VSL#3

Tough questions.

1. Is the Probio 7 causing you any problems? If so, I would quit it right away. If it is not actually causing you problems then I would keep taking it until the VSL arrives.

2. Our guts are extremely complex eco systems, not to mention that UC is an extremely complicated disease which effects everyone differently. It is impossible to tell ahead of time what your answer will be. Changing may be a great help to you or it could make you much worse.

3. I noticed within a week that I seemed to do better and by continuing with it I gradually got better and better. I also take a second probiotic (prescript assist) along with VSL. I actually take VSL capsules, which have 112.5 billion CFU's in them, instead of the packet, which has the 450 billion. I find it much easier than the packets for several reasons.

My best advice is to first take a quarter packet once per day, move up to a half, then 3/4 and then finally a full packet. This way you can stop right away in the beginning if you should get worse. Also, your body needs to adjust slowly to the larger doses. If you take too much too soon it is very common to get a lot of gas and bloating. You can also take a partial dose in the morning and another partial dose at night to keep it in your system more instead of just once per day. Good luck.

Jumping in with a massive dos of live microbes could actually make a UC flare worse. The immune system is overactive, and you give it 450 billion live microbes. Do the math.

Take a few days to work up to full dose.

BTW, while almost nobody ever does it, the published research study used 4 packets a day. VSL is "live", so theres that. But if you find a cheaper brand of probiotic with a mix of strains that seems to settle your gut and help form stool, there is no strong reason to stick with VSL.

500 gazillion would be a great number, as long as the strain/strains is/are right for your body - if you have the money, go forth with abandon - but please, just try/add one at a time

there are some folks that don't do well with vsl -

Ysfm said...
So I've basically caved to reading all these great reviews about VSL#3. I'm currently using Probio 7, which has 10 billion bacteria compared to VSL#3's massive 450.

I have a few questions before it arrives on Tuesday..

1) Should I stop taking Probio 7 till it comes?
2) Will changing probiotic be a problem?
3) How long did it take for you to notice a difference after taking it? (obviously its different for all)

Thanks!!

My son, with UC, started with 2 VSL3 pills per day, which is about 1/4 the strength of the VSL# DS he takes now. He has been on the DS packets daily now for about 9 months and feels great. He does take LDN and iron pills. He has a full live, very active. Highly recommend this product, expensive but really works.

I do great with one packet a day, I stopped to see if it was causing issues and things got worse. Stinkyer, gurgling tummy, etc. back on it and within 2days smell gone and things have quieted down.

Glad to hear it's working for you guys too :D Did you find the impact of it increased the longer you continued taking it?