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VSL 3 how do I start?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/15/2012 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Wanted to start with VSL 3 yet I'm not sure which type to take or how much to begin with

http://shop.vsl3.com/vsl3-c2.aspx

I don't have an issue taking pills, I just want to know how people determined the right dose for themselves
Posted 9/15/2012 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
doorpuck,

I have found the sachets VSL to be the most effective for me.

Can you get your doc to write you script for VSL #3DS (double strength)?

If so, it might only cost you a small copay.

 

I would recommend while flaring to take 3 sachets per day. When you get better, you could go down to 1-2 sachets per day.

 

I take mine in a "cocktail" with slippery elm powder + another probiotic called S. Boulaardi and find it a very effective combo.

 

Hope this helps.

Let us know how we can help you.
Posted 9/16/2012 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with InSoFla.

In medical studies the "theraputic" dose of VSL#3 that produced remission had people taking quite a high dose of the sachets (powder to mix in liquid). If you did a search on this forum you might be able to find the medical paper but IIRC the dose was 4 packets a day. Most of us take 1-2 packets a day (I take 1 before bed in water).

Possibly I could have speeded up my remission if I had taken a therapeutic dose 2 years ago but my insurance didn't cover it so I order it directly from the company online. No prescription is needed ordering direct. You only need an Rx if your insurance will cover and then lucky you. 30 days cost for me is $80-something including shipping. I've heard of people here getting a 3 month supply for a small co-pay as a prescription.

VSL#3 was/is an important part of my remission. I tried other probiotics and never got the same positive results. Even today when I skip a night my gut tells me about it.
Posted 9/16/2012 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
I take the capsules myself as I'm lazy and just popping a pill is easier for me than mixing it with something. I think it's also easier to control your dosages as the pills have 112.5 billion per capsule and to me dosing is easier than taking partial sachets. You need to investigate and figure out what dosage you want to take (cost may be a big factor) and then I highly recommend starting off at a lower dose than what you want and working your way up to where you want to be. Higher doses can give your body more and more gas and you need a little lag time to help your body adjust to the larger doses. Insurances won't cover the regular dose but some insurances will cover the DS, if prescribed by your doctor.
Posted 9/16/2012 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
i think you should take whatever you can afford. DS will be the most expensive but will probably help you the most since it has the most probiotics. the studies of VSL are pretty unrealistic though. the subjects were taking 4 VSL DS packets a day (3.6 billion bacteria) in order to achieve remission. with what they charge for it, there's no way i can take more than one DS a day (my box was $94 without a prescription- with a prescrip, it's $187).

the cheapest places to get regular VSL are the Target and Costco pharmacies. they will special order it for you if you ask them to. i'm sure you could get the capsules from them, but i've only ever tried the sachets. you just have to specify whether you wan't flavored or unflavored (both taste great to me, the flavor is lemon) and what form you want them- capsules or sachets.
Posted 9/16/2012 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
I started with two a day (capsules) and increased to four gradually.
Posted 9/16/2012 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
I started with half a capsule. then gradually up. well, i'm only up at 1 capsule a day right now...

Be safe and start off slow.
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