Soil based organisms (SBOs) or spore-form probiotics define a class of probiotic supplements based on a greater understanding of the incredible diversity of the human gut, coupled with a deeper appreciation for how humans and their commensal “helper” bacteria work together to produce a healthy system.
Selected for their unique characteristics, the Bacillus probiotic strains utilized in our formulation are gram-positive bacteria that can exist in two forms. Under favorable conditions, the bacteria grow in a vegetative form, but when starved of nutrients they differentiate into a dormant life form known as an endospore. These endospores come alive when introduced to an ideal environment, such as the human gut. The commensal strains in Terraflora are resistant to stressors such as light, heat, and time, and remain viable while in transit, on the shelf and through the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. This means that they deliver active, therapeutic levels when they reach the lower GI tract.
Terraflora® is a better choice as a probiotic because the spore-based bacillus strains in our probiotic formula are heat resistant, shelf stable, and protected from harsh stomach acid. On the contrary, many Lactic acid based probiotic strains do not have that same inherent resiliency, typically require refrigeration, and often do not survive all the way through the digestive tract. Spore-based bacillus bacteria is naturally occurring in our environment, highly viable, and able to colonize in the gut where you need it most.
Terraflora® is also a Synbiotic, meaning in addition to the probiotic strains, Terraflora’s formula includes a prebiotic bio-complex of wild-harvested, certified organic, food-based ingredients. The paired prebiotics in Terraflora™ are designed to enrich a broad spectrum of beneficial bacteria within the GI tract, which ensures successful proliferation of favorable microbes throughout the lower intestine.
And while there are other Bacillus-based probiotics on the market, Terraflora® is the only probiotic available that combines spore-based bacteria with prebiotics specifically designed to support and maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the gut.
No, the probiotic bacteria in Terraflora is innately shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.
Terraflora can be taken with or without food and at any time of the day. The best time to take it is the time that is easiest/most convenient for you and will allow you to stay consistent in your supplementation. That being said, consuming Terraflora with a meal mimics a more natural exposure to the soil-based organisms it contains.
When first introducing Terraflora to your system, we recommend the following protocol: Week 1 - 1 capsule every other day. Week 2: 1 capsule daily. Week 3 and beyond: 2 capsules daily.
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeast intended to help improve already existing communities of microorganisms, primarily in the gut. Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed and assist these beneficial microorganisms. Synbiotics, like Terraflora, are supplements that contain both prebiotic and probiotic components. Not only does this ensure that the bacterial strains will have the nutrients necessary to reach the lower GI tract intact, but will provide additional resources to selectively feed current gut flora populations.
The benefits you may ‘feel’ include increased consistency and regularity of bowel movements and decreased GI distress such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. You may feel results in as little as 24-48 hours due to localized benefits like improved digestion, or it make 2 to 3 weeks for your system to adapt to the introduction of new beneficial probiotic species and become fully optimized after following the slow introduction protocol included with each bottle and reaching the recommended 2 capsule daily serving size.
Long-term benefits include improved mood, increased energy levels, and optimized immune system function, but these are a bit more nuanced. For example, you may notice no discernible benefits until you reflect on the last 6 months and realize that you haven’t had a cold. Given the vast differences in each person’s bio-individuality, it is difficult to say exactly what your response will be, but as long as you stay consistent in your supplementation, these beneficial microbes and certified organic pre-biotic foods are doing their work inside the gut to program, sustain, and enhance your health.
Yes, Terraflora is vegan friendly as well as entirely free of gluten, corn, soy, nuts, dairy, or any other common allergen as defined by the FDA.
Active-fluorescent units (AFUs) represent a count of living and viable bacteria in a probiotic as measured by flow cytometry.
You may be familiar with some of the astronomical AFU counts advertised by "traditional" probiotics that use lactobacillus or bifidobacterium-based organisms. These organisms are inherently fragile, which is why you see such high numbers included, in hopes that a small percentage of them will actually reach the gut. The reality is that the vast majority of them are killed off by the acidic nature of digestion, and AFU counts have essentially become a marketing tool for many products.
Selected for their unique characteristics, the Bacillus strains utilized in our formulation are gram-positive bacteria that can exist in two forms. Under favorable conditions, the bacteria grow in a vegetative form, but when starved of nutrients they differentiate into a dormant life form known as an endospore. These endospores come alive when introduced to an ideal environment, such as the human gut. The commensal strains in Terraflora are resistant to stressors such as light, heat, and time, and remain viable while in transit, on the shelf and through the harsh acidic environment of the stomach. This means that they deliver active, therapeutic levels when they reach the lower GI tract.
Terraflora is a potent, powerful probiotic that requires a multiple-week period of adjustment for most people. That is why we recommend a slow introduction protocol of one capsule every other day for the first week, one daily for the second week, and then up to two daily by week three. At higher doses/AFUs, it’s likely that Terraflora’s unique strains would be too strong for many individuals and would require an even longer introduction period. We would encourage you to focus on results like increased regularity and decreased digestive issues such as loose stools, gas, bloating, or constipation, rather than getting too caught up on AFU counts when dealing with soil-based organisms. Bigger is not always better, and that holds true for our product.
Yes, the Terraflora capsules can be opened and added to water, food, or a smoothie. This will not alter their effectiveness, although we do recommend consuming any food or drink that Terraflora has been added to right away, not storing for later consumption.
There are no histamine producing probiotic strains in any of our Terraflora formulations.
The ingredients contained in all Terraflora formulations are safe for children to consume, but we recommend that you consult with your pediatrician prior to incorporating it, or any other supplement, into their routine. Smaller, less-frequent doses may be ideal. The capsules can be opened and emptied into food or a smoothie for immediate consumption.
