Probiotics

Christine_72 wrote: »

pondee629 wrote: »

Christine_72 wrote: »

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?

Nah I doubt it. I've been taking probiotics for years with no negative side effects. Each capsule has 25 billion "good bacteria". I've seen some with 50-60 Billion levels.

While it may not be too much, it may be overkill for a lot of people. Not everyone needs to take a probiotic. If you aren't experiencing any problems then you probably don't need it.

Need2Exerc1se wrote: »

Christine_72 wrote: »

pondee629 wrote: »

Christine_72 wrote: »

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?

Nah I doubt it. I've been taking probiotics for years with no negative side effects. Each capsule has 25 billion "good bacteria". I've seen some with 50-60 Billion levels.

While it may not be too much, it may be overkill for a lot of people. Not everyone needs to take a probiotic. If you aren't experiencing any problems then you probably don't need it.

The main reason I started taking them was because they kept me regular, plus Thrush is non existent when I'm taking them, howeeeever I only get that when I take antibiotics which happens maybe once every few years.
But you're right, I probably don't need them,It's just become an ingrained before bed habit now.,

I discovered their benefits after I was hospitalized and given strong antibiotics, which led to a lovely bout with c. diff and more meds, and it was pretty bad after that for months until I started taking a probiotic suggested by a friend (Garden of Life). I'm not sure there is any reason to take them if you are not having gut problems, but if you are, it's definitely something to look into.

rhtexasgal wrote: »

Personally, I believe a lot more people should take them. Many people do not eat right, consuming too many sodas, sugary products and things high in artificial flavors and colors. The bad bacteria in your gut love it. This is likely why more people are susceptible to every little illness that they run across. If the gut is in tip top shape, your immune system gets a boost too. I work with 150+ boys every week and have been exposed to strep, colds, flu ... you name it and I don't get any of it and have not for several years.

I agree

I was incredibly healthy. I was overprescribed antibiotics and then another med that severely injured me. Antibiotics can severely change your life (sorry I don't want to go into the details, but it's bad in many ways). I also agree about sauerkraut or other cultured veggies. Wildbrine is a good company with live and active cultures. Kefir as well. Some people drink kombucha as well. Lots of veggies in general. A book that has been somewhat helpful to me is The Microbiome Solution by Robynne Chutkan. You will often be fine with just one course of antibiotics. I was misdiagnosed as having an antibiotic resistant infection when in reality it was antibiotic side effects they were misdiagnosing and prescribing more very powerful and double strength antibiotics and destroying me with (along with severe allergic reaction and life altering adverse events). I take New Roots Probiotic Intensity because it's enteric coated and has human strains. I now also take HCP150 because it's human strains, cryoprotected, with 150 billion. But, I am undergoing testing and it's possible probiotics aren't going to be enough to recover my gut health, but I can recover (hopefully).

Edit to add: We have a balance in our microbiome. The "bad" stuff is a healthy part of our microbiome in small amounts. They only become pathological if they over grow and then they behave differently. Bacteria is actually a very fascinating topic.

senecarr wrote: »

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kavinsenapathy/2016/03/07/keep-calm-and-avoid-microbiome-mayhem/#63c20fdb11c2
^ came across my news feed today.

I am thinking she must frequent MFP...judging from some of her language and her use and explanation of our favorite word, "woo." I especially loved her use of "Woo-mongering," and I expect it will be undoubtedly be put to good use here. I like it.

BinaryPulsar wrote: »

I was prescribed amoxicillin with Clavalinic Acid. Then Clindamycin (a very strong antibiotic all on it's own). Then wrongly prescribed double strength Bactrim DS (a combination of two very strong antibiotics). I had a severe reaction. Then wrongly prescribed another med that severely injured me. I have been to 13 medical specialists. I definitely have a severe gut condition now that has severely impacted my life. I had a first round of tests on Saturday. I was in excellent health before this. I am going to try and recover under the guidance of my medical specialists. It's just the most basic common sense of medical understanding. And survival mechanism to want to regain health. As she said, perhaps I won't be able to recover. But, I have made some progress and I hope I will be able to recover. I'm married to a scientist, I studied biology in college, I am surrounded by scientists (including biologists and doctors). I am an atheist, etc, etc. If you require details: certain foods cause my belly to swell to pregnant size and a few hours later the food is in the toilet fully intact. And I now weigh 95 pounds. Also eating foods causes debilitating nerve pain in my face and eyes.

You might be a candidate for a fecal transplant.

JustMissTracy wrote: »

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 know for me If I take them when Im taking an antibiotic(not at the same time of course) it seems to prevent those nasty little itchy infections. if you have the infection as the dr for the one time pill and from now on when you take antibiotics take some probiotics during and for like a week after and see if it makes a difference. everyone is different though.

BinaryPulsar wrote: »

soulofgrace wrote: »

BinaryPulsar wrote: »

I was prescribed amoxicillin with Clavalinic Acid. Then Clindamycin (a very strong antibiotic all on it's own). Then wrongly prescribed double strength Bactrim DS (a combination of two very strong antibiotics). I had a severe reaction. Then wrongly prescribed another med that severely injured me. I have been to 13 medical specialists. I definitely have a severe gut condition now that has severely impacted my life. I had a first round of tests on Saturday. I was in excellent health before this. I am going to try and recover under the guidance of my medical specialists. It's just the most basic common sense of medical understanding. And survival mechanism to want to regain health. As she said, perhaps I won't be able to recover. But, I have made some progress and I hope I will be able to recover. I'm married to a scientist, I studied biology in college, I am surrounded by scientists (including biologists and doctors). I am an atheist, etc, etc. If you require details: certain foods cause my belly to swell to pregnant size and a few hours later the food is in the toilet fully intact. And I now weigh 95 pounds. Also eating foods causes debilitating nerve pain in my face and eyes.

You might be a candidate for a fecal transplant.

Maybe. But, I am hoping it won't come to that. And that I will be able to recover. Seems risky. But, it's life saving in severe circumstances like with C.diff infections. I'm making progress. And I was so healthy to start. Hopefully I can get things back into the right balance. I am just so used to being healthy. Thanks.

Man, so much negligence. I am so sorry you are suffering. I wish you the best.

So the Yakult I have been buying at the grocery store probably is just wasting my money then? Seeing the numbers here I suspect the smaller amount in Yakult maybe isn't really doing much for me. I have had GERD and been on Nexium for several years, I worry about taking Nexium but can't seem to come off it, the GERD symptoms just come straight back and it is really painful.

Amanda_Brit_Expat wrote: »

So the Yakult I have been buying at the grocery store probably is just wasting my money then? Seeing the numbers here I suspect the smaller amount in Yakult maybe isn't really doing much for me. I have had GERD and been on Nexium for several years, I worry about taking Nexium but can't seem to come off it, the GERD symptoms just come straight back and it is really painful.

yes getting off a PPI will make the GERD worse. its called rebound acid. I got off my PPIs and am taking an OTC acid reducer. its helping a lot. my ppis were making my GERD worse and giving me other health issues which is why I stopped taking it over a month ago.Im not suggesting you do this, but long term PPI use are only to be used for things like barretts esophagus and other health issues that require it long term. PPIs for Gerd is supposed to be short term use.

I never took probiotics in a pill, but I included fermented foods when I started my weightloss. In addition to all the previously mentioned benefits, I noticed less of a tolerance for very sweet food (candy, maple syrup and their ilk). After a portion or so I just can't tolerate another bite.

I make my own sauerkraut, kefir and fermented carrots. I occasionally buy kombucha, but haven't ventured in making my own yet.

Amanda_Brit_Expat wrote: »

They looked at my esophagus to make sure there were no pre cancerous cell changes - put me to sleep and put the camera down, and they said there was damage and scarring on the lower valve that stops acid coming up. That is when they put me on Nexium, I don't recall them calling it Barretts but I just looked it up after reading your post and it sounds similar.

I had been using OTC acid reducers for a long time and they had stopped working, the doctor told me I had gained a tolerance to them. This all started when I was very slim in my 20's, after my first pregnancy the acid just never went away. I'm thought probiotics might be worth a try.

it hasnt for me. they put good bacteria in your gut,. dont think it has anything to do with acid production though.you either produce the right amount,too much or not enough. sounds like you might need a different med for the GERD.they can always do surgery too on the valve. but not sure if it would be something they would want to do,or something you may want to do.I developed it when I was thin too. but that was after I had kids. never had it while pregnant so go figure

I am the opposite of gerd. I have low stomach acid (at the moment).

My husband says they aren't probiotics unless they are getting paid to biotic. Otherwise they are amateur biotics.