Probiotics

[Muse]

Anyone have any knowledge of probiotics? I have suffered with stomach issues since I was a child. It has gotten worse since I've gotten older, especially within the last year.

I am not overweight and do not eat a lot. I can't eat a lot. Excessive amounts of food make me sick. I eat small meals or snacks throughout the day. A thought of a big meal makes me shutter. I can not and will not over eat because it means days of suffering after.

My stomach does not want to digest food and I suffer with constipation (sorry, TMI), gas and bloating. I workout my abs trying to strengthen my core muscles, but look as if I am 4 months pregnant after a meal or snack. I have problems with protein, dairy, gluten/wheat/bread/pasta, you name it. I feel as if I can't eat anything without bloating and feeling uncomfortable. I go to bed at night feeling bloated and heavy and wake up gassy, again, sorry, TMI.

I hate it. I'm miserable. I try to stay in good shape and eat healthy, but I do not enjoy eating, but I do enjoy food. My list of foods is shrinking and who wants to eat when you already feel like you have eaten a 12 course meal?

I try to eat a lot of fiber. I have found a good source of fiber called fiber source 6. That is my saving grace. I have also started taking Acidophillus and a supplement for IBS called advantage. There is also an IBS supplement for gas and bloating. I don't feel as if either one is working all that well, but there has been a slight improvement, but I'm still not happy.

I know there are other products out there such as Align as one example, but it is expensive. It infuriates me that when we are suffering, companies try to take advantage by making a profit off of it. I will continue to do research and try a few more products. today I found several more, but they want 75.00 for a one month bottle. I refuse to pay that.

Next, I will start with my Dr. He is aware of my issues, but I do not want to have a bunch of tests to tell me I have stomach, gastric problems. I know diet has a lot to do with it. I have tracked which foods give me troubles, basically it is everything. My stomach just doesn't want to digest food. It goes into a tailspin every time something hits the stomach, all with in minutes.

I've tried over the counter products, no good. I was just wondering if anyone has suffered from the same problems and has any suggestion for relief? I would love to hear some shares. I have joined a IBS forum, but haven't really gotten any useful information. Mostly, they talk about what doesn't work.

That won't stop me though, I will keep searching. I just want to be able to eat without experiencing hours of pain and constant discomfort. I hate my muffin top, because it really doesn't even belong to me. It is fabricated by bloat. By mid day, it starts to recede, then it is time for dinner and here we go again. This isn't just about looking out of whack and being vain, it is very uncomfortable. Help anyone?

[Velvet]

This might help....Healing with probiotics or this one....Probiotics Types, Health Benefits, Side Effects, Research and Food Sources on MedicineNet.com

[Chy]

I firmly believe in it's benefits and use it 2-3 times a week from yogurt sources and those super shots ( kinda new out but smoothie shots of all kinds). It may help!

[Leesa]

I recently changed to the following brand of yogurt just because it was more healthful than my former brand. Tastes very good too Yo-Plus | The fabulous digestive health yogurt from Yoplait

[Autumn]

Acidophilis is great (get the kind from the refrigerated section). And like Chy said, so is yogurt. Also try to avoid any pickled foods and vinegar, and breathing in harsh chemicals, and mold. I bet that problem you had with the mold and having to use bleach because of the dishwasher problem really had a negative effect.

I think probiotics are a good idea, because if you have taken enough broad-spectrum antibiotics over the course of your life, it kills the good bacteria in the digestive tract along with the bad.

I used to know a lot more about this stuff as I had a lot of the same kind of problems at one time. It really wreaks havoc on your entire body - not just digestion.

There's a book called "The Yeast Connection" that might help you out. It's kind of an old book though, and there are probably some better ones out there by now, but it goes a lot into diet.

If I can think of anything else I'll post it.

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by Leesa

I recently changed to the following brand of yogurt just because it was more healthful than my former brand. Tastes very good too Yo-Plus | The fabulous digestive health yogurt from Yoplait

I read that Yo-Plus has even more benefits than Activiaaaaaaaa. Lol.

[Chy]

I have problems with protein, dairy, gluten/wheat/bread/pasta, you name it.

Make sure to look at the links I sent, try going 100% gluten free. I understand if it is CD that relief occurs rapidly when eliminating gluten.

[Leesa]

Btw, Yo-Plus is gluten free.

[Muse]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your efforts. I eat yogurt every day. One, it is healthy, tastes good and good for my first meal of the day. I wake up in the morning and my stomach isn't happy. I usually am ready to eat after I get to work and yogurt is a good go to. The Acidophilis doesn't really seem to be helping. Maybe I should up the dosage, but I don't want to over do it. I have a tendency to do that.

Gluten may very well be the culprit. I will look into that for sure. I know someone who is on a gluten free diet and I can discuss it with her. I know dairy is an issue, such as ice cream and cheese. I don't think the yogurt is an issue though.

I will continue to plod through. Probiotics are a fairly new concept. There are a lot of products out there. It is just finding the right ones at a an affordable price.

At least I am doing something right. No pickled vinegar foods for me. Icky, icky. That is one food group that I stay away from. I don't even like the vinegar chips. I know I could cut out sugar and that would be helpful. I do like my chocolate and that can't be good. However, I don't eat it every day. I used to eat a lot of ice cream, but rarely eat that any more. It just wasn't worth it.

If I really want relief, I have to make a commitment. Being as I am, I don't want to. I just want it to happen by finding an easy fix such as swallowing a few pills to make it all go away. A tendency that has been with me for some time now. As you know, that is the way an alcoholic thinks, but I'm ready to find relief and I know it will take effort and diligence. Not my strong point. Sigh....

However, I do know it could be worse. There are a lot who suffer from this far worse than I do. Goodness, some people really have a tough time. I'm thankful I'm not at that point that some are. I have read some real horror stories on the IBS boards. EEEEKKKKK!!!!! I'll deal with a little constipation and gas compared to what some go through. All I can say is, thank goodness tunic tops and loose boho banded tops are in style. Hides a multitude of bloatiness. For that, life is good.

[Autumn]

Hey Muse.

Yes, you're right about sugar. Sugar is the worst culprit. Get rid of it.

How long have you been taking the acidophilus? I know that stuff can be expensive too. The reason I suggest the refrigerated kind in a dark glass bottle is because it deteriorates rapidly.

Maybe I can get Morning Glory to swing by with some info on reputable websites that sell supplements at reasonable prices. I'm not sure if you have a credit card anymore because of the bankruptcy, but you can always use a debit card, or get one of those pre-paid Visas (which is actually a great idea for rebuilding your credit - some of them report back to credit reporting agencies)!

I hear what you're saying about the diet thing. You really have to make some drastic changes, and it's not something I was ever able to stick with.

If you have the time, keep us updated. This is something I would like to pay attention to, and follow along with your progress.

[Muse]

I spent the entire day reading on an IBS forum. I understand diet can be key, I also know that no matter what I eat, there is a problem. It isn't just wheat, bread, pasta, it is chicken, fish, dairy. Vegetables tend to cause an issue at best. Even a perrson, who doesn't have a problem, may with certain veggies.

I have figured out fiber is key for me. However, there are different kinds of fiber. There is soluble and insoluble fiber. For example, I had bran flakes this morning. This is bad because it is insoluble. Although, I like bran flakes as a meal for breakfast, it doesn't like me. A good source of fiber for me would be fruits and vegetables. However, there is the digestion thing with them. Vegetable blow me up like a balloon and most fruits are too acidic and give me a stomach ache.

I have found a good source of fruit and vegetable fiber in a capsule form. I know the real thing would be better, but fruits and veggies in a capsule are better than none at all. The main point, it is keeping things moving, if you know what I mean?

What I learned today is that most people who suffer from IBS use probiotics and digestive enzymes together. The probiotics are microorganisms which keep a healthy balance to the system. Translation: Helps with the bloat and wind problem. The digestive enzymes help with breaking down proteins and carbs and such. There is also a good woman's vitamin supplement that seems to be helpful for some, but that is for another time. I didn't want to get carried away.

I have taken the acidophilus for about a month now and it doesn't seem to be working. I also have acid reflux, my stomach produces too much acid, so it may not be getting through. I rarely take antibiotics, so that isn't an issue. There are great products available out there. I know they have live organisms that are delivered in dry ice and must be refrigerated, but are very expensive.

After much reading and researching, I purchased two products online. A product with ten strains of probiotics and digestive enzymes with pancreatin. I will see how that works. I will make more of an effort with my diet. Oddly enough, I think sugar is less of a problem than dairy, pasta or bread and greens. I think it would be good to stick with yogurt and a banana for breakfast, soup for lunch, and dinner . . . always seems to be a problem. I usually have a piece of chicken and a salad, but the salad usually is a pasta salad of some sort. It would be best to stick with green salad, maybe.

That is what I will try to do. I will stick with this and see how it works. I eat pretty much the same thing every single ground hog day and have the same problem daily. It has gotten to where food is just an energy source and I put no real thought or effort into it. I am so uncomfortable right now because I had pasta for lunch. I knew better, but it was what I had on hand. Time to put more thought and effort into my diet and hopefully I will find some relief and success. I'm ready...

[Velvet]

Ah, Muse...I'm sorry this is going on. Just reading that last post made me dizzy. Good luck with this. Activa will help...I know it's just a yogart, but try it...k?
Sorry I'm not much help for you and it hurts me to see this happening to you. You've overcome some mighty big hurdles, and I'm sure you'll get a handle on this.

[Muse]

You know the funny thing, our one and only grocery store does not carry activia. The joys of living in a small town. Wouldn't you know it? I suppose I could ask, but the products I will be taking will have the same thing in it.

No worries, V. It could always be worse. What is a little bloat and gassiness compared to some other issues? I suffered worse from alcohol withdrawals. And don't forget, I am armed with my arsenal of tunics and baggy tops.

It is amazing what you can find out over the internet if you take the time. Where there is a will, there is a way. I will figure this out eventually. It definitely seems to be an age thing. This has escalated within the last year and everything I read stated that our systems lose the organisms as we get older. Just part of growing old, I guess. Now, where's the carotene for my eyes. I can't see a thing here trying to type in the dark. That is what I hate the most, my eye sight going. However, I will have you know, I don't need glasses. It is a good thing I'm not suffering from denial.

[Leesa]

I don't know if this would be good but just happened to see it on a commercial tonight. Align Daily Probiotic Supplement Is Proven to Build a Natural Defense Against Episodes of Constipation, Diarrhea, Urgency, and Gas and Bloating*

[Muse]

Align is the number one probiotic product sold right now. I was ready to spring for it, but it sells from 30.00 to 60.00 for 28 capsules according to where you buy it from. If I were creative, I could buy it for cheaper if I really looked around. I'm really picky about price. I feel companies take advantage of the disadvantaged. I read right on the boards that you can find the same product as align, but cheaper if you knew what organisms to buy.

I would buy it though and give it a try if nothing else works. I've had my eye on Align for a while now. I think maybe the price may be coming down. Or maybe it is the second product that is cheaper. They used to only have one and now I see two products on the web page. I better look into that.

Many of the comments on the IBS board were that it didn't help them. We have to give everything a try though if we want to find relief. I love the girl on the website. She looks so happy and carefree and svelte. She is so not bloated in that photo. I long to be her....

Thanks for the input, everyone. I appreciate it!

[morning_glory]

Muse,
My 17 yr, old ds has severe IBS-D. We had to take him to Stanford. The resulting depression, anxiety , shame and lack of trust in his body, the world, etc. led him to severe suicide risk. we have found a few things that help a lot. First-go to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Help - Heather's Tummy Teas™ - Organic teas for diarrhea, constipation, pain, and bloating.
Then find what products yoou want and see if iherb.com has them cheaper. Ds takes all the teas, the fiber and peppermint capsules. He also takes a prescription for the diarrhrea, but it is not good for constipation.

Blessings to you as you heal from IBS (((hugs))). and, yes, probiotics are essential.

also-bookmark E A R T H . C L I N I C - Folk Remedies and Holistic Cures and look up Apple Cider Vinegar-it is amazing!!!

[Muse]

Thanks MG. I have seen the teas. I have tried teas before and they do work, but are very harsh. The one tea I tried is called smooth moves. Nice, huh? Yep, it is an Anise tea and boy I tell you, look out. It causes extreme cramping and you never know when it will strike, never a good thing. That tea was a last resort because it frightened me, but boy did I get results, but it was not pleasant. I have found that the fiber capsules work better for me.

I have not tried these particular teas in you link. I keep looking at them and maybe I should try one out. I do drink ginger tea which is wonderful for the stomach and so are peppermint capsules, both very soothing.

I have heard that apple cider vinegar is wonderful for many ailments. I also have bad circulation and I've heard it is good for that as well. I sounds like that would be very beneficial for me in more than one way. Thank you so much, I will definitely look into this.

I also booked marked

I'm sorry for your sons ailment. I know it could be so much worse for me. I know how the IBS can rule ones life and that leaving the house can be a huge issue. I'm lucky I don't have that. I hope your son continues to find relief and wellness. I really appreciated the comments and remedies from those who have had success with certain products. That was what I was hoping for when I started this thread. Everyone has been so helpful. Thanks again.

ETA: Oh, yes, fennel. I have been reading about that for some time now. I think at one point I even ordered some capsule form, but didn't stick with it. Maybe it is time again, soon.

I also bookmarked Earth Clinic. It looks very interesting. I would rather go holistic any day.

[laurie6781]

Now I know y'all are going to think I am off my rocker to a degree but here goes.

Once I went back to REAL MILK. I get it from a farmer here, that has a few cows and does not feed hormones and antibiotics, and went to mostly 'organic' veggies and meat, a lot of what you described has cleared up.

Yes I do eat LOTS of yogurt with active culture, but the little bit more I pay for TRUE organic food, range hen eggs, etc is still less than what I would have to pay for ALL these 'products' that are suppose to fix it.

As the diabetes has played hell with my digestive tract, the foods that I now eat, with NO PRESERVATIVES or hormones or whatever in them, seem to be helping a LOT. I knew years ago that 'store bought' eggs made me sick, but it took time to figure out why ............................. then with the onset of problems I started more by 'trial and error' slowly changing from store bought to home grown on everything I could.

Fortunately, living in an area that still has a pretty good size 'agricultural valley' I have made friends over the years with the folks that sell at the 'farmer's markets' here, and have set up some really good resources for many foods.

Since you live in a small town, you might find folks in your area that sell their extra produce, eggs, even meat, etc

It would be worth a try for you to feel better.

Hope the above helps a bit.

Love and hugs,

[Muse]

Thanks, Laurie. I think you are onto something for sure. All the chemicals and hormones added to our food, can't be good.

[Leesa]

I found a box of the Align at the drugstore today, (have a family member visiting that's going to try it who has CD). Not too expensive I didn't think; especially if it works. Twenty-eight pills for $29.99. It's gluten free too.