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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/8/2010 3:16 AM (GMT 0)
confused This is my 4th day on Align and I've been having moderately to severe bloating and cramping after every meal! Is this normal? Has anyone had the same experience with probiotics??? Please help-a bit confused...
Posted 4/8/2010 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
I take Lactobacillus acidophilus daily and have never had any reactions like yours so can't offer any suggestions. But I have tried digestive enzymes (bad reaction), yogurt (bad reaction), organic sauerkraut-has probiotic flora(bad reaction). I quit within days when bad reactions occur.
Posted 4/8/2010 7:20 AM (GMT 0)
When are you taking them? You could take them before bedtime about 2 hours after your meds. I take mine on an empty stomach. No gas from them.

But If I used them during the day, I'd have gas for sure.



Oh, and if you're flaring, you'll have lots of gas and bloating too.



How are your bms?




q
Posted 4/8/2010 8:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi bunny23..
When I first started VSL probiotics I got the gas, bloating etc.. I wanted to keep trying, so I reduced the amount I was taking and slowly built up the amount per day. That seem to help me. - Worth a try taking them at different times of the day (as Quincy says)..
Good luck!
Posted 4/8/2010 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
I've tried probiotics and while I did have the bloated symptoms I stopped them. But i've done some reading and apparently thats normal for those who don't have UC.
So I say if you can persist it may be cleansing you and help in the long run.
Wooky
Posted 4/8/2010 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
I inform everyone that starts them to expect that. Shouldn't last very long though.
Posted 4/8/2010 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
I bloated and had cramping too but I got used to them in about a week or two.
Posted 4/8/2010 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, your responses make me feel better-I'm not alone! Quincy: I'm actually feeling better after months of flaring and my bm's are usually only in the mornings -solid but small stools (no blood). Yesterday, I had bad cramping, bloating, and gas with some blood in my stools. I'm going to take your advice and take it different times of the day (I'll try at night like Q suggested) and even try on an empty stomach. Gotta stick with it I suppose!

Imagardner2 response making me question whether I should try another probiotic other than Align??
Posted 4/8/2010 1:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I've been trying to get on probiotics during this flare a few times and it makes me super gassy and I haven't been able to cope with it so, waiting until the flare simmers down enough and the I will start super duper slow and build up. Some of us just have a harder time with them than others. :o)
Posted 4/8/2010 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
do you take just one type of probiotic or lots of different strains? as many different types as you can helped me. But if probiotics can help they might also have side-effects. Maybe if it is hurting you , after giving it a go, stop the probiotics and see if the problem goes away

they really helped me but that doesn't mean they will help everyone
Posted 4/8/2010 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
yup, the cramping & bloating during the 1st week on probiotics (or a switch to a new probiotic) is completely normal. culturelle gave me the worst cramps i've ever had, haha.

what you're experiencing is called the "herxheimer reaction" - the bacterial flora in your gut is changing (for the better). the good bacteria are fighting the bad bacteria inside you & the good guys will sooner or later win the war.

http://www.probiotics-lovethatbug.com/herx-reaction.html
Posted 4/9/2010 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you thecapecoddah for providing me that information on "herxheimer reaction" - explains so much! I'm taking Align and seems to have only 1 strain (bifi infantis) if I'm reading label right - to answer Queen of the Colon's question (love your name BTW).

I will continue to take them and hope that good bacteria wins SOON! : )
Posted 4/9/2010 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bunny, thanks! I declared myself Queen of the Colon when I conquered it and subdued it to my will. I rule the roost now down there :) But I am kind to my subjects :) :)

If you only have 1 strain, in my humble opinion, you need more different strains because variety is the spice of life.

Plus you have thousands of different strains in your gut, you don't want a monoculture taking up the real estate there.

I tried about 5 different brands with as many strains as possible... like:
Polybac 8 (8 strains)
Yakult drink (shirota strain)
Nourishing Flora (several bugs)
IB Support
and something else i forget without looking at my diary.

I think you should get some other strains into you.

You should get them or their equivalents (there will most likely be different products/brands where you are) in the refrigerated section at the chemist.

just check the label and try to get ones with lots of different types of bugs in there.
Posted 4/9/2010 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
Queen of the Colon: thank you for being kind and offering a wealth of knowledge because I so need it (and the humor is awesome)! Here's a another question for you: Should I stick to Align and add another probiotic or get rid of it and buy one with different strains?

Again, your help is so much appreciated!

: )
Posted 4/10/2010 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Align has worked good for me but some find others better.  Took about 2 weeks to get rid of the GAS!!

ElaineNY

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