Wellness

[HappyDaze]

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@jlkz wrote:

On the rare occasions where I need an antibiotic, my Dr. Recommends taking an Acidopholus pill.  It's much cheaper ( $5 bottle ) than probiotics and can be taken anytime.  Refrigerate after opening.

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I've mentioned this to you already but apparently you didn't see my post but @jlkzAcidopholus IS a probiotic. It is one strain. There are thousands if not hundreds of thousands of different strains of probiotics, this is just one of many.

[jlkz]

@HappyDaze

Thank you for mentioning the post that I didn't see.  You are absolutely correct it is a strain of probiotic....the issue was the expense.  Since I normally didn't need additional ongoing assistance, the Acidopholus worked for me.

In serious cases ( e.g., C. diff. ), much stronger treatment may be necessary.

Again, thanks.

[HappyDaze]

This discussion was regarding human probiotic supplements but canine probiotic supplements are much better as some of them actually contain the correct probiotics that actually inhabit their gut. In other words, it is much more refined. I saw a remarkable change in my dog's issues after we started using a particular probiotic. He had the gurgling stomach and always alot of diarrhea and loose stools and no more. That was about 3 years ago now. Interesting that canine probiotic supplements are much more effective than human ones!

[HappyDaze]

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@jlkz wrote:

@HappyDaze

Thank you for mentioning the post that I didn't see.  You are absolutely correct it is a strain of probiotic....the issue was the expense.  Since I normally didn't need additional ongoing assistance, the Acidopholus worked for me.

In serious cases ( e.g., C. diff. ), much stronger treatment may be necessary.

Again, thanks.

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Yep, there is really no need to pay the exorbitant prices some of these probiotic supplements command, especially when studies are showing most don't even work or don't work very well.

[LTT1]

@HappyDaze@jlkz@wagirl@MomCat@granddi

May I say that I continue to take mine (two different brands) even when I'm taking antibiotics just as a precaution?

It has worked so far if you want to count the fact that I have never had C-diff. Plus, they make me feel better!

[Q4u]

All I can do is recount what happened to me.  I was very, very sick at one point with Sarcoidosis and leading up to it was a year of strep throats, upper respiratory infections and bronchial pneumonia.  I'd be on one dose of antibiotics for ten days, off for 20 days, on for ten more days, off for 30 days, back on, back off.... all while upping the dose and trading off types and strengths.  During this time one of the foods that I loved and could eat was Yogurt and Yogurt soft serve, all containing probiotics.....

The doctor told me that one of the side effects I needed to on the alert for was yeast infections because all the antibiotics were destroying the bacteria in my gut.  But because of all the yogurt I was eating, I never got a yeast infection... not one!  The doctor was surprised and very pleased.

Since that time, I have incorporated a good, doctor recommended Probiotic as a supplement .... and in the over 20 years since this occurred I can't recall any strep throats or brochial infections since then.  I swear this is true and both have always been my weak spots since I was a child.

I'm a believer..... 

[HappyDaze]

well, certainly everyone needs to do what they feel comfortable doing. It is simply a discussion about the probiotics and all the scientific studies that have come out recently about their efficacy (or lack there of).

By the way, I had never heard of fecal transplants before even though apparently it has been a practice for a loooong time. Kind of gross but sounds pretty effective, especially compared to commercial probiotics.

I believe gut health is a major cornerstone in our overall health but I believe much of gut health has to do with proper nutrition, like a few posters mentioned. If you eat well, you create the ideal environment for the good bacteria in your gut and body (proper pH, etc). Of course, there are always exceptions since some have certain diseases but for the  average person, there really is no reason to have to take a probiotic if you have proper nutrion.

[feline groovy]

@Q4u:

A daily probiotic -  especially a diverse blend with at least 25 billion CFU's - boosts your immune system.

A huge bonus on top of keeping your GI sytem happy.  8)

[Q4u]

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@feline groovy wrote:

@Q4u:

A daily probiotic -  especially a diverse blend with at least 25 billion CFU's - boosts your immune system.

A huge bonus on top of keeping your GI sytem happy.  8)

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Yes!  And I take one that was recommended by my doctor that has a diverse blend with at least 25 million....