Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.

Probiotics

pie_eyes
pie_eyes Posts: 12,964 Member
Do you take them and how have they improved your life
«1345

Replies

  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    edited February 2016
    A shot glass of Kefir nearly daily results in a slightly improved stool.
  • pie_eyes
    pie_eyes Posts: 12,964 Member
    Once I just drank alcohol and ate wraps for a week and my stool were in good shape
  • Carlos_421
    Carlos_421 Posts: 5,132 Member
    How is this a debate topic?
  • MNJ439
    MNJ439 Posts: 3 Member
    I didn't know I had an issue with food related bloating until I started using a probiotic. Honestly, I just assumed my stomach looked the way it did because of stomach fat. Within 3 days, I noticed a difference in bloating. Also, because it helps with intestinal flora and bacteria, it can help to ensure "regularity".
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    I take a probiotic supplement 4 days a week while simultaneously eating probiotic-rich yogurt 4 times a week. I am very regular, but I'm skeptical that it's actually improved my intestinal bacteria much given that I do still have some symptoms of IBS. I will say though, sometimes when I consume these probiotics it does seem to help my system for the following few hours afterwards.
    Carlos_421 wrote: »
    How is this a debate topic?
    Maybe because many of us have different opinions on whether they're needed or not.
  • alasin1derland
    alasin1derland Posts: 575 Member
    Anyone who's poop isn't shaped like poop or doesn't go at least once a day could benefit from probiotics. It balances the gut bacteria when bad bacteria has become more prominent then the good. For many its after antibiotics that kills all bacteria and it doesn't come back with proper balance. Its important to have a healthy intestinal track because if its constantly inflamed you may not be getting the nutrients out of your food no matter what or how much you eat, leaving you feeling tired. Its tied directly to your immune system. I took the capsules for years but about a year ago after googling the benefits of milk kefir I switched to making my own milk kefir. The capsules were fast and easy, the milk kefir is cheap, more beneficial and still easy. If someone is unsure if they should be taking them, try for about 3 weeks and if they see improvement, you got your answer.
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    I take a probiotic supplement 4 days a week while simultaneously eating probiotic-rich yogurt 4 times a week. I am very regular, but I'm skeptical that it's actually improved my intestinal bacteria much given that I do still have some symptoms of IBS. I will say though, sometimes when I consume these probiotics it does seem to help my system for the following few hours afterwards.
    Carlos_421 wrote: »
    How is this a debate topic?
    Maybe because many of us have different opinions on whether they're needed or not.

    So do you need them or not?
  • JustMissTracy
    JustMissTracy Posts: 6,338 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    edited February 2016
    I don't take probiotics at alI. I do enjoy pickled foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, ginger and beets and have various jars in the fridge that I have with dinner. I also eat a lot of yogurt.

    I don't know if it makes a difference in anything, as its something I don't worry about and have never had issues.
  • kk_inprogress
    kk_inprogress Posts: 3,077 Member
    Anyone who's poop isn't shaped like poop or doesn't go at least once a day could benefit from probiotics. It balances the gut bacteria when bad bacteria has become more prominent then the good. For many its after antibiotics that kills all bacteria and it doesn't come back with proper balance. Its important to have a healthy intestinal track because if its constantly inflamed you may not be getting the nutrients out of your food no matter what or how much you eat, leaving you feeling tired. Its tied directly to your immune system. I took the capsules for years but about a year ago after googling the benefits of milk kefir I switched to making my own milk kefir. The capsules were fast and easy, the milk kefir is cheap, more beneficial and still easy. If someone is unsure if they should be taking them, try for about 3 weeks and if they see improvement, you got your answer.

    I just can't get past non-poop shaped poop. Wut?
  • senecarr
    senecarr Posts: 5,377 Member
    kkenseth wrote: »
    Anyone who's poop isn't shaped like poop or doesn't go at least once a day could benefit from probiotics. It balances the gut bacteria when bad bacteria has become more prominent then the good. For many its after antibiotics that kills all bacteria and it doesn't come back with proper balance. Its important to have a healthy intestinal track because if its constantly inflamed you may not be getting the nutrients out of your food no matter what or how much you eat, leaving you feeling tired. Its tied directly to your immune system. I took the capsules for years but about a year ago after googling the benefits of milk kefir I switched to making my own milk kefir. The capsules were fast and easy, the milk kefir is cheap, more beneficial and still easy. If someone is unsure if they should be taking them, try for about 3 weeks and if they see improvement, you got your answer.

    I just can't get past non-poop shaped poop. Wut?

    Like if it is turd, crap, or feces shaped?
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    Alluminati wrote: »
    I take a probiotic supplement 4 days a week while simultaneously eating probiotic-rich yogurt 4 times a week. I am very regular, but I'm skeptical that it's actually improved my intestinal bacteria much given that I do still have some symptoms of IBS. I will say though, sometimes when I consume these probiotics it does seem to help my system for the following few hours afterwards.
    Carlos_421 wrote: »
    How is this a debate topic?
    Maybe because many of us have different opinions on whether they're needed or not.

    So do you need them or not?
    I would say yes.


    Alluminati wrote: »
    I don't take probiotics at alI. I do enjoy pickled foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, ginger and beets and have various jars in the fridge that I have with dinner. I also eat a lot of yogurt.

    I don't know if it makes a difference in anything, as its something I don't worry about and have never had issues.
    Well in that case you're getting plenty of probiotics from some of those foods you're eating.

  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    @JustMissTracy I definitely know what you mean.. Speaking from experience, take your antibiotic in the morning and a strong probiotic in the evening or vice versa. Just make sure to space the two as far apart as you can
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    If you already have a yeast infection then you'll probably be prescribed more meds (much to the delight of your doctor). Probiotics might've prevented it though, sure.

    Ask your doc to prescribe you some. It's probably uncommon for GP's to prescribe it along with antibiotics but it's worth a shot to possibly save you some money.
  • socioseguro
    socioseguro Posts: 1,679 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    @JustMissTracy I definitely know what you mean.. Speaking from experience, take your antibiotic in the morning and a strong probiotic in the evening or vice versa. Just make sure to space the two as far apart as you can

    +1 for taking the probiotic as far away as possible from the antobiotic.
    Once I have a 21 day antibiotic treatment. The prescribing MD suggested to take a 50 Billion probiotic dose a day, as far away from the antibiotic. I also complemented with kefir, unsweetened. No side effects.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,223 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    I always take a probiotic when I'm on antibiotics and have found it 100% prevents the extra infections, which I suffer from terribly when I don't take the probiotic.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    I always take a probiotic when I'm on antibiotics and have found it 100% prevents the extra infections, which I suffer from terribly when I don't take the probiotic.

    yep yep, same here.
    Antibiotics guarantee thrush for me. But all is good if I'm also taking probiotics.

  • zcb94
    zcb94 Posts: 3,678 Member
    I do, for, uh, maintained flora and fauna.
  • pie_eyes
    pie_eyes Posts: 12,964 Member
    I don't even know what floral or fauna is but they sound pretty
  • summerkissed
    summerkissed Posts: 730 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    I'm on antibiotics atm and have started a thread about antibiotics and probiotics.....I've a very sore tummy from the antibiotics :neutral:
  • rhtexasgal
    rhtexasgal Posts: 572 Member
    As someone in remission from UC and proctitis, I can attest to the effectiveness of probiotics and fermented foods that contain probiotics naturally. After a major flare that had me hospitalized, I was on several medications and basically, I was just "existing." I started off slow with probiotics - perhaps 7 strains of bacteria at a few million count. Now I am taking a probiotic that has 34 strains with a 50 billion count. If you have never taken them before, you want to start off slow because otherwise, you are going to suffer. It takes some getting used to ... right now, I do not take any prescription medications. I am keeping my UC in check with a good diet and the probiotics.

    If you decide to try probiotics, do not get the kind that is on the pharmacy shelf ... get the kind that must be refrigerated. You don't know how long that stuff on the pharmacy shelf has been sitting around and what the climate was in the warehouses and trucks. Too much heat will kill the good bacteria. I pay a pretty penny for my probiotics but to me it is worth it. I have not had any major illness in several years now - no flu, no cold, the mildest of allergies (I used to be clogged from March-October each year), no gut upset ...

    As to fermented foods, I used to hate them. It took time for me to develop a taste for them but fermented pickles and kimchi are the best. I hate milk kefir straight but my mother in law makes a tangy dip out of it for veggies that is good. My hubby also makes two batches of kombucha a week and that also has been great. Even my kids will drink it and I have noticed that their acne is fading ... my hubby who is on a regular schedule of pain medication due to chronic, and sometimes debilitating pain has noticed a huge improvement in the bathroom (pain meds are quite constipating) and is now longer suffering that issue ...
  • e_v_v
    e_v_v Posts: 131 Member
    I started having major digestive issues during my freshman year of college--probably adjusting to new food. I started taking probiotics and noticed a night-and-day difference. I will NEVER go without probiotics ever again. If there is such a thing as a weight loss-assistance pill, probiotics are it. The more live/active cultures, the better, but I've found success with every brand that I've tried. They're worth every penny.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    @rhtexasgal what probiotic are you taking. I am in partial remission from severe Crohn's but because of medications (Remicade and imuran). I am careful with my food intake but can't get into remission without meds.
  • JustMissTracy
    JustMissTracy Posts: 6,338 Member
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    @JustMissTracy I definitely know what you mean.. Speaking from experience, take your antibiotic in the morning and a strong probiotic in the evening or vice versa. Just make sure to space the two as far apart as you can
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    If you already have a yeast infection then you'll probably be prescribed more meds (much to the delight of your doctor). Probiotics might've prevented it though, sure.

    Ask your doc to prescribe you some. It's probably uncommon for GP's to prescribe it along with antibiotics but it's worth a shot to possibly save you some money.
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    @JustMissTracy I definitely know what you mean.. Speaking from experience, take your antibiotic in the morning and a strong probiotic in the evening or vice versa. Just make sure to space the two as far apart as you can

    +1 for taking the probiotic as far away as possible from the antobiotic.
    Once I have a 21 day antibiotic treatment. The prescribing MD suggested to take a 50 Billion probiotic dose a day, as far away from the antibiotic. I also complemented with kefir, unsweetened. No side effects.
    I've been taking antibiotics on and off since December....which has resulted in extra infections(women know what I mean)...I have a feeling I will be put back on them again this week' Does anyone know, if I took a probiotic, would this avoid those infections? I'm dreading going back to the doctor just thinking about it....

    I always take a probiotic when I'm on antibiotics and have found it 100% prevents the extra infections, which I suffer from terribly when I don't take the probiotic.

    Thankyou all for your advice, I'm still waiting for someone to cancel so I can get in, but I'm going to ask about this for sure!
  • rhtexasgal
    rhtexasgal Posts: 572 Member
    @rhtexasgal what probiotic are you taking. I am in partial remission from severe Crohn's but because of medications (Remicade and imuran). I am careful with my food intake but can't get into remission without meds.

    I take the Garden of Life Raw Probiotics that I found at Whole Foods. I have found that it seems to help the best for my issues but Renew Life Ultimate Flora is another good one. Basically, whichever of the two is on sale, I buy. Sometimes, the Garden of Life one has coupons printed on the inside of the box :)

    The daughter of a friend of mine did a science project on probiotics a few years back while still in high school and tested a number of them including Culturelle and Align that are on the pharmacy/grocery shelves as well as the prescription VSL and refrigerated ones like I suggested. The "shelf stable" ones had less than half of the probiotics touted on the package while the refrigerated ones fared much better. The Garden of Life and Renew Life both maintained around 90% of the bacteria they touted on the packaged and VSL was best but it was prescription strength. This girl conducted the experiment 4 times over the course of 3 months using the same products but from different stores and had similar results. While this was only one high school science project and not a government controlled study, it was quite eye opening and part of the reason I switched to Garden of Life.

    I have been fortunate to attain remission and I do not take medications at this time. However, if I slack off from the probiotics and fermented foods I have in my diet, I will start getting mild gut symptoms. Because I do not want to get where I was before (I almost lost part of my colon due to doctors not believing in me because my blood inflammation markers were not elevated so they would not do a colonoscopy - another long story), I make sure I stick to my maintenance plan. Even when traveling, I will carry probiotics so I am not without them.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I tried them for a few months but I didn't notice any difference other than less $ in my wallet. I don't take them anymore. I've never had any gut problems though and eat a diet high in fiber and prebiotics so maybe that's why I didn't notice any difference.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    So, a live culture Greek yogurt is not sufficient?
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    pondee629 wrote: »
    So, a live culture Greek yogurt is not sufficient?

    I don't think so, you'd have to eat a ton and then hope there are actual live cultures left in there. The probiotic i take claims that one capsule = 22 tubs of yogurt.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    rhtexasgal wrote: »
    @rhtexasgal what probiotic are you taking. I am in partial remission from severe Crohn's but because of medications (Remicade and imuran). I am careful with my food intake but can't get into remission without meds.

    I take the Garden of Life Raw Probiotics that I found at Whole Foods. I have found that it seems to help the best for my issues but Renew Life Ultimate Flora is another good one. Basically, whichever of the two is on sale, I buy. Sometimes, the Garden of Life one has coupons printed on the inside of the box :)

    The daughter of a friend of mine did a science project on probiotics a few years back while still in high school and tested a number of them including Culturelle and Align that are on the pharmacy/grocery shelves as well as the prescription VSL and refrigerated ones like I suggested. The "shelf stable" ones had less than half of the probiotics touted on the package while the refrigerated ones fared much better. The Garden of Life and Renew Life both maintained around 90% of the bacteria they touted on the packaged and VSL was best but it was prescription strength. This girl conducted the experiment 4 times over the course of 3 months using the same products but from different stores and had similar results. While this was only one high school science project and not a government controlled study, it was quite eye opening and part of the reason I switched to Garden of Life.

    I have been fortunate to attain remission and I do not take medications at this time. However, if I slack off from the probiotics and fermented foods I have in my diet, I will start getting mild gut symptoms. Because I do not want to get where I was before (I almost lost part of my colon due to doctors not believing in me because my blood inflammation markers were not elevated so they would not do a colonoscopy - another long story), I make sure I stick to my maintenance plan. Even when traveling, I will carry probiotics so I am not without them.

    Thanks. I was taking align and it did absolutely nothing. I'll try the ones you suggested
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    pondee629 wrote: »
    So, a live culture Greek yogurt is not sufficient?

    I don't think so, you'd have to eat a ton and then hope there are actual live cultures left in there. The probiotic i take claims that one capsule = 22 tubs of yogurt.

    And this is not too much?