Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Below are frequently asked questions about gut health and ION*, from Biometric Sciences, the manufacturers of ION*. Discover more information about how good gut flora protect the intestinal wall, and about how ION* creates a firewall for exposure to environmental toxins, supporting a healthy immune system. You will find ION*’s ingredients, federal law regulations, and the usual daily usage, plus other answers. If you do not find your questions answered in the list below, please CONTACT US.
“We use ION* as a foundation of health for a broad spectrum of patients. ION* does not treat any disease. Instead, it promotes strong membrane integrity through its direct and indirect effects on the tight junctions of the bowel wall and vascular systems of the body, and restoration of the bowel ecology with the unique bacterial communication attribute of the supplement. Microbiome balance and tight junction integrity are widely recognized to constitute a major portion of the human immune system, and directly affect DNA transcription of human cells to promote optimal health. The well-proven biology of ION* demonstrates its role as a foundational resource in your pursuit for optimal health.”
-Biomic Sciences Founder and ION* Formulator, Dr. Zach Bush
What is ION*?
ION* is a dietary supplement that supplies the first line of defense against everyday exposure to environmental and food-borne factors. ION* creates an optimal environment or ecology in the gut membrane for good gut bacteria to flourish. Good gut flora protects our immune system and maintains our health. ION* was developed by scientists trained at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, such as the University of Virginia, Duke University, and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. It is a scientifically-proven soil-derived mineral supplement designed to support protection of the intestinal walls. Please read through the FAQs page for more information.
What does ION* do?
“It is important for people to know that ION* produces a significant outcome for gut health. I use it in my Virginia clinic as a foundation for helping to create a strong immune system and gut biome. Microbiome balance and tight junction integrity are widely recognized to constitute a major portion of the human immune system, and directly affect DNA transcription of human cells to promote optimal health and prevent a leaky gut, improving gut intelligence. The well-proven biology of ION* demonstrates its role as a foundational resource in your pursuit for optimal health,” says Zach Bush. Dr. Bush is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Hospice Care.
Seventy percent (70%) of our immune system is found in our gut. We need tens of thousands different strains of good gut bacteria to support a healthy immune system. Clinical experience, in addition to cell culture studies, support the theory that ION*’s proprietary formula creates the optimal environment in the gut to create a tight junction barrier and maintain our health and wellness. ION* is a daily liquid supplement designed to support the protection of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract against agricultural herbicides, antibiotics, GMOs, gluten and food-borne toxins by helping to create an environment where between 20,000-30,000 different strains of good gut bacteria thrive. Most probiotics on the market contain fewer than 24 different strains of good gut bacteria.
Why should I be taking ION*?
ION* creates a firewall from environmental toxins…
ION* takes a holistic approach and helps strengthen our gut barrier and maintain our immune system to create a firewall from everyday exposure to environmental factors.
Over the last sixty years there has been a steady loss of biodiversity in our gut membrane bacterial ecosystem. Factory farming, processed foods, and widespread antibiotic use have all played major roles in this decline. This loss of biodiversity has left the gut membrane wall vulnerable. The most potent of the common triggers for the zonulin damage to the gut wall in our diet is glyphosate – the most common ingredient in weed killers. Gluten is the most potent of naturally-occurring triggers for zonulin production in our modern diet.
Zonulin production
As zonulin is produced at the gut it opens the tight junctions, then circulates systemically and can open the blood/brain barrier, kidney tubule systems, and blood vessel walls.
ION* is the first dietary supplement that delivers a balanced family of these bacterial metabolites to promote a healthy firewall of tight junctions in the gut wall and blood/brain barrier. ION* provides the communication network to support the return of biodiversity to the gut ecosystem that supports normal immune function. ION* is the first supplement on the market that functions as an answer to glyphosate and gluten toxicity at the tight junction. ION* rapidly increases production of the enzymes that break down zonulin.
A diet high in heavily-processed foods filled with chemicals, GMOs, gluten, and environmental toxins such as herbicides and animal antibiotics may impact the health of the immune system. Even when a person adheres to a much healthier, plant-based and organic diet, it is virtually impossible to avoid exposure to environmental factors, for example when dining out and traveling.
How does it work?
ION* nurtures the body’s protective membranes in the gut and in the blood/brain barrier, enabling these membranes to keep us healthy. A diet loaded with highly-processed foods may cause the tight junctions of the intestinal wall to open from the gut into the bloodstream.
Through state-of-the art scientific studies conducted at prestigious universities and compelling anecdotal evidence from people who use ION*, data suggest that by keeping the gut healthy and functioning optimally, one can block gut sensitivity to gluten and other chemicals and address GI health. In short, ION* nurtures the body’s protective membranes in the gut and in the blood/brain barrier, enabling them to work, to keep the body healthy.
What is in ION*?
ION* is unlike any supplement on the market.
ION* was developed by scientists trained at some of the most prestigious universities in the country, such as the University of Virginia, Duke University, and the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. ION* is made in the USA.
Terrahydrite™ (Stabilized Lignite Extract) for Gut Health
ION* ingredients for gut health are comprised of purified water, a soil-based mineral supplement, Terrahydrite(TM) (Stabilized Lignite Extract), trace soil amino acids and minerals. (Both tap water and bottled water products contain impurities. Deionized reverse osmosis water,, which is used in the manufacture of ION*, contains virtually no impurities.)
State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Processes
Scientists combine these ingredients using proprietary, multi-step state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Based on laboratory testing ION* is highly effective in protecting and strengthening intestinal tissue, and further toxicity testing indicates it is very safe for human consumption.
It is important to note that other supplements on the market have many of the same raw materials as ION*, but some may cause significant kidney toxicity, increasing kidney cell death (the most sensitive cell we can test) by more than 250% within hours of exposure. We have conclusive laboratory evidence that kidney cells bathed in 100% concentrations of ION*, reveal no toxicity, but actually show increased cell longevity.
Does ION* expire?
Through lab testing, we know that ION* stays safe on kidney tubule cells and efficacious in strengthening intestinal tissue tight junctions beyond six years – as long as ION* has been manufactured to date, so an expiration date is inaccurate. We now use a “Best By” date, six years from manufacture. Prior to that we used a “Manufactured On” date (MFG ON). If you have one of those bottles, your ION* will be good for at least six years past that date.
Is ION* regulated by the Federal Government?
Yes. ION* is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, Public Law 103-417.
Under federal law regulations, the manufacturer must be able to prove its products are safe and its labeling and advertising must be truthful and not misleading.
Zachary Bush, MD, CEO and co-founder says, “Our team is extremely excited about the potential for ION*. It is important for people to know that ION* produces a significant outcome.”
In addition, we performed the “gold standard” toxicology study on ION* and showed that it is non-toxic on kidney cells even at high doses. ION* has been shown both in the laboratory and clinically to help support the functioning of the gut barrier.
Our Disclaimer: In compliance with the FDA/FTC regulations of the supplement industry, ION* has not been evaluated or approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We are prohibited from speaking directly about specific disease conditions. Due to the extremely high volume of inquiries from our clients, it is not possible for our doctors to respond to individual health inquiries. We recommend that you refer to your healthcare provider to discuss your specific health concerns and the role of ION* in your health.
What is the recommended ION* usage for protection of the gut lining?
ION* is a daily liquid supplement designed to strengthen the gut lining and support the protection of the entire gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) against daily exposure to agricultural herbicides, antibiotics, GMOs, gluten and food-borne factors by helping to create an environment where between 20,000-30,000 different strains of good gut bacteria can thrive. Most probiotics on the market contain fewer than 24 different strains of good gut bacteria.
Standard Usage: One teaspoon three times a day before or with meals for those over age 2, and 1/4 teaspoon three times a day typical usage for under two years old. Use can increase to 1 Tablespoon three times daily to support health goals, although 3 to 6 teaspoons per day is adequate for most individuals. Taking ION* before meals is preferred for maximum efficacy. Optimally 30 minutes before a meal because of ION*’s protective effects versus gluten and especially glyphosate, but you can take it immediately before, with a meal, or after a meal, or on an empty stomach, and still receive benefit. ION* is vegan, naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, latex-free, sulfite-free, preservative-free, non-GMO, and certified glyphosate residue free. It is produced in a facility free of allergens, including peanuts and tree nuts.
How do I know ION* is helping me?
Gut health is making big news headlines these days, with multiple studies conducted at prestigious universities underscoring the fundamental link between gut health and overall health. All these studies share a common premise: To be well, one must have a healthy gut. ION* is the first dietary supplement that delivers a balanced family of these bacterial metabolites that promote a healthy firewall of tight junctions in the gut wall and blood/brain barrier.
Why is protection from glyphosate so important?
Protection from Glyphosate
Numerous scientific studies show that glyphosate, the active ingredient in commercial herbicides, is implicated in a wide variety of systemic disorders. Glyphosate works synergistically with other factors, such as insufficient sun exposure, dietary deficiencies in critical nutrients such as sulfur and zinc, and synergistic exposure to other xenobiotics whose detoxification is impaired.
Protection from glyphosate is needed since it is heavily used for commercial, agricultural and residential purposes. Research by Stephanie Seneff (MIT) links glyphosate’s suppression of proper gut bacteria functioning to many modern diseases.
In fact, research by Biomic Sciences shows that glyphosate is ten times more potent than gluten in its ability to degrade tight junctions in the gut membrane wall. Thankfully, this news comes at a time when consumers have an option for protection from glyphosate and help in maintenance of their gut health. Biomic Sciences has recently proven that the supplement ION* can increase and strengthen tight junctions and can protect against ongoing everyday exposure to herbicides.
How is ION* different from probiotic products?
Optimally, a healthy digestive tract contains 20,000 – 30,000 different strains of good gut bacteria.
Simply taking a probiotic to continuously address a complex health challenge can actually lead to a lack of bacteria diversity in the gut. This low microbial diversity can impact your health. How is ION* different from probiotic products? ION* is unique in that it enhances the diversity of the gut bacteria by making the gut environment more friendly to the different strains of good gut bacteria or flora, and a typical probiotic is only comprised of between 3 to 30 different bacterial species.
ION* is the first dietary supplement that delivers a balanced family of bacterial metabolites to promote a healthy firewall of tight junctions in the gut wall and blood/brain barrier. ION* provides the communication network to support the return of biodiversity to the gut ecosystem that supports normal immune function.
Should I take ION* if I am pregnant?
As with any dietary supplement, if you are pregnant or nursing, consult a health care professional before using ION*.
If I take ION* and think it is causing constipation, what should I do?
Zach Bush, MD advises, “When my patients first use ION*, some of them experience mild constipation. These patients are not drinking enough liquids. There is general scientific agreement that people should consume at least nine glasses of water or herbal teas a day. You may need to drink more water if you exercise and even more if you live in a hot and humid area of the country. If you feel ION* is causing constipation despite adequate hydration, I recommend my patients take Magnesium Malate, 1250 mg daily at bedtime for adults or half that dose for children. Also, you can decrease your daily dose of ION* in half until your stools return to normal with the above adjustments in hydration and magnesium intake for a couple weeks, then increase back to recommended doses of ION*.
If you have any allergic reaction to ION*, or if you have any chronic or reoccurring symptoms or illness, consult a health care professional before using this product. Zach Bush, MD, holds three board certifications in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Hospice Care. Dr. Bush uses ION* in his medical practice in Scottsville, VA.
Who Manufactures ION*?
MarkitHealth is an authorized reseller of ION*. ION* is manufactured by Biomic Sciences.
ION* is manufactured by Biomic Sciences. Markit Health is an authorized reseller of ION*.