Probiotic confusion

Probiotics are OTC. There are many brands and varieties. I don't think you will find much commonality in which brands UCers take. It might be best to ask for recommendations.

Sue

You might do a search on the site - there have been many discussions about probiotics.

The only prescription one that I know of is VSL#3DS (double strength) and it has gotten me out of flares.
My GI cites research which says high bifidus helps reduce flare symptoms for UCers. From folks here, it seems that different ones help different folks - trial and error.

I've also tried: PB8, Digestive Advantage, Ultimate Flora Critical Care (worked pretty well) and regular VSL. My son is helped by Align.

You can find probiotics in any local drugstore or grocery store.  Forget which brand, people here on this site can name over 100 different brands and they all swear by them.  So what is one to do?  You have to do your own trial and error.  My GI recommended VSL#3, you can order it online without any prescription.  VSL#3 DS (double strength) is availalbe by prescription but I havn't done that yet.  It's pretty expensive stuff but it has a lot of published research which is recognized by GI all over the world.  Another one that comes often PB8.  The higher end probiotics often contain 8 different strains of bacteria and all of them have published evidence of benefits in the GI tract.  PB8 is avaible at almost any GNC/health food and vitamin store.  I also like plain old yoghurt available at your local grocery store like any othe yoghurt you would eat.  On the label you will often see  information about probiotic stuff.  I also like the yoghurt/shake drink Keflir which is often next to the classic yoghurts in the grocery store.

You can break them down intor more catagories like bacterial counts/refrigerated and non refrigerated, etc... but start with the above information. 

MyUC

Thankyou so much for the information. This is very helpful. I will definitely look into the combination ones you can get. I didn't even know there was something like that. All I have been doing is eatting tons of yogurt. I have come to enjoy it better than ice cream now (unbelievable lol).

what is the benefit of taking the omega 3/fish oil? This is new to me as well.

Something to consider, since OP brought up probiotics and anti-inflammatory fish oil, is to take them at different times of the day so they don't counteract one another.

I don't know if there is any evidence for doing this but just in case I take my probiotic VSL#3 and yogurt in the evening and take all my anti-inflammatories (fish oil, coconut oil, turmeric) in the morning. Probiotics and anti-inflammatory supplements do different things and timing may not matter so don't take my advice if you are successful doing it differently.