BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit

For complete product description of BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit

BLIS K12™ Throat Guard Daily (Peppermint)

BLIS Probiotics: Information on product safety.

What Causes Bad Breath?

BAD BREATH IS THE RESULT OF SMELLS AND WASTE FROM BACTERIA THAT LIVE IN THE MOUTH AND THROAT.

Halitosis or bad breath is defined as noticeable unpleasant odour that emanates from the mouth which is objectionable and undesirable to others. It is one of society's oldest and most troublesome social maladies. It is caused by volatile sulphur compounds.

For the majority of people (85-90% of those who have bad breath halitosis), the single most frequent cause of bad breath problems are the bacteria that live in their mouth.

Bad breath remains a taboo subject and most people realise that they cannot rely on their friends, work colleagues, partners to let them know when they smell the odour from their mouth. Most of your friends will avoid you rather than tell you about your breath for the fear that you may get upset.

An extensive survey carried out by the British Dental Association some years ago found that bad breath was rated as the number 1 turn-off for everybody, no matter what their age or gender.  

Bacteria consume food and excrete waste. Bad breath is caused by volatile sulphur compounds (VSC's) excreted by oral bacteria as waste. The term "volatile" simply describes the fact that these compounds evaporate readily, even at normal temperatures. The extreme volatility of VSC's explains how these compounds have the ability to offend those around us, instantly.

While volatile sulphur compounds are the main causative agents of bad breath, the bacteria that live in our mouth may produce other waste products too. Some of these have their own unique and unpleasant smell.

Some of the smells associated with these waste products are the smells we associate with corpses (Cadaverine), decaying meat (Putrescine), smell of human faecal matter (Skatole) and the smell of sweaty feet (Isovaleric Acid).

Everyone has some amount of these unpleasant compounds in their breath. Fortunately, however, at low levels these odorous compounds cannot be detected by the human nose. It is only when the amount of these compounds becomes elevated that others can detect our "bad" breath.

Having bad breath at work can put you in a difficult situation with your co workers and your boss. Nearly half of those surveyed by the British Dental Association say that having bad breath can lower the odds of getting a promotion.

This mix of compounds emanates from the mouths of all humans. No one is an exception. Everyone has varying amounts of these unpleasant compounds in their breath.

Fortunately, at low levels these odorous compounds cannot be detected by the human nose. It's only when the amount of these compounds becomes elevated that others can detect our "bad" breath.

Some of the Causes of Bad Breath:

• Gum disease
• Sinus
• Dry mouth

Customer Feedback

"I want to express my delight with your products. I have been using the fresh breath kit and throat guard since I saw the documentary on national television. I work in the service industry meeting hundreds of people every day. I suffered with bad breath for years eating mints and using mouthwash with little effect. It wasn't until I tried your products that that horrible taste disappeared. I actually felt confident talking close to people. You don't know how good that feels until you are affected. I notice if I stop taking it, the problem continues, so I am converted and take it daily. The website offers savings which I'm excited about. I choose to buy your products as daily maintenance. I look after my appearance, why not pay a dollar a day for oral hygeine, knowing I can rely on it 100%. It's worth it."

Sue, New Zealand

"Been suffering from bb for last 30 years and recently tried the blis k12. First time l used it gave my mouth feeling fresh and clean."

Maria

Oral Health- More Important Than You May Realize. Protect the Gateway.

Do a quick survey of your friends and family and find out how much they know about oral health? You would be surprised how little we know how important our mouth and throat is and the consequences that we may be faced with if we neglect the health of our mouth and throat.

Your eyes may be the window to the soul, but your mouth is a window to your body's health.

Oral health and overall health are more connected than you might realize. 

What is Oral Health? Is There a Connection Between Oral Health and Your Overall Health? 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines oral health as "being free of chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that affect the mouth and oral cavity". World Health Organisation states on it's FACT SHEET that "Oral diseases share common risk factors with the four leading chronic diseases -- cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes - including unhealthy diet, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use. Poor oral hygiene is also a risk factor."

The state of your oral health can offer lots of clues about your overall health. Oral health and overall health are more connected than you might realize. Your mouth is normally teeming with billions and billions of bacteria that are mostly beneficial.

ORAL HEALTH, PERIODONDONTAL DISEASE, TOOTH DECAY, CADIOVASCULAR DISEASES, CANCER AND DIABETES

While it is known that illnesses of the oral cavity (mouth), throat and upper respiratory tract can have serious acute and chronic effects on human body, there is now emerging evidence that microorganisms implicated in inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity such as gingivitis, periodontal diseases and poor oral hygiene might also be linked to cardiovascular, preterm labour, pulmonary and diabetic diseases.

The Surgeon General estimates 85 percent of Americans have gum disease — which make it one of the major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.

Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than cancer. Whilst the scientific basis for the linkages between the oral cavity bacteria and the development of these diseases is not fully determined, it nevertheless raises important questions about the role of "microflora" and how this may be manipulated with bacterial replacement therapy. Some of the oral care facts listed by the World Health Organisation are:

• The most common oral diseases are dental cavities and periodontal (gum) disease.
• 60-90% of school children worldwide have dental cavities.
• Severe periodontal (gum) disease, which may result in tooth loss, is found in 5-20% of middle-aged adults; the rate varies across geographical regions.

Now that we have established that the mouth is an entry point for pathogens as it comes into contact with billions of bacteria every day, please continue reading if your view and understanding of “bacteria” is same as Scientists.

Mouth and Bacteria

A pathogen is anything that causes a disease. Pathogens include:

(1) Bacteria. A group of microscopic organisms that are capable of reproducing on their own, causing human disease by direct invasion of body tissues. Bacteria often produce toxins that poison the cells they have invaded. Numerous bacteria also live in harmony with the body and are necessary for human existence, such as bacteria that aid in digestion in the gut. Bacterial diseases include "strep" tonsillitis, pneumonia, and meningitis. (example: bacterial meningitis or strep throat)

(2) Viruses.

(3) Fungi (example: athlete’s foot)

We come in contact with pathogens everyday. Most of the time our body’s immune system destroys them before they can cause harm.

The microorganisms in our mouth are the first line of defence against pathogens and an important part of our immune health. If a healthy balance of oral bacteria is affected by stress, exposure to disease or antibiotics, it can quickly lead to problems such as throat infections, ear infections and bad breath.

Do you know that Humans Carry More Bacterial Cells than Human Ones?

90% of the human body is bacteria, and 70% of them are good and helpful bacteria. BLIS K12 is beneficial for your health.

A Microbiologist would say that you are more bacteria than you are you. 90% of the cells within us are not ours but microbes.

According to Science Daily, the number of bacteria living within the body of the average healthy adult human are estimated to outnumber human cells 10 to 1."We compulsively wash our hands, spray our countertops and grimace when someone sneezes near us—in fact, we do everything we can to avoid unnecessary encounters with the germ world. But the truth is we are practically walking petri dishes, rife with bacterial colonies from our skin to the deepest recesses of our guts." (Scientific American)

The infestation of bacteria begins at birth. Babies ingest mouthfuls of bacteria during birthing and pick up plenty more from their mother's skin and milk. A baby's interaction with their mother is the biggest burst of microbes they get. This is just the beginning because throughout our lives, we consume bacteria in our food and water...

Changes in our microbial communities throughout life may be responsible for digestive disorders, skin diseases, gum disease and even obesity.

Modern humans are bacteria-killing machines. We assassinate microbes with hand soap, mouthwash and bathroom cleaners. It feels clean and right.

But some scientists say we're overdoing it. All this killing may actually cause diseases like eczema, irritable bowel syndrome and even diabetes. The answer, they say, is counter-intuitive: feed patients bacteria. Listen to Professor John Tagg of the University of Otago (click here)

70% of Bacteria In Your Body Are Good Or Beneficial

Does this surprise you? You are not alone. 45% of Americans consider themselves very or somewhat knowledgeable about the benefits of probiotics on digestive health, compared to 36% in 2009, according to results of an annual benchmark survey by The Dannon Company.

The following are some myths and incorrect perceptions uncovered by the survey, and the facts to set them straight:

• 22% of survey respondents believe that all bacteria can make you sick. In reality, just the opposite is true. Probiotics are live bacteria that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide health benefits, which can include supporting the immune system, helping regulate the digestive system, and helping maintain oral health.
• One-third of respondents feel uncomfortable eating foods that contain bacteria. Do you eat yogurt? While not all yogurts contain specific probiotics. All yogurts have live bacteria because yogurt is produced by the fermentation of milk by bacteria.

 Now, let us talk about ANTIBIOTICS and bacteria resistant to antibiotics (super bug).

Antibiotics, Super Bug (Bacteria) or Bacteria Resistant to Antibiotics!

Do Antibiotics That Your Doctor Prescribes Kill Only Bad Bacteria?

The short answer is NO. Pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria make up, at most, about 30 percent of the total bacteria in the body. The remaining 70 percent are good or helpful bacteria. When we take antibiotics, we destroy the 70 percent that is good, just in order to kill the 30 percent that is harmful.

In the past 60 years, antibiotics have been critical in the fight against infectious disease caused by bacteria and other microbes. However, disease-causing microbes that have become resistant to antibiotic drug therapy are an increasing public health problem. Wound infections, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, pneumonia, septicemia and childhood ear infections are just a few of the diseases that have become hard to treat with antibiotics. One part of the problem is that bacteria and other microbes that cause infections are remarkably resilient and have developed several ways to resist antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. This problem is due to increasing use, and misuse, of existing antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine and in agriculture. In 1998, in the United States, 80 million prescriptions of antibiotics for human use were filled. This equals 12,500 tons in one year. Agricultural practices account for over 60% of antibiotic usage in the U.S., so this adds an additional 18,000 tons per year to the antibiotic burden in the environment. Nowadays, about 70 percent of the bacteria that cause infections in hospitals are resistant to at least one of the drugs most commonly used for treatment (2011 Kenneth Todar, PhD).

Lets move on from ANTI-biotics to PRO-biotics

PROBIOTICS 

 Do you consume yogurt regularly? While not all yogurts contain probiotics, in consuming yogurt you will have consumed bacteria in these products .

If you have, then you have consumed live bacteria because yogurt is produced by the fermentation of milk by bacteria. Our focus is on beneficial bacteria.

Definition of a Probiotic

The definition of a probiotic adopted by the World Health Organisation is "Live microorganisms which when administered in

adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host”. 

It means that probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that when consumed can have health benefits. Most probiotics target the intestinal tract whereas BLIS K12™ probiotic is the world’s first probiotic for mouth and throat.

What is BLIS K12?

BLIS K12™ is the world’s first advanced oral probiotic

Probiotic for the mouth, ear, nose and throat. The mouth is an entry point for most infections because the mouth comes into contact with billions of bacteria; while the vast majority are quite harmless, occasionally we are exposed to bacteria that can do us harm. The microorganisms in our mouth are the first line of defence against these infections and act as an important component of our immune health. When a healthy balance of oral bacteria is thrown off by stress, exposure to disease or antibiotics, it can quickly lead to problems such as throat and, ear infections and bad breath. By promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, ear, nose and throat BLIS K12™ can help protect this important gateway to your body’s health; the mouth and throat.

BLIS is an acronym for Bacteriocin Like Inhibitory Substances. Only certain bacteria produce BLIS, which are natural antibacterial agents that can be used to help control the undesirable bacteria implicated in illnesses.

BLIS K12 is scientifically known as "Streptococcus salivarius K12". It is the world’s first bacterial replacement probiotic derived from the oral cavity for specific application in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract.

Some 2% of people are naturally protected as they already have Streptococcus salivarius producing bacteriocins similar to BLIS K12™. However, for the large majority that do not have this natural protection, BLIS K12™ may offer significant benefits.

BLIS K12™ FOR EAR, NOSE AND THROAT HEALTH

Our mouths are lined with various health-promoting bacteria, some of which are integral to health and disease. One very common bacteria found in the mouth of healthy humans is Streptococcus salivarius. Among the most numerous beneficial bacteria in your mouth, S. salivarius is typically the first one we acquire naturally as infants. Some speculate we get it through our mother’s first kiss.

Scientists have discovered that a few lucky people naturally have a much more potent strain of this beneficial bacteria, called BLIS K12™, that naturally resists several disease-causing pathogens including those associated with strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis and even some of the bacterial respiratory infections commonly acquired with close contact.

Studies show that children with K12-like S. salivarius are about 50 percent less likely to acquire the bacteria which cause strep throat. They may also experience fewer inner ear infections (the most common bacterial infection in young children and a primary reason for doctor’s visits).

Instead of just crowding out the bad bacteria, which is the way most probiotics work, BLIS K12™ is a specific strain of S. salivarius that produces antimicrobial substances (BLIS) that target and attack the pathogens associated with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections.

Research- BLIS K12™

For a summary of some of the research on BLIS probiotics, please click on RESEARCH.

Some of the areas of interest in relation to BLIS probiotics are outlined below.

Gum Health

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common infectious diseases seen in humans. It is characterized by gingival inflammation (red swollen gums and bleeding) and the loss of connective tissue and bone from around the roots of the teeth which can lead to eventual tooth loss. Source: American Academy of Periodontology.

Untreated periodontal disease can eventually lead to tooth loss and other health problems. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Streptococcus salivarius K12 has been shown in the laboratory to inhibit (or restrain) the growth of certain bacteria implicated in periodontal disease including strains of Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. 

Most of the tissue damage during gingivitis occurs due to the body's own inflammatory reaction, a study by Adam et al (2011) showed that Streptococcus salivarius K12 and Streptococcus salivarius M18 reduced the expression of immune  cytokines associated with inflammatory conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis concluding that “these strains may offer novel preventative and therapeutic options for patients suffering from both diseases”.

Strep Throat

Streptococcal sore throat (Strep throat) is generally caused by the pathogenic bacteriumStreptococcus pyogenes.  

Streptococcus salivarius K12 produces two antimicrobial agents (salivaricin A and salivaricin B) that are able to inhibit (or restrain) all Streptococcus pyogenes tested in the lab to date.

A large study (228 subjects) conducted at the University of Otago showed that children who hadStreptococcus salivarius that produced either salivaricin A, salivaricin B or both, had 47% less acquisition of new Streptococcus pyogenes infections over the eight months of the study than subjects having Streptococcus salivarius that did not produce salivaricin A or B (Dierksen et al 2000). 

Streptococcus salivarius K12’s bacteriocidal properties extend to other harmful bacteria found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tracts.

Immune Health (Winter illnesses- Cold and Flu)

Human body is an amazing complex machinery that can naturally fight back against cold and flu virus. It needs a healthy immune system to do this task.

The immune system is a complex system that protects the body against organisms or substances that might cause diseases. The power or strength of your body’s natural defence system determines your body’s ability to resist infection. If your system is not operating at maximum capacity, you are more likely to get sick, and less likely to have a speedy recovery.

Imagine that you and a friend are in a crowded room and immediately notice two people coughing and sneezing. Within a few days you come down with a bad cold and you blame it on that crowded room. Yet your friend, also exposed to the same germs at the same time, remains healthy. Why? 

It is the power of your immune system. It's a network that can help us avoid illness, or sometimes become the underlying reason we get sick.

"The strength of our immune system is what makes the difference between who gets sick and who doesn't. The one with the immune system functioning below base-line normal has an increased risk of getting sick," says Woodson Merrell, MD, director of integrative medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City.

Consumption of BLIS K12™ stimulates production of interferon gamma, a cytokine that is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral and intracellular bacterial infections.

Bad Breath, Halitosis

Most Frequent Cause of Bad Breath

For the majority of people (85-90% of those who have bad breath halitosis), the single most frequent cause of bad breath problems are the bacteria that live in their mouth.

Bad breath remains a taboo subject and most people realise that they cannot rely on their friends, work colleagues, partners to let them know when they smell the odour from their mouth. Most of your friends will avoid you rather than tell you about your breath for the fear that you may get upset. An extensive survey carried out by the British Dental Association some years ago found that bad breath was rated as the number 1 turn-off for everybody, no matter what their age or gender.  

Bacteria consume food and excrete waste. Bad breath is caused by volatile sulphur compounds (VSC's) excreted by oral bacteria as waste. The term "volatile" simply describes the fact that these compounds evaporate readily, even at normal temperatures. The extreme volatility of VSC's explains how these compounds have the ability to offend those around us, instantly.

While volatile sulphur compounds are the main causative agents of bad breath, the bacteria that live in our mouth may produce other waste products too. Some of these have their own unique and unpleasant smell.

Some of the smells associated with these waste products are the smells we associate with corpses (Cadaverine), decaying meat (Putrescine), smell of human faecal matter (Skatole) and the smell of sweaty feet (Isovaleric Acid).

Everyone has some amount of these unpleasant compounds in their breath. Fortunately, however, at low levels these odorous compounds cannot be detected by the human nose. It is only when the amount of these compounds becomes elevated that others can detect our "bad" breath.

Having bad breath at work can put you in a difficult situation with your co workers and your boss. Nearly half of those surveyed by the British Dental Association say that having bad breath can lower the odds of getting a promotion.

This mix of compounds emanates from the mouths of all humans. No one is an exception. Everyone has varying amounts of these unpleasant compounds in their breath.

Fortunately, at low levels these odorous compounds cannot be detected by the human nose. It's only when the amount of these compounds becomes elevated that others can detect our "bad" breath.

Majority of the bacteria that live on our body and in our body are beneficial to us. Therefore, by using an antibacterial mouthwash we kill good as well as bad ones.

Do you wonder why bad breath comes back soon after you use traditional mouthwash?

All good high strength anti-bacterial mouthwash kills most bacteria. You may think this is good news for your bad breath. However, the problem is that it also kills good or beneficial bacteria. Mouthwash does not distinguish between bad or beneficial bacteria.

Important Notice:

BLIS K12 ™ Fresh Breath Kit also contains a high strength anti-bacterial mouthwash which is designed to kill the odour causing bacteria. Like any other high strength anti-bacterial mouthwash, it also does not distinguish between good or bad bacteria. After using a traditional mouthwash, both beneficial and "bad" bacteria will re-populate or grow again in the mouth to pre - mouthwash levels.

What is the point of difference of using BLIS K12™?

BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit also contains BLIS K12™ lozenges full of good bacteria that will help repopulate your mouth and throat with high numbers of beneficial BLIS K12™ Streptococcus salivarius, a bacteria demonstrated to reduce bad breath.
Unlike a traditional mouthwash, BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit provides a long term effective control of bad breath (halitosis).
To maintain good oral hygiene, the BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit also contains a tongue cleaning tool.

BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit will help to restore the balance of bacteria to that found in the mouths of people with healthy breath. BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit is unique as it promotes and maintains fresh breath, rather than temporarily masking the problem odours. BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit is clinically proven to produce long term fresh breath. The majority of sufferers of chronic bad breath showed significant improvement in their overall breath score after using BLIS K12™ Fresh Breath Kit. 

Watch how a New Zealand Interviewer gives himself bad breath to see the reactions of shopping mall patrons. Also Professor John Tagg is interviewed about his discovery of BLIS K12™ Probiotic.

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear.

This inflammation often begins with infections that cause sore throats, colds or other respiratory problems, and spreads to the middle ear.

Causes of Middle Ear Infection

These can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and can be acute or chronic.

Young children with otitis media may be irritable, fussy, or have problems feeding or sleeping. Older children may complain about pain and fullness in the ear (ear ache). Fever may be present in a child of any age. These symptoms are often associated with signs of upper respiratory infection such as a runny or stuffy nose, or a cough.

The build up of pus within the middle ear causes pain and dampens the vibrations of the eardrum (so there is usually temporary hearing loss during the infection).

Ear Infections in Children

Nearly all children have one or more ear infections by the age of six.

Children younger than seven are much more prone to otitis media due to shorter eustachian tubes which are at a more horizontal angle than in the adult ear. Children also have not developed the same resistance to viruses and bacteria as adults.

Why Might Hearing Loss Occur During an Ear Infection?

Pus buildup dampens ear drum vibrations.

Severe ear infections may cause the eardrum to rupture.

Internal pilot studies of children with recurrent ear infections indicated that children taking BLIS K12™ had reduced numbers of ear infection recurrences compared to a control group (67% fewer) and to before treatment (56% fewer).

Published studies have shown that it is possible for BLIS K12™ to transfer from the oral cavity to the nasopharynx, which is the bacterial reservoir for ear infections (Power et al 2008).

Tonsillitis (Recurring Tonsillitis)

Tonsillitis is the inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils. The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body.

Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat) is one of the causes of tonsillitis.

The tonsils may can become so overwhelmed by a bacterial or viral infection that they tend to swell and become infla

med, causing tonsillitis. The infection may also be present in the throat and areas around it, causing inflammation of the pharynx.

Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children.

SYMPTOMS

Difficulty in swallowing

Ear pain

Fever, chills

Headache

Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe

Tenderness of the jaw and throat

Voice changes, loss of voice

BLIS K12™

An internal pilot study of children having recurrent tonsillitis indicated that children taking BLIS K12™ have reduced numbers of tonsillitis recurrences compared to a control group of children (47% fewer) and to pre-treatment infection frequencies (67% fewer).

Read more below on Italian study.

BLIS IN MEDIA

Blis K12 probiotic found to greatly reduce glue ear and tonsillitis

Source: Otago Daily Times, 19 Dec 2012

Recurrence of childhood ear and throat infections such as glue ear and tonsilitis could be reduced by about 40% and 90% respectively through using the Blis K12 probiotic, an independent research study has shown.

The findings of a study by an Italian research team were published this month in the International Journal of General Medicine. Read more on Middle Ear Infection

New Italian research proves the benefit of BLIS K12™ probiotic in Children

Glue Ear and Tonsillitis 

Press Release and NZX Release: 18 December 2012 

BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT) announces the publication of an independent research study into the effectiveness of BLIS K12™ oral cavity probiotic for preventing  ear and throat infections in children.  Published this month in the International Journal of General Medicine, an 

Italian research team demonstrated that they could prevent the reoccurrence of common childhood ear and throat infections, such as otitis media (glue ear) and tonsillitis by around 40% and 90% respectively.   

Conducted over 3 years, 82 children aged between 4-5years with a history of recurrent ear and throat infection, were recruited for this study to determine the effect of 90 days of treatment with either the BLIS K12™ probiotic or a placebo.  Researchers concluded “Prophylactic administration of S. salivarius K12 [BLIS K12™ probiotic] to children with a history of recurrent oral streptococcal pathology reduced episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infections and/or tonsillitis as well as episodes of acute otitis media.”

Di Pierro, F., et al. (2012). Preliminary paediatric clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and recurrent acute otitis media. International Journal of General Medicine, 5, 991–7. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S38859

In commenting after the publication of this landmark Italian research study, Dr Barry Richardson said, “We know that BLIS K12™ probiotic, when taken on a daily basis, is very effective at establishing itself inside the mouth and throat. This is important because BLIS K12™ has evolved a number of defense mechanisms, which protects it from other invading bacteria, such as those known to cause tonsillitis etc; and by protecting itself from harmful bacteria, BLIS K12™ also protects us from harmful bacteria.”  Dr Richardson described a recent example of a customer who had a specific condition, which made them very susceptible to oral candidiasis (oral thrush) with recurrent episodes every 4-6 weeks. At the direction of a pharmacist they started taking one BLIS K12™ lozenge a day back in June and to date, they have remained symptom free.       

Dr Richardson said that in a week where the New Zealand Government was urged to address the causes of childhood poverty because of the increasing number of children being hospitalised for poverty-related conditions such as tonsillitis, BLIS Technologies is pleased to be associated with The Salvation Army in New Zealand. “We have joined forces and are now giving away free BLIS K12™ lozenges to the children and their families in the lower South Island, who The Salvation Army has determined are in need of additional welfare and likely to be at higher risk from tonsillitis. While we can’t change the big social issue of poverty; we can take practical steps to help alleviate poverty related illnesses such as tonsillitis and rheumatic fever” Richardson said.

The success of this product is also getting through to mainstream New Zealand consumers. Market research data that tracks product sales throughout New Zealand pharmacies, showed that while the cough and cold market contracted by 1% for the 12 months to September 2012, the BLIS “Throat Guard” range of BLIS K12™ probiotic lozenges actually grew a healthy 11.6% in unit sales over the past year. 

What is BLIS K12?

BLIS K12™ is the world’s first advanced probiotic for the mouth, ear, nose and throat. The mouth is an entry point for most infections because the mouth comes into contact with billions of bacteria; while the vast majority are quite harmless, occasionally we are exposed to bacteria that can do us harm. The microorganisms in our mouth are the first line of defence against these infections and act as an important component of our immune health. When a healthy balance of oral bacteria is thrown off by stress, exposure to disease or antibiotics, it can quickly lead to problems such as throat and, ear infections and bad breath. By promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth, ear, nose and throat BLIS K12™ can help protect this important gateway to your body’s health; the mouth and throat.

BLIS K12™ FOR EAR, NOSE AND THROAT HEALTH

Our mouths are lined with various health-promoting bacteria, some of which are integral to health and disease. One very common bacteria found in the mouth of healthy humans is Streptococcus salivarius. Among the most numerous beneficial bacteria in your mouth, S. salivarius is typically the first one we acquire naturally as infants. Some speculate we get it through our mother’s first kiss.

Scientists have discovered that a few lucky people naturally have a much more potent strain of this beneficial bacteria, called BLIS K12™, that naturally resists several disease-causing pathogens including those associated with strep throat, ear infections, tonsillitis and even some of the bacterial respiratory infections commonly acquired with close contact.

Studies show that children with K12-like S. salivarius are about 50 percent less likely to acquire the bacteria which cause strep throat. They may also experience fewer inner ear infections (the most common bacterial infection in young children and a primary reason for doctor’s visits).

Instead of just crowding out the bad bacteria, which is the way most probiotics work, BLIS K12™ is a specific strain of S. salivarius that produces antimicrobial substances (BLIS) that target and attack the pathogens associated with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections.

IMMUNE SUPPORT

Now that BLIS K12™ has been isolated and is available in products marketed by a number of the world’s leading health and supplement companies, we may all give our immune systems an extra boost. The immune system is a complex system that protects the body against organisms or substances that might cause diseases.

The power or strength of your body’s natural defence system determines your body’s ability to resist infection. If your system is not operating at maximum capacity, you are more likely to get sick, and less likely to have a speedy recovery.

BAD BREATH

BLIS K12™ is also a natural solution for fresh breath. Few people are anxious to seek professional help for halitosis (bad breath). Mouthwash masks the symptoms and indiscriminately kills both the good and bad bacteria. But they re-populate quickly and the problem returns. BLIS K12 balances the microflora in your mouth, helping to eliminate the halitosis-causing germs while leaving room for more good bacteria to thrive.

COMING OFF ANTIBIOTICS

You should also consider using a product containing BLIS K12™ if you’ve recently taken antibiotics, and as a way to boost your immune system before you get sick such as before air travel.

HOW OFTEN TO TAKE BLIS K12™?
For full long-term protection, BLIS K12™ should be taken daily, just as you would a multivitamin.

ABOUT BLIS

BLIS Technologies Limited was formed to commercialize BLIS (Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substances) producing probiotic bacteria. Professor John Tagg of the Microbiology department at the University of Otago gathered and extensively catalogued a collection of more than 2000 BLIS producing bacteria over period of more than 36 years.

BLIS Technologies Limited then acquired the rights to this unique collection of BLIS producing bacteria from the University of Otago in New Zealand and in July 2001, the company was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. In the time since its listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, the company has developed consumer products for throat health, halitosis (bad breath), complete body probiotic support for the body, and immune stimulation

In 2010, BLIS Technologies Limited won the award by Frost & Sullivan; Global Entrepreneurial Company of the Year in Food and Beverage Ingredients 2010.

Free Delivery Anywhere in the World

BLIS uses New Zealand Post (www.nzpost.co.nz). For our international delivery (outside New Zealand), BLIS uses "International Air" provided by New Zealand Post. According to NZ Post website, "International Air" service will take 3-10 working days.

BLIS believes that it could be between 10-25 working days for delivery of international parcels and within 5 days for domestic (New Zealand) deliveries. BLIS takes no responsibility for goods not reaching the destination identified by the customer. NO REFUND will be given for goods not arriving to the destination.

Please note that "International Air" postal service DOES NOT HAVE TRACKING.

100% Satisfaction or Your Money Back Guarantee

If a customer was unsatisfied with the product BLIS will refund the money. However, BLIS will refund 100% if only 1 in quantity was purchased of a product. If more than 1 in quantity of a product was purchased, then BLIS will refund 100% for the first used product, and will refund the rest after the customer dispatches the unused products back to BLIS. Cost of delivery for return of products will be the responsibility of the customer.