary or good for everybody? |
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A---Certainly anyone can take a hypoallergenic product; however, not everyone needs to.
Individuals without ingredient sensitivities or with no history of immune disregularity
can generally take non-hypoallergenic supplements.
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Q---Are they mandatory for some people? |
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A---Yes, individuals with known allergic responses and ingredient sensitivities should
consider them mandatory.
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Q---What is the difference between natural products and hypoallergenic products? |
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A---Natural products are defined as products that occur naturally in nature, but in no
way correlate with hypoallergenic. Natural products are almost as likely to produce
an allergic response as non-natural products. Soy, corn, nuts, wheat, and fish are
all natural substances, but are primary allergens to many individuals.
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Q---What about personal care products such as hand and body lotions, or hair shampoos
and conditioners?
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A---Topical products generally produce outward allergic responses that are generally
seen on the skin in the form of a rash, itching or skin breakout.
Often these allergic responses are to ingredients different from the ingredients
responsible for responses to foods, but some ingredients could be common to both.
Unless a topical product is formulated to be transdermal (absorbed through the skin),
these products usually cause only external type reactions.
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Q---How do Kirkman Kleen™ personal care products differ from others?
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A---KirkmanÆ has chosen those ingredients that historically have produced the
least allergic responses in these types of products.
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Q---What kinds of allergens can be found in supplements? What are the most
common ones? Can there be allergens in both active and inactive ingredients?
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A---Milk, eggs, tree nuts, soy, fish, shellfish, wheat, corn, mold and peanuts are
the most common, but many others such as various fruits, herbs or vegetables can also
be present. Both active or inactive ingredients can contain these allergens so it is
important to read both the Supplement Facts box and ingredient lists of the product.
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Q---What about the nutrients synthesized from plant sources? Can’t these contain
allergens?
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A---Absolutely. The soil or media the plants are grown in can contain any of the common
allergens, plus potential environmental allergens.
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Q---Can both natural and artificial flavorings contain allergens?
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A---Yes they can. The natural flavors can contain fruits, grains, or other
natural allergens, while the artificial flavors generally contain an array
of synthetic chemicals that can cause severe reactions.
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Q---Why is the type of capsule used important?
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A---Vegetable cellulose capsules, such as those Kirkman® uses,
have a safe history of no allergic responses. Gelatin capsules used by
many other firms are animal derived from pigs, beef or fish, which are
known to cause allergic responses in sensitive individuals.
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Q---Why does Kirkman® specify that the magnesium stearate used is vegetable?
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A---Non-vegetable magnesium stearate is animal sourced, and can therefore cause the
responses that animal based ingredients contribute to.
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Q---Are grains used at any point during the manufacturing, synthesis, or
processing of Kirkman vitamins and minerals, such as in the formation of
alcohol or sugar?
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A---Generally speaking, no. In the few instances where grains may have been
involved, the product is tested by an independent laboratory for gluten.
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Q---How can Kirkman’s Colostrum Gold™ liquid say it contains milk, but yet
be casein free?
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A---Because it came from milk, by law it must say "milk" on the label, but the
casein has been removed by multiple filtrations. The product is laboratory
tested to be casein-free at detectable levels.
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Q---Why would the label for Kirkman’s Gastro Support say it contains Shellfish
(Shrimp)? I don’t see any shellfish or shrimp in the ingredients panel?
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A---The n-acetyl glucosamine in the product is sourced from shrimp and therefore
must be declared as part of the allergen labeling laws.
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Q---When we talk about supplements being hypoallergenic, are we also referring to
being free of contamination by heavy metals or other environmental contaminants?
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A---Yes, Kirkman® products are formulated to be as low as possible in
environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, PCB’s and pesticides, as well
as free of common allergens.
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Q---What kinds of contaminants are found in many low-quality supplements?
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A---Common allergens, heavy metals, pesticides, PCB’s, artificial flavors,
artificial colors, and potentially damaging chemicals.
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Q---Do hypoallergenic products work as well as regular products?
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A---Yes, the absorbance and efficacy of the products are equal.
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Q---Why aren’t all supplements and personal care products formulated to be hypoallergenic?
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A---All individuals do not require hypoallergenic products. If one is not sensitive to
ingredients and has no known allergens, regular products are fine.
Also, some versions of products need to be sweetened or flavored in order to cover up
tastes and textures. These special dosage forms cannot be made hypoallergenic.
In addition, there are some active ingredients that just cannot be made hypoallergenic,
such as enzymes, because the substrate they are manufactured on contains a potential allergen.
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Q---How long has Kirkman® been offering the hypoallergenic line?
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A---This line has been in existence for eight years now with remarkable results.
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Q---What categories of supplements are offered in Kirkman’s hypoallergenic line?
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A---We try to have at least one hypoallergenic version of all the different
categories of products we manufacture. Only those containing active ingredients
that have inherent allergens in their makeup are excluded, such as enzymes and
cod liver oil.
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Q---How does Kirkman® guarantee the hypoallergenic status of Kirkman’s Hypoallergenic
line and the purity of all of Kirkman’s products?
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A---Kirkman’s raw materials are selected based on their purity and being free
of allergens and environmental contaminants. We monitor every incoming raw
material for these quality factors, and we test our finished products for casein,
gluten and soy routinely.
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2. FAQs About Immune Problems and Issues |
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Q---How can I recognize signs of immune deficiencies?
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A---The signs of an immune problem are often quite easy to recognize over time.
Persistence of the following conditions is key to suspecting immune deficiencies:
- Frequent illness
- Continuous food allergies or an increased number of such allergies
- Inadequate detoxification as indicated by laboratory testing
- Low glutathione levels as indicated by laboratory testing
- Impaired methylation
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Q---Are some individuals more likely to have immune problems than others?
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A---"Sensitive" individuals are especially prone to immune problems.
In the case of children, parents’ observations conveyed to the physician
are extremely important in helping the doctor recognize the problem,
which is often hard to judge at an office visit.
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Q---What is the relationship between a toxic body burden and immune problems?
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A---A toxic body burden makes the immune system work harder,
which can make the system less effective against other body invaders.
Often, detoxifying the body improves the overall condition and returns
the immune system to normality.
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Q---How do you help break the cycle of chronic immune dysregulation?
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A---This is a very difficult question to answer because it depends on
the causes of the dysregulation. If it is nutritional, supplements can help,
but if it is toxins, low glutathione levels or pathway problems, lab testing
and a physician’s involvement will be necessary.
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Q---What can you safely do on your own, and when is it time to see the doctor?
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A---It is safe to try certain nutritional supplements on your own such as the ones
listed below, but when it comes to detoxification, pathway issues such as
methylation or sulfation, or glutathione levels, a physician’s involvement
is recommended.
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Q---Which nutrients support a healthy immune system?
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A---There is a long list of nutritional products that support a healthy
immune system including:
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium
- Beta Glucan
- CoEnzyme Q-10 or Idebenone
- N-Acetyl Cysteine
- Colostrum
- Super Cranberry Extract
- Garlic
- Olive Leaf
- Goldenseal
- Reduced L-Glutathione Dimethylglycine or Trimethylglycine
You may recognize some of the above nutrients as being present in the
multi-vitamin/mineral you may be using. To better support a compromised
immune system, additional supplementation of the nutrient is recommended.
Increasing zinc to 50 mg. daily, vitamin C to 1000-3000 mg. daily, vitamin E
to 200-400 IU daily, selenium up to at least 75 mcg. daily, and Coenzyme
Q-10 up to 100 mg. daily may be beneficial.
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Q---Is it better to supplement with single nutrients or combination products?
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A---There is no preference. Just stay within the recommended dosages or follow
your doctor’s orders. Also, don’t try too many different products at once.
In case of a reaction or sensitivity, you want to know which product is
causing a problem.
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Q---Do some products complement each other or need to be utilized together?
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A---Some products work synergistically and, frequently, some need to be used together. This can get very complicated, however, so talk to your doctor about this. Generally speaking, the vitamin and mineral products work together well.
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Q---Are there any contraindications or upper limits for any immune boosters included
in Kirkman products, such as selenium, goldenseal, or echinacea?
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A---There are some upper limits, but it can vary with individuals by age or weight.
Also some products should not be used indefinitely at higher dosages, such as
goldenseal above 500 mg. It is best to check with your doctor about this and
follow label recommendations. Some doctors will have different regimens and different
upper limit requirements.
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Q---Can herbal immune boosters be taken in conjunction with probiotics?
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A---For the most part yes, but herbal preparations such as goldenseal, garlic
and turmeric should not be taken at the same time as probiotics because the
herbs have components that can kill off some of the organisms.
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Q---Are there any times when it is even more important for an individual to
support their immune system, such as before travel?
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A---During periods of high exposure such as crowds, travel, or during the winter
season, immune support should be stepped up.
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Q---How can Kirkman help?
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A---Kirkman can make some recommendations such as discussed in this guide and
customer service representatives may offer some suggestions, but Kirkman cannot
give medical advice. Your doctor is your best source of assistance.
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3. FAQs About Probiotics
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Q---Why would I consider giving my child probiotics?
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A---Probiotics are good insurance for maintaining healthy intestinal flora which
in turn supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Specific health symptoms which
might indicate a need for probiotics include abdominal pain, gas, bloating, bacterial
or yeast overgrowth, constipation or excessively loose stools.
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Q---What is the definition of a probiotic?
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A---Probiotics are live strains of beneficial bacteria which promote gastrointestinal
health.
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Q---What are the functions of probiotics?
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A---Probiotics promote intestinal growth and colonization of the healthy beneficial
strains they deliver, which in turn helps to crowd out harmful bacteria or yeast.
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Q---What are the mechanisms by which probiotics deliver their beneficial effects?
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A---The probiotics deliver live, colony forming units, to the intestines.
Generally speaking, Lactobacillus strains work predominately in the small
intestine while Bifidobacterium strains are more active in the large intestine.
When reaching the intestines, the colony forming units begin multiplying thereby
crowding out and making it more difficult for harmful bacteria to survive.
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Q---What are the different functions of the different strains?
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A---There are certain strains of probiotics which are particularly effective
in crowding out specific strains of harmful bacteria such as Clostridia or Klebsiella.
Unless your doctor has positively identified the harmful strains via a stool culture,
however, most individuals who use probiotics don’t actually know which harmful bacterial
strains are present in the intestines and rely on a multi-strain probiotic to increase the
beneficial flora while crowding out the undesirable flora. If you doctor has done a stool
test and identified a particular pathogenic bacteria, he can prescribe a specific strain of
probiotic particularly effective for that organism.
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Q---Is there any one strain – or a couple – that is more advantageous than others?
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A---If a stool test has identified a particular pathogenic bacteria, then a probiotic
specifically effective on that bacteria would be desirable. If not, then a combination
of Lactobacillus strains and Bifidobacterium strains have been shown to be very effective.
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Q---Do I need to start out slowly?
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A---Yes. Each individual needs to find out their optimum dose for their own ideal gastrointestinal
health. Some individuals need only low doses to correct intestinal issues while others need more
therapeutic dosages.
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Q---Is the dosage dependent on the patient’s weight or age?
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A---It can be but not necessarily. Each individual needs to find that "ideal" dose.
Sometimes once daily is enough, while in others, multiple dosing per day is needed.
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Q---What is the rate at which you should increase the dosage?
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A---A good rule of thumb is to start out with º of a capsule for a few days,
and then increase to _ capsule if no negative effects (such as loose stools)
are seen. After another few days, increase to a full capsule. If improvement
is noticed, but not yet optimal, then multiple dosing per day or multiple
capsules can be tried. The most common symptoms of overdosing with a probiotic
are excessively loose stools or excess gas. If that occurs, back the dosage down.
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Q---What kind of beneficial effects have some people seen with probiotics?
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A---Reduced abdominal pain, less gas, improved regularity, firmer stools, less
odorous stools, and better food digestion. Sometimes improvement in skin tone
is also seen.
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Q---Are there any sorts of effects which appear negative?
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A---Only if the product is overdosed in which case loose stools and excessive
gas could result or if there is a die off reaction resulting from harmful
bacteria releasing toxins as they die. This is known as the herxheimer
reaction which causes the individual to feel “sick” or uncomfortable for
a few days. This die off reaction usually resolves in a week to ten days.
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Q---What do you do if you see these effects?
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A---If you see positive effects, try to find the ideal dose and maintain
that dosing regimen. If the above negative results occur, back the dosage
down until the right dose is determined or in the case of a die off reaction,
reduce the dose until the situation resolves.
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Q---Although probiotics are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease,
for what reasons have some people started taking probiotics?
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A---Specific health issues which might indicate a need for probiotics include
intestinal or abdominal pain, gas, bloating, bacterial or yeast overgrowth,
constipation or excessively loose stools.
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Q---How long will it take to see positive results?
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A---Often, positive results will be seen within a day or two.
In some individuals, it may take a week or two.
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Q---Is it possible to overdose on probiotics?
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A---Yes. Excessive probiotics usually result in
loose stools and/or excess gas.
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Q---How do you work with the dosage/administration
for a child who has trouble tolerating probiotics?
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A- A child who has difficulty tolerating probiotics could
have a sensitivity to something in the product or could be
experiencing a die off reaction. If it appears to be a
sensitivity type allergic reaction, try a hypoallergenic form.
If it appears to be die off, reduce the dose and be patient.
Die off usually resolves within a week.
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Q---How far do probiotics survive in their journey down the gastrointestinal tract?
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A---Kirkman’s probiotic strains are stabilized with a protective polymer which
coats the probiotic cells to protect them from stomach acids.
Most of the cells reach the intestines alive and are ready to go to work.
This may not be true of many other brands. Unstabilized strains can be
killed off by the acidic conditions of the stomach.
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Q---How should Kirkman probiotics be stored?
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A---Kirkman probiotics are shipped on ice. When received by the customer,
they should be stored in the refrigerator.
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Q---How long can Kirkman probiotics be out of the refrigerator (at room temperature)
and still be effective?
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A---They can be left at room temperature not exceeding 75_ F for a day or two.
In excess of 75_ F, however, the integrity of the product can be compromised
within about two hours. The hotter the temperature, the quicker cells are
killed off. The best scenario is to keep refrigerated in which case, label
potency is guaranteed through the best buy date on the label.
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Q---Are Kirkman’s probiotics casein and gluten free?
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A---All probiotics manufactured by Kirkman are tested and certified to be casein,
gluten and soy free. Kirkman also distributes, but does not manufacture other
brands of probiotics. These other brands are not always free of casein and gluten.
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Q---Which of Kirkman’s probiotics are SCD legal?
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A---The SCD original diet required only Lactobacillus strains to be used.
Bifidobacterium strains were not SCD legal. Using that strict definition,
only Kirkman’s Lactobacillus acidophilus product would be considered SCD legal.
Many doctors, however, realized the need for some Bifido strains when on that
diet and asked Kirkman to come up with an inulin free Pro Bio GoldÆ formulation.
We have done that and doctors using that philosophy also consider that product SCD
legal.
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Q---I’ve heard negative things about Bifidum bacteria – one probiotic strain.
Are there any particular strains that might cause problems?
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A---Kirkman feels that the negative reports on bifidum strains are unfounded.
It is well established that infants have a very high concentration of Bifidum
strains and infant probiotics are usually primarily Bifidum based. Adults,
however, also need some Bifido bacteria in balance with Lactobacillus strains
for good gastrointestinal health. The literature indicates that multi strain
combinations of Lactobacillus and Bifium strains are more effective than single
strains unless a particular bacteria is being targeted.
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Q---Do probiotics help the immune system?
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A---Yes. Probiotics stimulate the production and activity of immune cells
located in the tissues that line the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory
system and urinary tract. These are known as mucosal tissues and a
significant percentage of the body’s immune capacity may reside in these tissues.
Probiotics also contain varying amounts of DPPIV enzyme which stimulates immune
response on the brush border of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Q- What is the role that probiotics play when a patient has been prescribed antibiotics?
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A- Antibiotics are not specific to harmful bacteria.
They also kill off the beneficial flora in the gastrointestinal tract often
resulting in severe stomach cramping and diarrhea. By using a probiotic concurrently
with antibiotics, beneficial flora can be preserved resulting in minimal side effects
from the antibiotic.
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Q---How far apart should probiotics and antibiotics be spaced so that both are effective
and helpful?
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A---The probiotics should be given half way between the antibiotic doses so the two
do not come in direct contact with each other. For example, if your antibiotic is to
be given every four hours, give the probiotic two hours after the antibiotic.
If the antibiotic is to be given every eight hours, give the probiotic four hours
after the antibiotic.
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Q---Should probiotics be taken before or after any given dose of antibiotics?
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A---No, the probiotic should be given as far apart from the antibiotic as possible.
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Q---Have people who have colitis, Crohn’s Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome
reported good effects with probiotics?
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A---Yes, considerable literature indicates that probiotics can improve and
positively support the above conditions.
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Q---Is there a best time of day to take probiotics?
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A---There are two schools of thought on this subject. Some experts suggest
taking them on an empty stomach so implantation is more effective, while
other experts suggest taking them with meals so that less stomach acid is encountered.
Kirkman recommends taking them at the very beginning of a meal which limits the
degree of acidity the probiotic encounters.
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Q---Should probiotics be taken apart from digestive enzymes?
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A---Probiotics can be partially digested by digesting enzymes such as protease and amylase.
For this reason Kirkman recommends separating them to some degree. When both products are
being used by a patient, we recommend taking the enzyme at the very beginning of the meal
followed by the probiotic about 30 minutes later. That way they do not come into direct
contact with each other.
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Q---Should probiotics be taken apart from any herbs, spices, or herbal supplements?
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A---Many herbs contain inherent immune supporting ingredients which can kill living
cells such as probiotics. For that reason, herbal products should be given separated
from probiotics by an hour or two.
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Q---Do probiotics help with nutrient absorption?
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A---Intestinal inflammation and/or bacterial overgrowth can interfere with nutrient
absorption. When these conditions are present, probiotics can help.
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Q---Are different potencies of probiotics generally used in different situations?
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A---Generally speaking, one should use the dose of probiotics necessary to maintain
good gastrointestinal health. Some people do well on low potency products such as
20 billion colony forming units, while others require in hundreds of thousands of colony
forming units. Individuals must find the dosage that is right for their bodies.
Also, when significant bacterial overgrowth is present in an unhealthy gut, sometimes
therapeutic dosages are needed initially, followed by a maintenance dosage after the
overgrowth is reduced.
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