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Can't eat yogurt, will probiotics be the same?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 1/14/2014 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I've been away from the forums for awhile; just getting back into them with a question. As long as I can remember, I haven't really been able to eat yogurt. It's always made me double over with stomach cramps and diarrhea which I already have enough of with this disease. My previous PCP always thought I was nuts because according to her yogurt never bothers anyone, and it must be the other things in it like the flavors... which never explained having the same reaction to plain yogurt...

If I have that kind of sensitivity to yogurt, which contain active cultures, does anyone know if probiotics would do the same thing? I'd like to try them if they would do any good, but have a fear of going there since yogurt bothers me so. Of course, I suppose there is always the possibility that I would get through a period of discomfort and then find some help in them...

I don't know! I'm really on the fence with this one... oh yeah, not that it has a direct bearing on anything, but my 20 year old daughter has always had a similar reaction when she eats yogurt... although my son can eat it just fine without it bothering him.

-=HappyCamper330
tongue
Posted 1/14/2014 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
There are 2 possibilities that you'd have to test out yourself I'm afraid -
1) You could be lactose intolerant as commercial yogurt contains a small amount of lactose. Most brands are typically fermented less than 24 hours.
2) You could be casein intolerant, as many UCers have issues with digesting the complex protein foods (like egg whites).

To eliminate/test for lactose intolerance, you have the following options
a) make your own 24 yogurt, SCD style to eliminate lactose (google scd yogurt)
b) try goat/sheep yogurt as the lactose molecules are tolerated by the lactose intolerant.

To eliminate/test for casein intolerance
a) See if you get similar issues with other cow dairy - cheese, milk, etc
b) Try goat yogurt/milk/cheese as it contains the less inflammatory a2 beta casein that isn't present in cow dairy.
c) eliminate dairy altogether and see if your symptoms subside.

There is a small possibility that the active cultures could be bothering you. To test this out, try VSL3 or some other therapeutic level probiotic and see if it causes issues.

Best.
Posted 1/14/2014 1:02 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Stealth. If that is the case most probiotics should be OK to take. I would start with very low doses and work your way up.
Posted 1/14/2014 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I should have mentioned that other dairy--milk, cheese, etc. does not bother me at all, it's only yogurt which is why I question the live cultures.

Also, VSL3--I thought it was only prescription? I was browsing a website a week or so back and found it to be listed as non-prescription for some levels, but then there was a place to get the prescription version as well... is this now available over the counter? (Although, all versions on the website said consult your doctor when taking it, etc.)

Is this still the only FDA approved? Are there other over the counter probiotic brands that really seem to work?

Thanks again for the responses!
-=HappyCamper330
Posted 1/14/2014 1:55 AM (GMT 0)
VSL regular strength capsules do not need a prescription and are not covered by any insurances and can be ordered from the VSL website. VSL DS (double strength) satchets do require a prescription and are sometimes covered by insurance. Several of us use several different brands but VSL is probably the most popular. I actually take VSL plus Prescript Assist Probiotic, which doesn't need a prescription.
Posted 1/14/2014 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
have I mentioned ...........................


Bubbies Kosher Dill Pickles, Kosher Dill Relish, Pickled Green Tomatoes and Sauerkraut are considered “probiotic”. Probiotic foods contain live microorganisms that are thought to be beneficial to the consumer.


yeah
Posted 1/14/2014 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
what about kefir? It's my understanding the fermentation process eliminates the lactose. You could try eating some of that to see if you have the same reaction. If it's fine, you are ok with probiotics and maybe not so much with the lactose perspective.
Posted 1/14/2014 4:59 AM (GMT 0)
I find I have the very same issues BUT only when I'm in a flare or just getting over a flare.
I find that probiotics or anything with the recommended live cultures in it make me worse.
It causes me stomach cramps and intense diarreha which in turns makes my bleeding worse..

I do not have a problem with milk or cheese or ice cream and have been tested for allergies and lactose issues which have all come back negative..

My specialist has advised me not to take them if they make my issues worse..

Obviously what works for some may not work for others. Yes everyone keeps telling us that we should be able to tolerate it as its GOOD for us but not everything is tolerated by everyone.

Hope this helps I have had uc for 14 years now and am not able to tolerate probiotics or yoghurt whilst in a flare or months after a flare..
Good luck I hope you can work thought this problem :)
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