Probiotics

[JudithC]

probiotics

I'm thinking of adding probiotics to the mix, but want to be very careful. Should I wait until Pred is all done? Anyone have any particular recommendations?

Pentasa 4000
Pred 15
Multi vitamin
Vit D 4000IU
Fish oil
Fiorinol (migraines)

 

[debbie.rich]

probiotics!

Probiotics should not interfer with any other mediications.
In fact, probiotics should be in everyones diet especially people with gastro diseases. Probiotics return the natural flora to yr digestive system, helps to keep yr intestinal tract well balanced.

 

[JudithC]

Thanks Debbie. Do you have any suggestions or preferred items?

 

[kekemonster101]

JudithC, I would recommend you go with the more popular strains such as Lactobacillus and the more well studied ones (such as in the product Align).

I take two probiotics, one is called Align which has several clinical trials associated with the bacteria used in it (Bifantis).

Also, to get my lactobacillus, the same bacteria strain found in yogurt, I prefer acidophilus pearls . The reason these are superior are because they are enclosed in a little shell that protects them from your stomach acid so the bacteria dont die before they reach your intestines. The pearls contain a combo of 2 seperate popular strains, lactobacillus and bifidobacterium longum (another popular one).

The align is about $20 per 30ct, and the pearls are about $20 per 90ct, so if you are only gonna go with one, Id go with the pearls. By far the cheapest place to get these (as is most vitamins and supplements) is amazon.com. Places like walgreens I believe have their own generic version of the "pearls".

Regardless which probiotic you go with, I would personally avoid the ones that claim like 20 different strains of bacteria, or 80+ BILLION!! bacteria. More isnt necessarily better - its all about the quality of the strain, if any of them survive, and the delivery method; dont be fooled by marketing claims. 1 billion is more then enough.

Some can actually cause problems including bacteria overgrowth and can actually cause infection if they penetrate the intestinal wall and get into your bloodstream. I think its best to keep it simple with a basic lactobacillus since its been well studied and is the most popular. Some of the strains used in certain brands are these really weird, unstudied strains that are sort of "superbugs" and resistant to antibiotics.

Also, try to keep your probiotics at room temperature or less. Temperature can kill the bacteria. Some brands even require them to be refrigerated (however the pearls dont need to be and are designed to be resistant to temperature, moisture, and light)

 

[SarahAnne]

Have been considering probiotics as well....thanks for the info!

 

[Mountaingem]

Probiotics should not interfer with any other mediications.
In fact, probiotics should be in everyones diet especially people with gastro diseases. Probiotics return the natural flora to yr digestive system, helps to keep yr intestinal tract well balanced.

I both agree and disagree Debbie-Most definitely probiotics are very important to anyone with IBD. Between inflammation/the meds we all take/constant diarrhea, we can always use the extra "good" bacteria.

However, Thermopolus and FOS, in addition to the genetically modified bacteria in certain commercial yogurts specifically targeting digestive health can and do make IBD patients very ill. The immune system attacks the modified bacteria, which makes for a terrible bowel infection.

The trick is finding all natural high quality probiotics that do not have FOS or Thermopolus, which are readily available in Health food stores and online-I really like Vitacost brand. Garden of Life is good, too. Start off with a lower bacteria count and slowly work your way up in a week or two; be sure to listen to your gut. I find plain Greek Fage yogurt to be especially helpful, too.

Be sure not to take probiotics within two hours of your other meds because the good bacteria can reduce the effetiveness of medicines as well as other vitamins.

Glad to hear you are having sucess-best wishes for continued health! :thumleft: