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probiotic layering?

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Posted 3/1/2010 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I just stumbled upon this concept online..I dont exactly get what to do but I hear it works ..right now I take one packet per day of VSL. Does anyone here take VSL and something else or follow tihs "probiotic layering" concept?

If someone can explain this to me in a dumb-down response that would be awesome..thanks!

ETA: I use the UNFLAVORED VSL and I MIX WITH WATER. IS THIS OK? I NOTICED IT DOES NOT MIX IN WELL..IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I SHOULD BE MIXING WITH?

Posted 3/1/2010 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I take a proprietary probiotic formulation that has 66 billion CFU, multiple strains of lactobacillus and bifidum. To that I add 2 Primadophilus Reuteri (10 million CFU) for vaginal health, and on my GI's recommendation I recently added Saccharomyses Boulardi 5 million, which is a probiotic yeast.

I tried VSL #3 a few years ago, but wasn't able to tolerate it because of the bloating and gas it caused. Once again, we're all different. If you eat yogurt, try mixing the VSL with that. I found it worked much better than water.
Posted 3/1/2010 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Judy!
On the label it says to mix with fruit juice..but the only fruit juice I drink is orange juice and I dont think that would work..I take my VSL just before dinner..so I usually just mix with a glass of water..you know I think I will just call them and ask.
Posted 3/1/2010 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Krissy,
We mix VSL#3DS with apple sauce for daughter. We also add in psyllium seed powder. She doesn't have any problem with the flavor or texture this way. She also takes Saccharomyces boulardii which is a very beneficial yeast. I think the apple sauce and pyslliium seed powder work as prebiotics - giving the probiotic nutrition so they can survive and colonize the colon.
Good luck,
UCPop
Posted 3/1/2010 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Krissy - I haven't heard of "probiotic layering." I can sort of guess, but what is it, exactly...?

I take VSL with applesauce also. And - maybe UCPop is right; it seems to do me better than when I was taking the lemon-flavored VSL with water. (Of course, I'm doing the Double Strength....)
But - the applesauce itself seems to be a good thing for me gut. Whether that's because somethign in it feeds the VSL or what, I don't know. I had read that apples boost the butyrate levels in the gut - which is what the psyllium seed powder is supposed to do. (A good thing.)

As an aside, because earlier you'd asked about metamucil - when I first started taking metamucil, my description to my doc was that it had the same effect on me as eating an apple each day, in terms of stool firmness.
Posted 3/1/2010 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
so I can mix the whole packet of vsl into one of those lil applesauce cups?
Posted 3/1/2010 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
That's what I do. I usually put it into a bowl so I don't spill the VSL! lol
Posted 3/1/2010 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
ok im gonna try it tommorow..do you think the vsl will work better this way?
Posted 3/1/2010 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
Krissy,
Yes, we mix the entire VSL#3DS pack into one of the lil applesauce cups. First we put the cup of applesauce into a little bigger container, so the VSL doesn't spill out the sides. We also mix the psyllium seed powder in with the VSL into the lil cup. We also use some cinnamon which helps get rid of the VSL taste.
I agree that applesauce (apples) is probably good for the gut. I remember that the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Apples and Toast (I think toast is right)) diet is what most Drs tell you to feed small children with loose stools.
Good Luck,
UCPop
Posted 3/1/2010 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
UCpop..my applesauce has calcium added to it. It is always said to take calcium AWAY from meds for absorption purposes..wonder if that applies..also..the physillium seed powder..arent you supposed to do tihs with a lot of WATER to prevent choking??? What brand do you use for the seed powder?
Posted 3/1/2010 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
LOL...Krissy, you're the BEST question asker'er ever!!!

Don't worry about the calcium...it's also added in one formula of Metamucil. As well, people mis it with yogurt.

Just take it with your other pills...plus you're taking vitamin D and C...good absorption for the calcium.

q
Posted 3/1/2010 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
I know I know ****! I been named that a few times my dear...I love this place and how you pple handle me LOL!
Posted 3/1/2010 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
I mix my VSL with applesauce too...and not sure why, but it also makes me feel less gassy than mixing with water :)
Posted 3/1/2010 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I ask lots of questions to my doctors...I always walk in with a full list. They're pretty patient with me.

q
Posted 3/1/2010 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Krissy,
We use psyllium seed powder from Frontier Coop. We by the organic type listed on this page. http://www.frontiercoop.com/isearch.php?s=psyllium+seed&gobtn.x=0&gobtn.y=0 We used to grind our own, but this seems to be very good quality and much easier to work with.
Yes, plenty of fluids with the psyllium seed powder, but you can get this by drinking an 8 oz glass of just about anything after the applesauce with mix-ins. We try to separate the Lialda and other supplements from the applesauce if able. I think this just makes good sense. However, if we get rushed, we do not worry about it and take them almost together.
Just to be clear, we are recommending this brand of psyllium seed powder simply to let everyone know it is working for us, we think it is good quality and the company is reliable to order from. Hope this info helps.

Best Wishes,
UCPop
Posted 3/1/2010 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I tried VSL for a while and it definitely didn't agree with me, but while I was taking it I'd take it with my psyllium seed powder as well. Normally I take my psyllium seed with applesauce but the VSL just tastes SO bitter that I couldn't do it in applesauce. I found it much more palatable in yogurt. Sometimes i would put it in my carnation instant breakfast and just load up on the carnation powder to drown out the taste :)
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