What is the best probiotic? Any recommendations?

[bloated1]

[stiofainin]

Yakult has worked for me to an extent.

[bloated1 in reply to stiofainin]

THERE ARE SO MANY TYPES OF PROBIOTIC. BUT ILL GIVE THIS A TRY.

[binks]

Without doubt the best I have tried is Symprove. Some very interesting studies done at Kings - look it up on the internet. It's not cheap but in terms of pain it has revolutionised my life. After 20 years of IBS I am not symptom free but the terrible pain I used to have ( ended up in A&E) has gone since I started taking it 3 months ago.

[Krazydeb in reply to binks]

Hi Binks

I am on my 3rd bottle of Symprove and maybe have noticed a slight difference?? Only lasts about 10 days for around £20 a bottle so have only been on it for a month or so!! I do not get the pains with my IBS-D - only occasional bloating. Still getting rectal pressure some days and excessive wind!! How long was it before you noticed a difference on Symprove please?

[binks in reply to Krazydeb]

Hi

I have to say I noticed a major improvement a week later. The study at Kings I think, found that most people who noticed an improvement did so after about 3-4 weeks though. I had been in despair with a flare up which had lasted several weeks and I dreaded each evening. My IBS is more pain and difficulty going to the loo - but not strictly constipation - I eat all the right things to try and minimise the problem. The rectal pressure thing is a nightmare and it's not often mentioned in IBS info. Mine starts mid afternoon and gradually worsens during the evening. Lying down is marginally less horrible but still bad!! Sometimes I just can't wait till morning when I can go to the loo and the sensation then goes. It disappears for a week or two and then returns. My GP is great but after many years I think he's had enough of my IBS.

[kacey]

i found the probiotic yoghurt drinks have worked for me i tried the yakult but made me want to be sick since i have been drinking one a day my diahereaa has slowed down

[bloated1 in reply to kacey]

Ive bought some yakult today-better than capsules?-cant find Symprove ...will have to go on the web but it sounds expensive!!!!£40 a month!...Let you know how I get on. Have been taking alot of Windeeze and loperimide lately with some relief. Im sick of it.

[ella2b]

Im currently liking Boots multivitamin with probiotic. No need to keep them in the fridge and cheaper than yakult etc

[Hidden in reply to ella2b]

Was troubled badly with IBS for over 2 years, tablets etc., no help mainly apart from protem plus. In desperation asked coeliac uk ( am coeliac) they advised soya milk and lactose free. Doctor didnt agree but have improved. No longer need medication. If only had contacted them earlier. Hospital coeliac clinic, no advise, gastroloentrology clinic advised antidepressants, which I refused thank goodness. Never went on probiotics so no help to you, sorry. Hope you improve soon as its not a pleasant condition.

[simmytay]

I recommend Optibac without any hesitation. To my knowledge, Yakult only has one type of bacteria in it - whereas Optibac deals with different varieties of probiotics, at the moment I take one called S.Boulardii which is great for IBS-D. It has tamed my wild bowels like nothing else could! I take two capsules every day, keep some extra in my hand bag 'just in case' and feel free to go out and enjoy life a bit more - without having to worry about where the nearest loo is (at least not half as much anyway!) Friends & family think i'm on commission, i recommend it to everyone with IBS / diarrhoea.

[Socialite]

Symprove has definitely helped my IBS - expensive but worth it, as it helps settling down after a flare up.