Which probiotics do you prefer and where do you get them? Can you get them at stores or do you have to order them online? Also what is acidophilus/bifidus?

http://www.Culturelle.com

I take one Culturelle in the mornings.

I also take DanActive in the evening.

Does anyone know anything about Digestive Advantage IBS?? They have a few on the market which claims it has the probiotics but also enzymes to help digest sugars and lactose. One is even label for Crohns and Colitis.

Hi All, I know for a fact that some insurance companies will pay for VSL#3, as long as it is prescribed by your doctor. My GI said it is the only Probiotic clinically proven to help people like us. Mine pays for it, only costs me 12.00 for a 3 month supply.
Good luck, Craig

This message has been edited. Last edited by: CH,

Culturelle worked well for me, but now that VSL comes in capsules, I would try them first. Other ones that work well for people here are Flora Q and PB-8. Most are available on line, but PB-8 and culturelle can be found at pharmacies and vitamin/health stores. I would definitely recommend starting one as soon as you can, they really do help.

janna

I've seen several mentions about probiotics. Is that something I should consider starting before surgery or is it something that's really not useful until after surgery? Thanks for any input.

Vicki

Although VSL#3 does come in capsules in order to take the dosage my Dr. recomends, I need to take between 6 & 8 a day. The bottle doesn't last very long and seems to be more expensive. You can also buy VSL#3 at some drug stores. My local supermarket RX store orders it in and I have it the next day. But you will have to ask them if they will order it.
Craig

I prefer Flora-Q. You only need to take one cap a day and no refrigeration needed. No presciption is needed but it seem to be something they don't keep in stock so my Pharmacist orders it for me. The box states that its a unique blend of probiotic strains, ingredients - 1 billion CFU of each of the following-Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus paracasei, Streptococcus thermophilus.You get 30 capsules for $33.00 .

Jessica

I don't know what is best, we only know what seems to work for us. But VSL#3 has 450 billion live bacteria per dose. I was taking Culturelle and hadn't noticed a difference until I switched to VSL#3. PS I sound like I'm on the payroll for VSL#3, maybe I should call and request a check!

My takedown's next week and I started flora-q and pb8 about 2 weeks ago - figure it can't hurt and rather be safe than sorry.
Ted.

My G.I. has recommended a probiotic called Align, although I have no idea why she recommended this one over the others mentioned. I hate to think that it's only a matter of which pharmaceutical salesman provides the best "goodies" for pushing their wares, but not so subtle payoffs have always been a part of medicine. I'm sure that my G.I. is beyond such things, but you never know.

I was experiencing a lot of discomfort with my pouch with excess gas. Went to the natural food store and she gave me BioKPlus probiotic yogourt. OH MY GOD. what a difference. My pouch has settled and have a lot less discomfort.
i think it's http://www.biokplus.com
try the fruity one. So much better than the regular one. It's rather expensive. 40$ for 12 yogourts, but who cares at least it's natural.
you may want to try it.
vicki

I was reading the posts and a probiotic called Digestive Advantage for Crohns and Colitis was mentioned. It is by a company called Gan Eden.
Anyway, this was recommended by my GI Doctor at the Cleveland Clinic and is $15.00 for a 30 day supply. I take one a day and no refrigeration necessary and it is available at my CVS in the aisle with the metamucil and other stuff. I don't have a gas or bloating issue so I guess it's helping. My only issue is very frequent trips to the bathroom at night and not being able to sleep once I am awake but I don't think a probiotic could help that. Also, have never had pouchitis and only slight cuffitis on occassion (probiotic could be helping keep the gut flora healthy, I guess).

I have some samples from my GI. I will try them and let you know what I find.

I have been using VSL 3 and Flora Q. Supposedly Fred Meyer carries Flora Q, but I just order it online and it is delivered to my home - no trip to get it. Costco is now carrying a probiotic which I have decided to try. I took the first one yesterday and will see how it goes.