Probiotic question

I was wondering...I know that we should all be on probiotics because it helps create a better gut environment.  But what exactly does a probiotic do in regard to the symptoms?  Do you find that it helps with your symptoms and if so, what does it help?

Helps with the gas pain.   I notice the difference if I've been off it for a few days if I run out.

I wonder if I am the only person with UC who seems to get worse on Probiotics?  They seemed to give me more cramping and gas than not taking them... UGGHHH

I took Acidophilis pearls or something.  Also another one I can't remember the name of.  I know I tried the pearls for at least 3 weeks and I couldn't stand them anymore.

For some reason my symptoms get worse when I'm on probiotics - looser BMs.  I tried VSL#3 for 3 weeks and had to stop and recently tried 'Nature's Way' Primadophilus Reuteri for a few weeks and got off that too.

I personally believe that everyone should (at least) try probiotics for their UC.   I am not at the moment because I ran out months ago and have not had chance to buy more – thank you for reminding me.   Time and time again, I have heard or read, that people say they really start to feel well once they start taking probiotics.   I started on them in 2005 and have taken them off and on ever since (my local store often sells out and takes ages to replace – that is why my consumption has been sporadic)   My only suggestion is: get a brand that is from a “practitioner only range”, rather than buying off shelf. It may mean you have to make an appointment with a naturopath first but these professionals normally have the very best brands available.   I believe it basically assists in the management of the disease (i.e.) assists in relieving associated symptoms.

Sorry I forgot to add (in reply to the other posts):

 

When I first started taking them, they took a while to “get into my system”. I started to notice a difference after a week or two but it took three months to really get into my body and settle into a routine.

 

Again, I can only suggest getting the best brand you can. When I say best brand, I mean on the advice of an independent naturopath or independent health professional, not on the advice of staff at the local health food / vitamin shop. Many of these staff work on commissions to flog a certain product, so you may not be getting the best brand or the best advice available.

 

In the past, when I have brought vitamins on advice on the shop staff, I have often ended up with an inferior brand.

 

I obviously don’t know your backgrounds, so I don’t want to assume anything but I am just wondering if the brand had something to do with it.

 

From my understanding, I believe the amount of organisms in each capsule is of the upmost importance. The one I take contains 20 billion.

 

For Australians, I highly recommend the brand Metagenics, which is available as a practitioner only range in tablet or powder form. I have tried a couple of brands and found this one to be excellent.

 

 

Brown Cow nonfat yogurt seems to have the cultures I need. The 32 oz. size plain or vanilla costs $3.29-$5.29 in my area. It is generally much harder to find than other brands, especially in the large size. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)

"Brown Cow nonfat yogurt seems to have the cultures I need. The 32 oz. size plain or vanilla costs $3.29-$5.29 in my area. It is generally much harder to find than other brands, especially in the large size. / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC; currently on 3 Colazal daily for maintenance of remission)"

Brown Cow yogurt is one of the most incredible foods I've ever put into my mouth. If there is a bright side to having UC, it's the discovery of Brown Cow yogurt. I have to drive over an hour 1 way to get it, but man I really don't mind.

Moon Shadow, have you tried yogurt lately? I'm lactose intolerant too but I have no issue whatsoever with yogurt.

Hmmm now you all are gonna make me have a craving for Brown Cow! And I've never even tried it before! lol

IMO, probiotics must be great for people with diarrhea.  No matter what probiotic I've tried, it constipates me, but at the same time it seems to curtain the gas and spasms.  So, either I'm constipated or have gas and spasms.  Can't win.  I'm wondering if there is a certain strain(s) I can take that's not constipating.

That really sucks Rio, maybe try the powdered formula of primadophilus reuteri, that way you can be in total control of taking a very small amount and slowly increasing it because probiotics are very important for us IBDers (IBSers too).

:)

Rio in Maryland said...

pb4 thanks for the follow up. 

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to give the probiotics more time (more than 3-4 weeks) to work as both times, with my sympoms getting significantly worse after using them over 3-4 weeks, I have actually had to get onto prednisone to calm things back down. Then again, my symptoms could have been worsening for reasons other than the probiotics and maybe the strains I tried were just too strong for me.

I have just had a thought, I had completely forgotten about this:

 

I didn’t react very well to the powder form.

 

I was fine once I swapped to the tablet form.