topic Probiotics in Wellness

Probiotics

natesgrandma — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:52:43 GMT

I started taking probiotics (vitamin shoppe) because I was experiencing gas pain. For a week I was doing really well until yesterday My stomach bloated up and I was really uncomfortable all day and night also. I thought these were supposed to help with the bloat not cause any more problems. Has anyone else experienced this? I am so frustrated with digestive issues. I actually have seen a gastroenterologist, he said I had nothing wrong and he did suggest probiotics. I am running out of ideas .

Re: Probiotics

Kay SD — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:01:07 GMT

Probiotics are good, but they are limited. For one thing, most have one or at best a few different bacteria, and our digestive systems use many, many more. Also, even gastroenterologists don't seem to be very well informed about diet and nutrition, so I don't know they are the ones I'd turn to for advice. It's great to find out that they didn't find anything else wrong, though! When I had similar issues to yours, I was inspired to eliminate all grains and all dairy from my meals to see what would happen. I felt better very quickly, and kept feeling better and better. I'm just healthier and more energetic now than I'd been for some time. Now, I eat very small quantities of grains and dairy, mostly because it's hard not to. I make up the difference with meat and lots of veggies, even for breakfast. Maybe something like this could help you? I don't know, of course, but even though it sounds a little drastic, it's really easy to try for a month and find out. Cheers!

Re: Probiotics

Suzeecat — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:05:07 GMT

Yes, definitely try different brands and strains of probiotics. Lots of people on these boards have their favorites that they will recommend.

Also, try digestive enzymes. I take both. Despite the recent bad press, I have had good luck with GNC probiotics and enzymes. I switch back and forth between several different probiotics to switch things up, and I swear by the chewable papaya enzyme tablets. They taste like Pez candy and if I chew 3-4 after a big meal I suffer no consequences.

Re: Probiotics

piperbay — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:08:15 GMT

OP,What was the quantity of probiotics that you started with? If it was a big number, your body is not used to it. It's good to start small and then increase.

Re: Probiotics

Mistic — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:26:15 GMT

I take Friendly Flora (Andrew Lessman). His has Prebiotic & Probiotic Complex (5 different ones). Go to HSN and watch his video on this product. I hope you can find something that works for you.

I agree with what KAY SD says, you need more than one bacteria.

ETA ~ Item #296-860. There is a video to watch. Good Luck.

Re: Probiotics

ROMARY — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:46:11 GMT

Maybe the probiotics did their job. Less is more, sometimes. If things need fixing, fix them. And when things no longer need fixing, leave it alone and see what happens naturally........

Re: Probiotics

petepetey — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:31:50 GMT

I saw a nutritionist who specializes in the health of ibs patients at my gastro docs office. There is a product in many probiotics called 'inulin' that those with gut issues should watch out for. There is a Target up and up brand that does not have it that works for me. Also, Align is the one most recommended by gastro docs. That one works great too but it's expensive.

Not all probiotics are created equal. It can be trial and error as to which one works for you.

Re: Probiotics

RedTop — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 23:38:07 GMT

I take a daily dose of acidophilus as my probiotic and have for more than 5 years. I firmly believe less is more, and until I have an issue that medically requires a stronger, and higher priced probiotic, I will continue to use acidophilus. I try to give my body only what it needs, and not tax it further by making it break down and filter far more chemicals than it needs to function properly.

Re: Probiotics

Gooday — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 23:40:32 GMT

On 3/2/2015 RedTop said: I take a daily dose of acidophilus as my probiotic and have for more than 5 years. I firmly believe less is more, and until I have an issue that medically requires a stronger, and higher priced probiotic, I will continue to use acidophilus. I try to give my body only what it needs, and not tax it further by making it break down and filter far more chemicals than it needs to function properly.

Our GI doctor recommended this but only if needed. Most people do NOT. He also suggested yogurt instead of pills.

Re: Probiotics

natesgrandma — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 23:50:21 GMT

I really appreciate all the good advice.

Re: Probiotics

Reba055 — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 23:55:43 GMT

Probiotics made mine worse. It was like I started getting "yeasty", even my tongue looked that way. I was able to get straightened out by eating yogurt everyday. I know, makes no sense. But then I was tested and told I was severely lactose intolerant so my GI doc said to cut all dairy. I'm starting to have issues again so I'm going back to yogurt. It does cause some rash and itching but I'll take that over this stomach issue, ugh, it's horrible.

Re: Probiotics

ROMARY — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 04:20:36 GMT

Gooday: Yes, if our tummies are working just fine, then all is well. Sometimes folks hear about 'this and that' and go out and buy various remedies. Normal tummies are perfectly balanced and really don't need any biotic invasions to upset the balance. . . . .It's all about balance.

Re: Probiotics

adoreqvc — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 05:44:28 GMT

Acidophilus seems to also be helpful if needed.

Re: Probiotics

colliemom4 — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 07:29:46 GMT

I tried Activia and it gased me like that so I stopped using it. Dairy products bother me sometimes but not others. I feel like I can't win lol.

Re: Probiotics

IEscapedLosAngeles — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 09:17:34 GMT

Try a different type of probiotic. there are many types of probiotics. Not the type you take and go research to make sure the type you try next has none of those ingredients.

Re: Probiotics

ID2 — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 12:10:54 GMT

I began buying milk with added probiotics thinking that it would be better for us. After using it for almost a week my dh began experiencing hives and was itching like crazy! Yep, it was the probiotics! Got regular milk and he hasn't experienced anymore hives. I sometimes think that putting all these additives in our food is for no good.

Re: Probiotics

Cookie777 — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 17:42:14 GMT

Brenda Watson has many books out and has been on pbs talking about probiotics. I'm reading her latest book called the skinny gut diet. I recommend getting her book, it explains a lot!

Re: Probiotics

Reba055 — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 18:25:05 GMT

Also ladies make sure you are getting enough iron. Even though it's not a major symptom that most think about, low iron or low iron stores can cause constipation, gas, and bloating. I'm waiting to get an iron infusion because I can't take oral iron so I know about this firsthand.

Re: Probiotics

Toppers — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 02:27:38 GMT

I am sorry that you are in such discomfort, natesgrandma.

I don't have any problem with probiotics. I have two different ones that I like to take.

One is the Wal-Mart brand that is just Acidophilus, and the other is the Trader Joe's brand, that has a few different strains in it. Both are fairly inexpensive. To switch off, I will eat frozen yogurt with live, active cultures in it, because I don't care too much for the non-frozen yogurt.

I found out that I was lactose-intolerant some time ago, so I prefer to take a lactase enzyme supplement whenever I eat dairy. I find it to be personally helpful to me.

I would experience painful gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea from any type of dairy products without the lactase supplement.

Re: Probiotics

Jump4joy2 — Sat, 07 Mar 2015 03:46:43 GMT

Greek yogurt has worked well for me. Definitely worth a try!