I highly reccomend probiotics and acidophilus. I've listed a few good options below. These are all probiotics. You can also get acidophilus from the grocery store in liquid or pill form, however if you find a good probiotic, it has enough acidophilus in it that it really counts as both.
Also, have you heard of/tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet? I've been in a severe flare up since my diagnosis a month ago (currently two weeks into my current hospital stay and will be here for at least another week) and the most relief I've felt so far is this week since starting my probiotic and the diet. The diet can be found in the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" and once your body is ready, you can advance to the cookbook "Eat Well Feel Well", which is based off of the SCD. I highly recommend both the diet and the probiotics.
Probiotics:
*Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Ultimate Probiotics Formula - This is what I am currently taking. You can purchase it at a grocery/health food store as well as Amazon. It is directly linked to "The Maker's Diet" written by Jordin Rubin - between the diet and the supplement, he saved his life and avoided multiple surgeries/procedures that Dr's were pushing for.
*VSL#3 - This comes highly recommended from my GI who believes in a combination of Western and Eastern medicine. I have not tried it yet but probably will at some point. It too can be purchased at a grocery/health food store as well as Amazon.
*Florastor - This is a yeast based probiotic which is unusual (most are bacterial based). If you are currently taking antibiotics or high doses of steroids avoid this as the yeast can cause complications. If not, it is a great option that can be purchased at a grocery store/health food store, Amazon or from your naturopath (my original prescription came from my naturopath. I stopped taking it because I am still on a high dose of steroids which is causing too much yeast).
*HLC Intesive Capsules by Pharmax - A friend of mine swears by this one. It is industrial strength. I am not sure if it can be purchased at a grocery store but I did find it on Amazon. I am going to talk with my naturopath and may switch to this for a higher dose/stronger impact.
*Alternative Options: Although not probiotics, other good options for supplements are...
- Thorne Research GI-ENCAP (prescribed by my naturopath), which is a botanical blend created for the gut (specifically for GI issues). I've been taking them and have experienced positive results as well. These can be purchased on Amazon.
- Fish Oil (natural anti-inflamatory. Take 1 tsp at before bed as it sometimes causes burps, which end up tasting fishy).
Hope you feel good/better soon!
Erynn