Probiotic

I'm currently taking Culturelle but it's about to run out and I'm considering trying out something different or stopping, since I'm not really sure it makes any sort of difference.  

Are you taking a probiotic?  If so, which brand? 

Do you really feel that it makes a difference?  What makes you feel that way?

There are studies in hospital patients using Florastor which show some benefit, but not statistically significant.  I believe we all can benefit from probiotics, especially if you consume a lot of food that contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose, because they wreak havoc on gut flora.  I personally would continue taking it.  There are powders too, that you can add to your shake.  I used that for my babies when they needed antibiotics.  I would add to their milk bottles.  I think the best way is by making our own fermented food, but who has time for that?  Raw or organic yogurt with live cultures is another option.

I use trubiotics. I honestly don't notice a difference from when I didn't take it.

What is your main reason for taking it? My doctor suggested it for my overall health and immune system. I don't know that it makes a difference for me, but I also don't think that it's hurting me! 

Hi Gwen ~

I get mine from the Vitamin Shoppe.  They are Purebiotics (50 billion).  I've been taking probiotics for about 8 years now.  Since taking them, I've never had a belly ache or any type of yeast infection.  I started out taking 90 billion and gradually over time I'll go down to the 10 billion.  My PCP told me that good flora in the gut cuts down the acid that wreaks havoc in our tummies.  They work for me.  That's all I can attest to.

Kim

I haven't been taking probiotics for a while, but thanks for the reminder - I probably should!  The ones I always take are Bio-Kult (avail on amazon). I don't remember the details about why I chose those a few years back, but I first read about them on a blog called "wellness mama" which has lots of info about natural, healthier options - I usually research things pretty well, so it must have seemed like the best option at the time. :)

I take and like the "RAW" brand.

Maybe I'm special (my mom always said so), but even as a DSer, I didnt notice anything different than I got from eating yogurt daily.

I have taken probiotics for several years...and like others have said...have had no stomach troubles.  I started taking a gummie version after surgery (get them at Costco) and have had no problems either.

Thanks all!

I've taken the one from Vitamin Shoppe since the first few weeks after surgery.  I've heard that they promote weight loss, but that's not the reason I started taking them.  After a month on the probiotic, I was able to get rid of the daily Mirilax dose I'd been taking for years before surgery and needed to increase the dosage after.  Haven't needed that stuff in over a year now.  Also haven't really been sick, come to think of it.  I'll keep taking my probiotic!