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Probiotics: What to look for? Where To Order?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 6/26/2013 8:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all - I've heard of a lot of people having success with probiotics but the only stuff I really know about and seem to have found are what they have on shelves at CVS and Target. Most of those only have a few billion samples and I've heard it takes a lot more to have any effect at all, I've also heard that many probiotics need to be refrigerated to be effective...

Which strains are best? What should I be looking for? And where can I go about ordering this stuff? Appreciate any and all advice :)

I was diagnosed with UC Jan 2013 after 2nd flare up, on Lialda + Perrigo for 3 months until allergic reaction, then on Prednisone up to 60mg now tapering at 20mg, currently in remission (knock on wood) and trying my best to stay that way.
Posted 6/26/2013 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
I was told that the more bacteria the better. I take vsl 3. Something like 450 billion bacteria. They seem quire widely recommended.
Posted 6/26/2013 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
Most doctors recommend VSL #3. The regular ones online are about $50. Also you can get the VSL Double Strength with a prescription.
I however, Use Dr.Ohhiras probiotics since they work better for me.
Posted 6/26/2013 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
I use culturelle, Primadopholus reuteri, Sach. boulardi and stoneyfield yougurt. THen, using these capsules/starter, I make my own soy yougurt, which I consume daily. This ensures me that the pills I get contain viable organisms, and also I am getting way, way more bacteria that way. I used to teach microbiology at a local college, and once I took some of my yougurt in and did a count, and the numbers were huge. I keep them all in the fridge. The other advantage of this system is it is way, way cheaper.
Posted 6/26/2013 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
My new GI recommended low-fat yogurt instead of probiotics
Posted 6/27/2013 7:57 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the suggestions everyone, definitely gonna grab some VSL #3 and try my luck. Has anyone here had a positive experience managing UC without prescription meds while using probiotics? I have some sort of allergy to mesalamine and the next option is biologics...after I had such a terrible experience on the first round of drugs though I've decided to try battling this thing on my own - for better or for worse. So really looking for any suggestions people have.

Thanks again :)
Posted 6/27/2013 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
Matt,

You should also add: s. boulaardi to the mix, as it's an impt probiotics.

Posted 6/27/2013 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
low fat yogurt isn't enough probiotic. Plus, for many it can cause gas. I'd still add probiotic supplements to the mix.

I use what's in my signature.

q
Posted 6/27/2013 5:05 PM (GMT 0)
What benefit have you found using probiotics? My GI told me I wouldn't get enough out of them and to not waste my money on buying any..
Posted 6/27/2013 5:11 PM (GMT 0)
You can either listen to your GI or try them and see how you feel. Your decision.

If my GI told me that, I'd still take them. Most everyone here takes probiotics...all different kinds, however. But rarely we take none.

q
Posted 6/27/2013 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
He isn't against me taking any and he knows it's my choice if I want to. I was diagnosed with Chrons Disease only 2 months ago so I am still new at figuring out what to take and what not to take.
Posted 6/27/2013 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
dybeye: Your GI is half right and half wrong. He is correct that most probiotics you can buy in the stores are nothing but a mere drop in the bucket and probably a waste of money in most cases. If you are lucky you can find ones that have 5 billion CFU's in them, and that is the drop in the bucket I mentioned. You can find other probiotics online which have tons more of CFU's and VSL#3 is a probiotic specifically designed for UC (I realize you have Crohns). It has like 450billion CFU's in it and can be prescribed by a doctor with some insurances covering it and some not.
Posted 6/27/2013 5:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've also read about the effectiveness of Colloidal Silver, Boswellia, and Bromelain. Anyone have some experience and success using these? Any side effects or things to be aware of?
Posted 6/27/2013 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me try it out for myself if it helps when I ask her about it, but she thought it wouldn't make any difference. I go with the most inexpensive ones. Kefir made daily at home with whole milk, and occasional kombucha tea, also home made. It definitely helps me stay symptom free.
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