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What is Probiotics?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/3/2008 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
What is this? Is this something natural or is it a med? Could it help me and should I ask Dr. about it?

 

 

  Take care all.
Posted 4/3/2008 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Probiotics are preparations containing some of the "good" bacteria that are found in the normal colon and are necessary to maintain colon health. In IBD these can become depleted and worsen the symptoms. They are over-the-counter and can be purchased in health food stores, most pharmacies or over the internet. VSL#3 is one that has been tested and scientifically shown to help UC. It is quite expensive and I believe has to be ordered from the internet. Culturelle and Primadophilus Reuteri are two that are popular among our members.

There's more and more evidence of the benefit of probiotics in promoting colon health, however a lot of GI's still don't recommend them. Fortunately they're OTC, so we just take them on our own. I don't recall anyone ever saying that their doc said probiotics would hurt them, only that they weren't needed.
Posted 4/4/2008 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
thank you very much. I saw a few people talking about them and did not know. and my dr. has never mentioned them. take care
Posted 4/4/2008 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Many doctors won't recommend them - some down right poo-poo them. I truly believe in the "good bugs". With the advertisement of probiotics in yogurt now, more peeps are talking about them.

They are especially important if you've been on antibiotics - which kill BAD and GOOD bugs.

If you search past posts you'll see a lot more info. Just make sure to start slowly and allow your body to adjust to them.
Posted 4/4/2008 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Here is a link to an all natural probiotic you can make at home and is free
except for what you grow the bacteria in.

If you do an internet search for kefir you will come across some articles
that claim it really helps with UC.
https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1037653&g=1051595#m1051595
Posted 4/4/2008 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
In regards to the VSL#3 - any preference or better results from the packets vs the capsules?
Posted 4/4/2008 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
You know what I think about docs that down right poo poo probiotics....they should not be docs, most any half-wit would know that good bacteria is essential for healthy intestines.

just my 2 cents!

:)
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