Probiotics

[Shallah Kali]

I recently posted about how using digestive enzymes has greatly reduced some of my symptoms related to the digestive problems I have (Celiac, dairy allergy, probable IBS-d and fructose malabsorption). After periodically searching and giving up the past few years I have found one probiotic that is labeled dairy free, the company promised it was when I wrote them, and so far I haven't reacted like it has dairy in the past week I have been taking it - Natrol Bio-Beads. Just in case I take the bead at the same time as I take my enzymes for breakfast hoping that it will break down any trace amounts of dairy. I *think* there has been a small shift for the better since I started but time will tell if there is to be as major a change for the better as the enzymes I continue to use to good effect.

I plan to try another kind after the bio-beads as some natural health professionals suggest rotating the varieties of probiotics taken get as many beneficial varieties as possible. With all the antibiotics I have been on throughout my life and violent stomach flu I doubt I have much good bacteria in my system so I really hope I can find couple mmore brands that are diary and gluten free to try.

[I Have A Dream]

1. I take PB-8, and it works well for me. I like that it doesn't require refrigeration...

but still has live organisms. (As you almost certainly know, most probiotics that are bought that aren't refrigerated are no longer effective because the organisms have died.) Before finding PB-8, it was very difficult to travel with my probiotics since they required refrigeration, and I couldn't go without them.

I know that my body is still not "right" because it never seems to get back in balance so that the probiotics aren't required. By taking them, I'm able to keep my negative symptoms at bay, but I wonder how I can get my own body back in balance so that they're not required, or at least only minimally required.

Anyway, probiotics have worked miracles for me. I'm glad that they seem to be helping you also, Shallah.

[Celebration]

2. I use PB8 sometimes too

You may have some intolerances for food. There is an MD here who takes every single patient off of wheat and dairy products. Well, I don't go to him and I eat wheat and dairy products. But you know, things like digestive enzymes and probiotics help compensate for eating food that otherwise might not be the best for us. I don't have to take them all the time, but one of my daughters takes probiotics every day. She had to have antibiotics recently for the first time in years, and it really threw her off. :(

If I get a stomach issue, I like one of those stomach formula aloe drinks, that come in the white and pink bottle at the health food store.

[Shallah Kali]

4. Do any of you using PB8 have milk allergy or sensitivity and reacted to it?

I emailed the company that produces PB-8 and was told the vegetarian version is both diary and gluten free. I have read many good reviews including from people with ibs and so I would like to add it to my planned rotation of different probiotic combinations to ensure I get as many strains into my system as possible.


I am glad probiotics are helpful to you while I hope you can find out how to feel even better. Have you noticed that certain foods effect you worse than others? Keep in mind you may eat something today but not reacted until tomorrow. When I eat gluten I don't react until the next morning while if I am exposed to dairy the minute that bite of food hits the back of my throat I phlegm up and shortly thereafter have to head for the bathroom.

If you could track down some sensitive foods and eliminate them for a time to allow the irritation in your system to calm you may find that you can start reintroducing problem foods in small amounts. For example many people with IBS find higher fat foods a problem such as salmon and tomatoes for some reason. If you are sensitive to things like dairy or gluten it is a real trial to totally eliminate them but then if it is a sensitivity instead of full on allergy or celiac trace amounts won't trigger as severe a reaction.


As some health pros have made good arguments, at least imo, for bacterial overgrowth and candida being a factor in digestive issues like IBS last winter I tried taking Nature's Way olive leaf extract and black walnut to try to eliminate any that might be there. I would take it for a week on and then a week off to give my body a chance to clear out the toxins from any die off that was happening. The majority of the time I would only take one half dose of both herbs as to me taking more felt unnecessary. This could be why enzymes and, seemingly so far, probiotics are having such a good effect for me. Then again it could be coincidence but as those herbs were comparatively inexpensive I felt it was worth a shot in case bad bacteria and/or candida was a factor.

I am not trying to push supplements on people just share what worked for me in hopes that anyone with similar problems will look into all the options out there, do some research and find something that helps them too. The reason I am specific on what brands and dosages I use is because I will read stories swearing things that worked for me are useless without naming the brand and dosage, leaving me to wonder if a good quality product was used and used properly. I remember many years ago NBC evening news started the evening broadcast saying oat bran was useless for lowering high cholesterol after dozens of studies showing it helpful to very helpful. Later I found out the study that showed oat bran was useless was a trial of people with *normal* cholesterol. Who cares if it doesn't lower cholesterol of people in the normal range!?!?!?! And then there was the trial to prove whether or not certain estrogen-mimicing chemicals increased breast cancer using rats totally lacking in receptors to estrogen!

[Grateful for Hope]

3. I took your advice

and got the enzymes. I also purchased Kyo-Dophilus which, from what I understand, also does not need to be refrigerated.

I have noticed that I have a lot more energy. I am thinking that this might be because I am starting a new job tomorrow (and, I am excited). But, I am hoping it is because my food is digesting more efficiently. I also notice that I am not bloating as much, if at all.

I really appreciate these threads, Shallah. I love being able to take care of my body naturally, and, it is good to hear the experiences of others here.

[Shallah Kali]

5. I am *so* happy you are seeing results already!

After I had used enzymes for a few weeks I went down about 1 pant size from no longer being constantly bloated. I was shocked because I thought my belly totally fat. I am very happy to say it was only *partially* fat :b

I am looking into trying kyo-dophilus in the future because as I said before the more varieties of good bacteria the better. Studies have shown that specific varities of the same strain tend to be more effective than others.