What are the preferred probiotics/bacteria among us?

Hey there,

I'm finally finding a bit of relief from a flare with steroids and switching biologics in the next few weeks. But I also decided to research supplemental products that may be beneficial in keeping me healthy. I consistently read about probiotics, which is nothing new on this forum. But I didn't realize to what extent their benefits could be. For instance:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033537/

Which mentions the efficacy of certain probiotics, in particular, the non-pathogenic E. coli Nissle and VSL#3 (which is a combo of 8 UC beneficial bacteria). Am I late to the VSL#3 party? When you read a line like: "More recently, trials were published that tested a probiotic product called VSL#3. Like the trials of E. coli Nissle, trials of VSL#3 have demonstrated efficacy for inducing remission in UC."

That sounds like something to me. The article goes on to say we must of course consult with our doctors to find the probiotics that are right for us, etc, which is of course true. But I was curious what specific probiotics (or even more specific, what bacteria) people take? And do they help? And what's the deal with VSL#3?

Thanks,
D

DavidEA I’m in a similar situation to yourself. Currently tapering down from 35mg pred (currently 25) waiting on biologics. The last week tapering I felt I was slowly getting worse. Something happened that has calmed my gut. The only thing I can think it could be I added some green banana flour to my smoothie which is extremely high in RS. Previously I was on an antibiotic therapy which targets the bad bacteria. Maybe I’m seeing improvement because I’ve killed the bad with the antibiotics and now I’m feeding the good that’s left with RS.. idk but something has helped the last 4 days. Also I used saccharomyces boulardii for a probiotic but have wanted to try the VSL3 maybe now is a good time. RS can be tricky because from memory it feeds both good and bad bacteria so maybe that’s why it’s having a positive affect for me this time.

Just be careful in terms of brand. I am not 100% sure but there was a bit of rebranding over the years as the doctor who "invented" vsl3 left the company. So the original vsl3 is now called Vivomixx. But please do your own research about it as I am not super sure. ECN was evaluated similar to mesalazine to maintain remission in a Study published on the ECCO website. I have tried it in the past it seemed good but very expensive plus I had to ask my friends to bring it to it from Italy to the UK so it was a bit of an hassle.

I've had good results with both Keifer...but didn't like the 'buttermilk' taste....and Florastor. Florastor is available online or if your insurance will pay, and your doctor will prescribe it for you, even better. Good luck.

I've also used mutaflor (e coli nissle) daily for a year. They sell it in every pharmacy in germany so it was relatively easy for me to get hold of. I didn't notice anything positive or negative so i stopped it. I'd be tempted to take it if i got food poisoning as it can out compete pathogenic bacteria.

If you do go down the vsl3/visbiome route I'd advise to start with a small dose (maybe 1/4 sachet) and build it up gradually - i saw that advice on a review on amazon and I'm glad i followed it - because the first few days i had a major reaction while it cleared out other bacteria (it was like I'd taken a laxative), also a lot of gas/bloating. It took about a week to subside, then i felt better.

My dad has used vsl3 in the short term following a campylobactor infection and it cured his diarrhea.