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where do probiotics absorb?

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Posted 3/21/2008 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
i bought some probiotics the other day, i was going to get the cheap ones just to start and see how they worked, but i bought a more expensive kind b/c the lady in the store said that they were small capsules. Well i got them home and opened them and needless to say they werent small at all. Theyr pretty big plastic capsules, and now im afraid to take them b/c i have an ileostomy and i dont know how quickly they will absorb, i'im afraid of them getting stuck. Is this possible, does n e one have any info they can offer? i'd greatly appreciate it.
Posted 3/21/2008 6:26 PM (GMT 0)
No, they likely won't get stuck, but regardless you should drink plenty of water with any pill you take.

The probiotic I take (primadophilus reuteri made by natures way) is very affordable, only one/day is needed, they're not huge caps, they also come in powder form, they have guaranteed intestinal release (many don't make it past the stomach), they aid with vaginal health for women, high cholesterol and lactose intolerance...very well worth it...the only downside is they must be kept cold at all times, they should be located in the healthfood store fridge, not on the shelf...and kept in your fridge as well.

:)
Posted 3/21/2008 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Probiotics don't actually get absorbed. The capsule will disolve and the organisms live in your intestines. If you are concerned about it not disolving just break open the capsule and swallow the contents-they won't be quite as effective that way because your stomach acid will kill a lot of the bacteria.
Sj
Posted 3/22/2008 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Swear by my probiotics and I've had an ileostomy too! Go for it and stay away from the cheap stuff!
Posted 3/22/2008 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
not to derail the topic slightly, but i'd started nature's way and didn't see much of a difference. I happened to have a visit w/ my Dr and he mentioned (For the 1st time ever) probiotics. When I told him i just started taking nature's way he said "can you still return them"? I asked what he favored and he said "go to CVS and get some Florastor". so I did. and it might actually be doing something.

No idea what the differences are, but i take florastor twice a day and so far so good (well, slightly better).

J
Posted 3/22/2008 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
That's good jid, there isn't necessarily one probiotic that works for all, even VSL3 which has been studied on IBDers doesn't seem to work for every IBDer, but according to research in a study they did it worked for the majority getting most into remisssion with the rest noting at least some improvements.

I use the primadophilus by natures way and have success with it, there could be another type out there that might work even better for me, but I don't think I can afford to try all the ones out there, nor would I have enough time to give each one a fair chance to see how it works for me (I'm not getting any younger), there's alot to choose from nowadays.

:)
Posted 3/23/2008 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Any advice on time of day to take the probiotics, or if it should be with food. I have been trying VSL #3, and I think it causes gas and bloating. I'm thinking of trying another brand
Posted 3/23/2008 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
thank u guys...i think i'll just let those sit and go try these natures way kinds. If opening them wont be as effective, i may as well get something that im sure i can take. You all are so helpful
Posted 3/23/2008 6:21 PM (GMT 0)

gumby44 said...
Any advice on time of day to take the probiotics, or if it should be with food. I have been trying VSL #3, and I think it causes gas and bloating. I'm thinking of trying another brand

Many years ago when I first started using probiotics, they used to all say "take on an empty stomach." The digestive juices in the stomach (if full of food) were thought to kill the little good guys before they reached the intestines. Nowadays, you see words like "guaranteed intestinal release" or "live delivery" or "acid-proof formula" on the labels. The manufacturers seem to have developed a way of making them survive the gastric juices. That said, I still feel like I'm getting more for my money if I take them on an empty stomach. Maybe old habits die hard....?

Anyway, maybe try your VSL on an empty stomach before giving up on it completely.

We've had great success with Theralac. My son has used it for about 9 months now. Recently, when he had to take an antibiotic for a bronchial infection he took VSL in addition to the Theralac. He said it seemed to help offset what the antibiotic was doing. Knock on wood, everything turned out fine and he eventually discontinued the VSL. He did have a little more "grumbling" while on VSL, but who knows whether it was that or the antibiotic causing the noises? Probably WWIII going on in there!
Posted 3/23/2008 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
It seems that with food or not varies from each brand of probiotic, with the primadophilus it does not specify which means it can be taken either way...primadophilus reuteri also comes in powdered form.

:)
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