Probiotics

[Brett]

VBrown and I were discussing probiotics the other day and I thought it would be a good topic for discussion.

Quick poll: Who takes probiotics and why?

Which brands are you using and why?

[Vbrown]

After my very educational talk with Dr. Jacques, I started taking Jarrowdophilus (sp?) as a self-experimention. I'm paying attention any changes and writing them in my journal to look back and see if I feel or see a change.

I haven't had a major indicatior for "need" of probiotics, but with periodic bouts of poor diet choices, high stress etc, I can't say they aren't going to be useful either. If I'd had a rigorous bout of antibiotics, for example, I'd be taking them like candy.

I chose Jarrow in my case as I've had a few folks vouch for them as at least a "good" choice, and they are in a price range I can afford to keep up with.

Anyone else?

Vince

[kjrich]

Hi Vince and Brett,

This topic has become very timely for me. I'm recovering from a bout of food poisoning (campylobacter). Not fun! I'm finishing up a course of Cipro tomorrow. I'd like your opinions on what probiotics to take to recover from the Cipro. Does it matter if the probiotics are refridgerated? I've never been able to get an answer to this I fully trusted.

Thanks!

KJ

[Brett]

I occasionally prescribe antibiotics and I always give probiotics during the course as well as other things (another discussion).

Beneficial bacteria can remain viable without refridgeration provided they are freeze dried correctly. However, there is research demonstrating the health benefits of good bacteria that are not viable.

I consider probiotics to be a key supplement for regular consumption in today's overly sterile yet super bug burdened world.

[JayBell]

Great poll...and one that's near and dear to my heart. I take probiotics daily and have for the past 8 months or so. My preferred brand of choice is Primal Defense from Garden of Life. Reasoning? I've had the best success with them....by a long shot. Other probiotics that I've tried I had minimal to no success with. This perticular brand, there was a dramatic functionality difference in elimination.

I started probiotics due to years of dealing with IBS. Probiotics coupled with high fiber intake all but whiped it all away.

[Scott Sonnon]

Jaybell,

Begin by posting an introduction to the Welcome Mat, using your full real name in the signature, on your background and interests here at RMAX, as per our forum courtesy policy, so that we may get to know you and help you achieve your goals.

[imported_siameeser]

Primal Defense by Garden of Life for IBS...it's best one I have tried.

[Jarlo Ilano]

Thanks for sharing!

I've always had sensitive stomach issues. Reactions to dairy and rich foods (butter and cream dense foods).

Would probiotics be helpful for this?

[Vbrown]

Hey Jarlo,

It sounds like you might be describing something closer to an allergy or digestion issue. You might need other treatment....or just stay off the ice cream! :) Sorta hard to say. Probiotics is still a relatively new topic to me, so I'm extra happy to defer to Dr. Brett.

I've certainly been feeling a difference with my probiotic intake in the past few weeks. Easier to see when going back over my journal.

Vince

[Brett]

GERD like all diseases/disorders has a multifactorial etiology. Try finding what they are and then use different approaches to end the situation.

Simply trying this for that is a pot shot approach that may work or the approach may be so powerful or fundamental that some relief is found. It could be palliatory in nature and not beneficial in the long run.

GERD: Bugs, lack of HCl, too much HCl, potassium/magnesium or other mineral def., hormone def., too many relaxants (ETOH), too many stimulants (coffee), too little mucus production and there's more but those are the basics.

Find the right detective to work with such as your local ND, LAc, DC, CNC, non HMO/PPO MD, DO

[Jarlo Ilano]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Sounds like I have to do more investigating!

[Dr. Ron]

Best probiotic in my opinion; kefir. The only good store bought I know of is Helios brand (it has the yeasts), it's best to make your own. Most of what you buy lacks the beneficial yeasts but it's still better than nothing.

Before we get into a dairy bruha, I've had patients with dairy intolerances who had no trouble with kefir. Especially with the lactose intolerant because most of the lactose is gone, the bugs just eat it up.

So you can take the horrible milk from the grocery store and turn it into good food. I mostly use organic milk but in a pinch I'll use whole from those poor drugged up cows. Got milk!

[Don]

I take Primal Defense from Garden of Life. I first seriously thought about taking Pribiotics after reading this post. After exploring it furthur I decided to try it out. Ive been taking the probiotic now for about a month, but as of yet havent seen any noticeable changes. I wills try increasing my dosage and see if anything happens.

[Don]

Dr. Ron,

I too purchased Helios Keifer.. not regularly though because few stores here in NJ carry it, but whenever I get the opportunity to pick some up I always do. So far I have seen vanilla, blueberry, peach, and plain. I also prefer it over other keifers because it is Organic.

How much do you drink per day in order for it to have the same effectiveness as a priobiotic supplement??

Thanks,
Don

[Dr. Ron]

Don,

I drink at least 6oz. a day, probably average 10oz. a day, and up to 18-24 oz. a day. My whole family loves it we panic if we're somewhere and can't get it.

[imported_siameeser]

I started adding kefir into my diet not to long again and I have been able to decrease the amount of GOF powdered probiotics I've been using without causing myself gut problems. I usually make my own using raw milk and it tastes excellent. If I need store bought I agree with Dr Ron and Don - Helios is the best one I've come across.

I use kefir in my post workout protein drink and in my daily muesli. Good stuff!

[Coach Tran]

I am currently I am using many Garden of Life products such as "Fungal Defense: with HSO Proiotic Blend" and been following the guidelines of the Maker's diet for about a week now.

I do try my best to eat organic produces and meats even though it is bloodly expressive and stay clear of all man-made food products such as sugars, tap water, supplements; etc. I am choosing a more organic and natural lifestyle.

Read "The Maker's Diet" and you will understand why I am so interested in using Probiotic. I use Probiotic because I want to develop a better, cleaner, and healhier GI tract to help to remove toxicity from my body, increase my immune system, and efficently absorb my food properly.

[Coach Flanagan]

I too use Garden of Life's probiotics. Having been so impressed with "The Maker's Diet", I had no choice :D Also, my stomach took a pretty hard beating in my early years do to poor diet so I feel its absoultely essential to ensure I am getting a certain ammount of probiotics per day as opposed to occasionally drinking miso or something. Consistency is key afterall.

[Coach Tran]

I too use Garden of Life's probiotics. Having been so impressed with "The Maker's Diet", I had no choice :D Also, my stomach took a pretty hard beating in my early years do to poor diet so I feel its absoultely essential to ensure I am getting a certain ammount of probiotics per day as opposed to occasionally drinking miso or something. Consistency is key afterall.


Sean,

I am happy that the Maker's Diet works for you. It is pretty simple diet. Nothing fancy really and YES consistency is the key to achieving anything. Best of luck in your training and your diet.

Yours in Strength,
Bao

[Arluk]

I too recomend Primal Defense. There are other brands doing homeostatic soil organisms as well, but I have not tried any of them. For the budget minded, get a bottle of aciopholus powder and a bottle of inulin powder, mix 1/4 tsp of each with water three times per day. Works great, the inulin is a prebiotic meaning that the probiotic can live off of it until it gets to the small intestine and has something else to eat.