In the past I've read responses from Scott F. and Jan explaining that Florastor inhibits C-diff infections from gut E. Coli. I can't find those comments at present, so am starting a new topic. 

I've been taking Florastor as a kind of insurance based on my own assumption that we all have E. Coli in our guts and that some forms of E. Coli can be infectious and inflammatory. I started taking Florastor because it's a beneficial yeast that is good for the gut and it may prevent or limit inflammation in the pouch.  Researchers have found that some types of toxins given off by E. Coli could contribute to Ulcerative Colitis. This concept is in step with research underway and recent discoveries related to the gut microbiome.

Below are a couple of (short & understandable) very recent articles if anyone if anyone is interested in further reading/research. If you google these titles, many other references also pop up.

1. "E. Coli toxin linked with inflammatory bowel disease" by Ana Sandou; May 19, 2018. 

2. Pub. Med:  "Adherent-invasive Escherichia Coli in inflammatory bowel disease" by Palmela, Chemarin, Torres, Sevrin, et al. March, 2018.

Based upon what I'm reading, I'll continue to take Florastor along with VSL#3. I've had my pouch for 25 years and it's working well. Maybe it would work well without either of these, but I'm not willing to take the risk of not taking them. 

Jan & Scott, thank you for all of your insight and responses you selflessly offer. I always enjoy learning from you.

Rose