Just wanted to give an update on how I've been feeling on this probiotic product. I got a 30 day amount of sachets and take one sachet a day as I was hoping it might address some bowel issues I've been having as well as digestion problems. I will admit this will have a lot of discussions of inner digestive stuff, so apologies to the more delicate among us, but needs must!
I cannot speak for everyone and your mileage may vary, but overall I'm impressed with this stuff, and if you've got problems with your digestion, or aspects thereof (ahem), then I'd recommend speaking to your health pro about maybe giving it a try.
I've had issues with digestion, bloating, constipation and malabsorption for a while now. I dreaded taking tramadol (even though it helps with pain) because even one tablet would require me to take a scrip for Laxido along with it. For months, I've had a growing pharmacopeia of fibre powders, suppositories, and senna tablets for tramadol usage, but also in case I do something really edgy like, and I'm serious, eating a risotto. Rice has become my mortal enemy over the last few years - even beans and other fibre, stuff that is supposed to be 'good for you', is like playing roulette for me.
After trying these probiotics for a few weeks now, I can take tramadol without problems, and I've been able to add rice and other carbs back into my diet slowly. My absorption issues seem to be improving - my chronic anaemia is calming down considerably, and I'm not as bloated. I'm also losing weight even though what I eat hasn't changed much other than introducing probiotic and fermented foods into my diet more - although I do so carefully. I'm finding I currently can only tolerate maybe a few tablespoons of fermented veg a day. The water kefir I've been drinking is nice, and I've been drinking more water kefir than juices these days. I mix the VSL with a glass of kefir and drink it daily.
I admit I didn't really think the probiotics were doing much until I missed my daily dosage for a few days. Constipation and bloating came back with a vengeance! I had to resort to my entire cupboard arsenal to try and sort it out, doing my usual routine of apple juice/coffee/senna/praying for death, but once I figured out it was due to not taking the VSL, I drank it again, and the following day my system started to re-regulate itself. I'm honestly quite surprised, and secretly impressed with how this probiotic is working.
According to my comparisons, while the fermented foods and kefir is really nice and I enjoy eating and drinking it, it just isn't strong enough to do much good for me. I will still work with both of them because a) I garden and preserving harvests is what I do, besides, homemade kimchi is awesome and b) water kefir is delicious, and the combinations I'm coming up with are wonderful - rose-water and ginger root, anyone? But on a scale of typical probiotics and VSL, the latter is what I'm terming 'industrial strength' levels of beneficial gut bacteria. It doesn't mess around.
What I have found is while I may struggle to eat too much in the way of fermented foods (tends to make me a bit more bloaty, but that could be due to the type of foods - beets don't agree with me, it seems), the VSL is very palatable. I don't have cramping, bloating, etc. I admit I was a bit 'parpy' the first week or two, so warn any significant others to wear a gas-mask! But eventually this evens out and my stomach settled down. It's rather odd, and I don't know how much of it has to do with the warmer temps and my usual infusion of spring energy, but after spending a rather listless winter, I'm feeling a lot less achey, my energy is returning, I'm able to eat foods I had previously scratched off the list, and my clothes are getting a bit looser on me. All very weird! But I'll take it.
So, for me personally I think I will try and keep taking this stuff for as long as I can afford it: no, it definitely isn't cheap. Maybe I could get a scrip in the future for it (oh wishful hopes and dreams!) but for now I'll have to fork out the funds hope for the best. What I'm wondering is, once you take it for an extended period of time, can you wean off? I mean, the goal is to eventually have your system regulated enough that the body takes over and keeps its own intestinal flora intact without the need for so much external interference. However, perhaps with people with more chronic conditions there might be a need for 'topping up'. I'll have to keep on top of the research for this stuff.
That's where I'm at right now: planning on placing another order next week when funds are available, and making sure I don't miss a dose for the foreseeable future.
Evening meal fear - and other problems. 
How to deal with flare up?
Breakthrough
Foods??
