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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,939
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

I've been taking Andrew Lessman's probiotics for many years now. Are probiotics meant to be taken for the rest of your life?

Originally joined board 12-14-2004
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,083
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

Don't know.  I think it depends on your system and needs.  My mother took AL's probiotics a few years ago, and ended up with a lot of problems from them, so I'm not inclined to take them unless needed.  .... For instance when taking antibiotics that can mess with the good bacteria.

 

You might want to ask your health care provider what she/he thinks.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,371
Registered: ‎06-19-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

Good question. I have wondered the same thing. I take his probiotics too. Will be interested to hear other answers. 

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Posts: 17,491
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

I've looked at studies on pubmed.gov that go for 9 months or longer which supplement with probiotics for specific conditions.

 

Depending on your diet and any conditions you have, you may not need them forever.  You may even be able to switch to every other day, every 3 days.

 

 

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QVC Shopper - 1993

# IAMTEAMWEN
Honored Contributor
Posts: 15,519
Registered: ‎09-01-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

My doctor says no; use probiotics only as a temporary boost to your system.    

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Posts: 795
Registered: ‎01-01-2014

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

@morganjen  I go to numerous specialists for various issues.  I put nothing in my mouth (inclusive of OTC) unless one of the specialists has told me I need it due to my blood work, age or health issues.   Even cough drops can be dangerous if a person is on certain meds and the cough drop contains certain ingredients.   I personally can only take Tussin with no other letters on it for a cough as an example.  

 

Off the subject, but just an example of how various people's bodies respond to items sold.  My Dad and Mom weighed daily.  Dad never gained an pound that he did not go to a Slim Fast diet for a few days.   Mom drank one Slim Fast and fell over unconscious.  Dad called 911 for an ambulance.  The beverage had altered her heart functions.  I realize this story is off subject, but goes to prove any item your body absorbs can have consequences and that includes lotions and potions.  

 

Just my advice to anyone, if you are going to ingest something, I would check with my primary MD to ensure you need it.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 35,597
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

According to the science behind it, there isn't enough known about probiotics to say how long someone should take them. There are many factors that come into play that can effect how a person will react to taking probiotics. Bottom line is to discuss it with your doctor before you take them because not everyone should be taking them.

 

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics/introduction.htm#hed1

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,491
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?

That can't be repeated enough.

 

Over the counter medications are a perfect example.  Standard dosages of anything depends on weight.  This is why children's medications (Rx and OTC) go by weight.

 

For years companies used 130 lbs as the standard weight for dosing.  I know people who need to take more of something because of their weight, or less of something (including breaking a tablet in half) because of their weight.

 

Don't get me started of people taking Nyquil for years as a sleep aid.

 

 

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QVC Shopper - 1993

# IAMTEAMWEN
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Posts: 9,278
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?


@VaBelle35 wrote:

That can't be repeated enough.

 

Over the counter medications are a perfect example.  Standard dosages of anything depends on weight.  This is why children's medications (Rx and OTC) go by weight.

 

For years companies used 130 lbs as the standard weight for dosing.  I know people who need to take more of something because of their weight, or less of something (including breaking a tablet in half) because of their weight.

 

Don't get me started of people taking Nyquil for years as a sleep aid.

 

 


I remember a time when Nyquil contained 25% alcohol!  No wonder it knocked you out.

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Posts: 18,415
Registered: ‎11-25-2011

Re: Are probiotics meant to be taken forever?


@CelticCrafter wrote:

@VaBelle35 wrote:

That can't be repeated enough.

 

Over the counter medications are a perfect example.  Standard dosages of anything depends on weight.  This is why children's medications (Rx and OTC) go by weight.

 

For years companies used 130 lbs as the standard weight for dosing.  I know people who need to take more of something because of their weight, or less of something (including breaking a tablet in half) because of their weight.

 

Don't get me started of people taking Nyquil for years as a sleep aid.

 

 


I remember a time when Nyquil contained 25% alcohol!  No wonder it knocked you out.


I worked w/ a guy who was a ‘functioning’ alcoholic. There were bottles

of NyQuil & Listerine scattered throughout his office & in his briefcase.

My naivety just thought he was sick all the time...yrs later I figured it out.