PMR, Probiotics and digestive diseases

[nuigini]

I posed a question related to an inquiry earlier today and PMRpro suggested I start a new topic

I would appreciate knowing the type of probiotic(s) taken by those of you that have taken it for years. Particularly those with gut disorders. I have celiac disease and microscopic colitis in addition to PMR.

I recently had a bad reaction to a combination of probiotics. There are so many types of probiotics and combinations out there it's had to know what might work. The doctors I've spoken to have not been very informed or helpful on the topic

[Sharitone]

I don't really have much experience of probiotics.

However, for what it's worth: a few years ago I had gastro-enteritis which wouldn't clear up. Eventually a GP suggested either probiotics, or lactose-free milk. I tried the probiotics, and it got worse. So I tried the lactose-free dairy products and it worked wonders.

[nuigini in reply to Sharitone]

Thanks Sharitone. I'm pretty sure it isn't a lactose issue with me. Glad things worked out for you.

[piglette]

I tried probiotics once and they did not agree with me so I stopped. I am an avid follower of Dr Tim Spector though and have read his books on the gut and listen to his podcasts.

[nuigini in reply to piglette]

I follow Tim Spector as well, but not an avid follow. I receive notices of his podcasts and presentations, watch or listen to those that catch my interest and put some of his recommendations into practice.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

As you know, I use VSL3 - recommended by jinasc of this forum who was told to use them by her GI consultant years ago.

To some extent you have to try different ones as they tend to have slightly different compositions and one may suit you better than another, But getting the good ones means you only need a course now and again rather than taking something all the time.

And don't forget to make sure your prebiotic intake is good too! No point planting without a good foundation!

[Pixix]

I take acidophilus when I need probiotics. I buy through Natures Best, but I see you live in Canada! But you can look up the Company web site & see what info it gives on probiotics, I guess.

[Broseley]

I take Physis.

Have a look at Michael Mosley's website "CleverGuts". There's loads of useful tips on there.

[Mahnahvu]

I was prescribed some heavy duty antibiotics in the early days of my GCA treatment and feel that my gut has never been quite the same. Near the end of my 5-year run of prednisone I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis (collagenous colitis). I've been taking the Seed brand synbiotic daily. Seed is available in Canada and has both a 24 strain probiotic blend plus a prebiotic in a unique time-release double-capsule configuration. It is pricy, but I will give it a try for a few more months. So far It has neither made anything worse nor better with my GCA or my colitis.