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Probiotic Gas?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/1/2014 6:35 AM (GMT 0)
I use VSL #3 ... I'm not sure if my contant gas passing and belching is from the VSL#3 or what? Does anyone else get this? Or gotten heartburn, GERD related symptoms from it. Or even constipation.

Also, does Immodium work for you guys? If I take one, I'm fine for like two days! Oh, how I wish we could just take Immodium and be fine with this disease :(
Posted 7/1/2014 6:57 AM (GMT 0)
My condition is severe. Immodium doesn't do a thing for me. It used to help when I first started having trouble.

One concern I would have here: Immodium slows the movement through your gut, but it does not eliminate inflammation. That's the real problem that needs to be dealt with. When you get sick your inflammation kicks in for a few days to clear out your gut and the infection. With us, the inflammation doesn't shut off entirely on its own. You want to treat the inflammation, not the symptom.

Immodium slows your motility so acid and everything else won't move through at the normal rate. I think these acid indigestion symptoms are pretty common, although I've not experienced it myself.

I'm not sure what VSL#3 is. Hopefully, someone else on here can help with that.

I wouldn't be shy about seeing my GI doc even though you may feel your symptoms are not a big deal. My experience with this disease for over 15 years is that it's easy to treat if you deal with it swiftly. If you ignore it, things can get very difficult. Taking an anti-inflammatory pill is a lot easier and cheaper than giving yourself shots and doing IV's all the time.
Posted 7/1/2014 7:10 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry I didn't share anything about probiotics after all that! That must be what VSL#3 is. I use Primal Defense Ultra. Directions say to use 1-3 units per day. I'm taking 1 with each meal for a total of 3 per day.

When I started taking this, I began with one per day and increased it as my body got used to it. I needed a month or two to get used to each level. IE: Started at 1 per day, then 2 per day, then 3 per day. I noticed increased stool frequency, gas, more fluid stools when I started on each dose. It takes the body a while to adjust to the different flora level.

I believe my overall condition has improved with pro-biotics. I'm less likely to get sick with pro-biotics. I've never had C-Dif. When members of my household have gotten viral infections that cause severe diarrhea, I've been able to avoid it most of the time.

When I started pro-biotics, I also started taking Digestive Enzymes. Those help a lot too. I use Omegazyme by Garden Of Life. Enzymes break down your food making it easier to digest. I vary the amount I take based on the amount, quality, and type of food.
Posted 7/1/2014 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
How much VSL do you take? As zoo says, with any probiotic it is as good idea to start out at smaller doses and work your way up as your body adjusts to the new dosage levels.
Posted 7/1/2014 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
vsl - either stop taking it, or at least reduce by 50%, for a few days and see what happens -
Posted 7/2/2014 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
I take one a day.... When I stop, I stop burping and having gas. However, I feel I need some kind of probiotic! Especially since I just got sick and had to go on an anti-biotic. blah!
Posted 7/2/2014 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Assuming the VSL isn't affecting your colitis, try another probiotic. I've had good results with Culturelle which was recommended by several people on this board. You might want to investigate resistant starch, too.

Gas X is a very safe med to take for gas. Works great for me.
Posted 7/2/2014 2:55 PM (GMT 0)
Havent done VSL#3 yet (to expensive for a student budget im afraid) but Ive used Immodium advanced 3 times. Wow, does that stuff ever work. Unfortunately, as you know, we cant take it long term, but its good for days where you really need it.
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