Probiotics...are they important?

[AdvicePlease]

Hi there! My name is Marti. I have heard both ends of the spectrum when it comes to taking a pro-biotic. I am wondering what your thoughts on them are. Are they important or not necessarily?

 

[bangarang]

If your eating a good clean diet not really necessary but certainly doesn't hurt. Personally I think the average person should consider supplementing with it. Don't forget probiotics elevate b12 levels which most folks are low or deficient in. Problem with probiotics most of the market crap. Research before buying.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I just recently started taking VSL#3, at the request of my GI. I haven't really noticed a difference, but it's not making anything worse.

 

[Snoflayk505]

An estimated 100 trillion microorganisms inhabit every normal, healthy bowel, where they keep pathogens (harmful microorganisms) in check, aid digestion and nutrient absorption, and contribute to immune function. If these gut-dwelling bacteria become depleted (usually because of disease, stress, poor diet, or medications like antibiotics) health problems can result. According to Harvard Women's Health Watch, probiotic therapy has been best studied for the treatment of diarrhea. It may also help people with Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal problems.
Source www.health.harvard.edu

I am on the SCD diet and have read that depending on the diet you are on, certain probiotics should be avoided. For Example: VSL#3 is said to cause flares for people on the SCD diet.

Single-strain acidophilus probiotic containing 3 billion CFUs per capsule

Kirkman’s Lactobacillus Acidophilus (L. acidophilus) features only that one probiotic strain and is free of disaccharides. This species is recognized as one of the primary friendly lactic acid bacteria residing in a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Research over the past decade has shown that L. acidophilus provides a number of important health benefits including:

• adheres to the GI mucosa and colonizes the intestinal tract
• supports the body's natural defenses (immunity)
• helps control diarrhea or constipation
• helps alleviate occasional diarrhea or constipation
Source http://kirkmanlabs.com/ProductKirkman/182/1/LactobacillusAcidophilus-Hypoallergenic/

More GREAT Info on Lactobacillus probiotic
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/790.html

 

[kiny]

I don't know, I have taken them, I have no clue if they helped. If you take antibiotics they are extremely important though, to prevent C. Difficile.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

I would say its one of the most important supplements anyone can take but especially those with IBD. Your gut flora has a huge role in how you feel. It can't hurt to supplement.

 

[shmo]

Is there any danger to an excess?

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Shmo I don't think do. Seen combination of 80-200 billion bacteria in stores.

 

[Snoflayk505]

Mild Symptoms of Too Many Probiotics

Probiotics clearly have many beneficial effects on the body; however, it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Knowing the side effects of probiotics can help you increase your awareness of what you should look for in a probiotic food supplement. Gas and bloating are two of the most common side effects of consuming too many probiotics.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/5...many-probiotics-cause-problems/#ixzz22Lf0Wra8


How Many Probiotics Should You Take

When you first start taking probiotics, you may experience symptoms such as gas, bloating, headaches or skin rashes. Generally, these symptoms will reduce with time. To allow your body to get used to fermented foods and drinks, you should start with a small amount of cultured vegetables such as half a cup, or no more than 2 ounces of probiotic liquid per day. As your body starts to get used to the probiotics, you can add half a serving of fermented vegetables, or an extra 2 ounces of probiotic liquid per day.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/5...many-probiotics-cause-problems/#ixzz22LfBW3hi

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Snoflayk I think that's only as you adjust. We have trillions of bacteria in our system and nothing sold commercially should overdue it.

 

[Snoflayk505]

I don't know for sure, that's why i cited this source =P

 

[markdmississippi]

Our son (18) has been taking "Garden of Life" Raw Probiotic for Men. It contains prebiotics, enzymes and probiotics. It's made all the difference in his life. It's a great product.

 

[Thermo]

For crohns patients they are very important new research is pointing to a probiotic curing crohns as soon as they can recreate the bacteria in the lab and reproduce it. (Dont hold your breathe) There is tons of research proving that people who have stomach problems have an inproper balance of intestinal flora. As far as dosage goes a popular dietician in Arizona recommends 75billion cultures with a flare 25 billion during immediate remission and below 10 billion for maintenance.