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Activia for IBS-D?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 11/14/2006 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have IBS-D and I've had a few people tell me I should try that Activia yogurt from Dannon? But on the website it says it helps reduce long intestinal transit time. It seems like that would be more geared towards constipation? Any thoughts? Has anyone with IBS-D tried it?
Posted 11/14/2006 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Actavia is no different than any other yogurt except that they put more probiotics (good bacteria) in it. Probiotics can sometimes help both D and C. The calcium in yogurt can also be helpful to people with D. You can get the same effect by taking a probiotic pill and a calcium pill, but I have found that I am generally intolerant of probiotic pills (they still give me bad gas cramps), but I can tolerate yogurt. When people are first starting probiotics, I often recommend that they start on a container or two of yogurt a day to help ease the adjustment period.
Posted 11/14/2006 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
It's true, kitty, Activia can help even IBS-Ders. It will put the good bacteria back into your gut and help balance out your flora. It should help regulate things whether you go too much, or too little. What Keri says about calcium is true too, it will help slow things down AND soothe inflammation if there is any.
I have IBS-A (alternating between D & C) and I've been eating Activia for months. It has really helped me keep the seesaw under control. I love it! And, it tastes good. :-)
Posted 11/14/2006 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the responses... that helps me out a lot!!! :-)
Posted 11/14/2006 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
I do not like yogurt but I do take liquid calcium + D and I sometimes take Flora-Q, a probiotic. The gas caused by probiotics should ease up after several days of taking it. I also have crohn's disease.
Posted 11/14/2006 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I tried Activia and it definetly made me go more often. Which is not what I wanted.
Posted 11/15/2006 6:04 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Friends, I read on here that if you take Caltrate 600 plus with D. the one in the purple and white bottle it will help you if you have constant D. My question is does it matter if you buy the chewables or if you need to buy the liquid. Also, can you use the yogert Activia while your taking the Caltrate? Thanks in advance for your answers to my questions. Nicole
Posted 11/15/2006 7:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Nicole,
You are correct, Caltrate will help with the D. No, I do not believe it matters in what form you take it. In fact, I don't know anyone that takes it in liquid... so if you already have chewables (it will help your teeth too!), it will be fine. Yes, you can use Activia in conjunction with the calcium. Yogurt is a healthy food that replenishes your good bacteria and adds calcium to your diet; it can be eaten with anything (unless specifically mentioned by your doc - for reasons I can't even think of). Most people on antibiotics, or who have gut trouble, are encouraged to eat yogurt regularly.
Posted 11/15/2006 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
So, I bought some Activia last night (yes, I'm going to take the 2 week challenge) and we'll see what happens. I don't mind it if I go more often, as long as it's not diarrhea. It's kind of weird the way my body works. I won't go for days and days, but I might be gassy or feel like diarrhea is approaching. Then all of a sudden I'll get hit with diarrhea. So anything that can help my body figure out what it's supposed to be doing would be great. Wish me luck!
Posted 11/15/2006 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Dear 7Lil, Thanks so much for the quick response in regards to all of the questions that I asked about Caltrate 600, and Yogert with Activia. I usually post on the arthritis board but I have found that this forum is a very friendly place also. Sincerely, Nicole

Posted 11/15/2006 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
No problem, Nicole! :-)
That's what we're here for... To help each other. Welcome to the IBS board!
Posted 11/17/2006 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
I am now trying the yogurt and It seems to be helping ,allso trying to go on an low fat diet and Im still gassy
I guess it will never go away.
Posted 12/1/2006 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Activia for 4 days and I am extremely gassy.  I have never experienced anything like this before.  I have tried to use the bathroom several times but nothing.  Anyone have this same experience?

Posted 12/1/2006 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi stuffinz,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)
It is actually quite common to experience gas and bloating when taking probiotics (live cultures - which are present in yogurt). I've read it is the "good bacteria" killing off the bad. Whatever it is, it will pass. If you can hang in long enough and give your body time to adjust it should go away. You might want to consider taking an anti-gas med (Gas-X, etc.) and/or drinking peppermint or fennel tea. If the gas doesn't subside after a week or 2 then it could be something else... Maybe you have an intolerance. ????
Posted 12/1/2006 4:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for you quick response to my question, but Wow! A week or two...I don't know if I can take much more of this....it's absolutely horrible. I don't feel like eating because whatever I eat doesn't seem to settle all that well. My stomach is just full of gas constantly....UH! But, if this stuff helps get rid of the bacteria in your intestines then I guess it's worth trying to get through it.
Posted 12/1/2006 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
How much yogurt are you eating per day? 1 cup, 2 cups? You can always try splitting your servings.... For example, eat 1/2 of what you've been eating in the morning and then the other 1/2 at night. Then you can increase as your body gets used to it. That's how probiotic and fiber supplements work - your body needs time to adjust. Don't give up. ;)
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