Quick response needed re probiotics

[Frangipane]

I am currently in the supermarket, looking to buy a probiotic for help with IBS. But I have never bought anything like this before and cant see what I am looking for. Is it Actimel or yakult or is it something else? Please help!

[IsadoraQuagmire]

Both those are probiotics. I don't know if they'd help with IBS but worth a try!

[Frangipane]

Thank you. I am desperate to try anything and this was suggested as the first line of defence. I am sceptical too.

[redchocolatebutton]

or kefir
or fermented veg (sauerkraut, kimchi)

[IsadoraQuagmire]

Oh yes, kefir too (I'm currently taking both that and yakult, as I'm on 2 kinds of super strong antibiotics which are making me SO ill I also do have IBS so the antibiotics are making that much worse

[IsadoraQuagmire]

The kefir is a drink (I'm a bit delirious!) But you can also get probiotic yoghurt (though you've probably chosen something by now!)

[Dapplegrey]

Biokult capsules are good.

[Frangipane]

I sympathise Isadora. Just IBS on it's own is getting me down at the moment without adding in anything else. I am not sure my rural neck of the woods knows what kefir is (by which I mean I don't!) And I cant stand Yakult so I decided to play it safe with some Activia yoghurts. I doubt it will do any good but at least they may be pleasant to eat. After that, I have to start all the difficult exclusion diets.

[IsadoraQuagmire]

Thanks Frangipane Yes, at least it's a (relatively) cheap thing to try and what works for one person may not work for another, so you have to experiment.
The kefir drink is nice (I often buy it when it's on special offer) but never noticed it making any difference to the IBS. (It tastes like a yoghurt drink)
You can buy probiotic tablets from health food shops (Holland and Barrett sell them) but they're expensive!
Easier, and cheaper too, to see if any particular food or drink makes it worse. Coffee stirs mine up (haha) but I still drink it as I do love it (except not at the moment because antibiotics are making everything taste horrible, they are VILE things!

[tilligan]

I have been taking Boots Digestion support with added ginger for a couple of moths, they have made a noticeable difference to my IBS (d). Can recommend!!

[tilligan]

Months, not moths!!

[Alabasterangel6]

The amount of probiotics in those drinks is quite negligible in terms of counteracting antibiotics.

You’d be better trying capsules which are higher strength. Acidophilus is a generic type. You can get them from any health food shop/ amazon etc.

[LarryUnderwood]

Alflorex is a really good one for IBS and lactose intolerance. My BIL is a dietician and he rates it, it has had some good results in clinical trials.

[LarryUnderwood]

Should add, I have IBS and lactose intolerance and have found alflorex very good. It takes a couple.of weeks of taking it every day to see the effect.

[Amazonita]

You need a stronger type with at least 20 billion bacterias and as many different strains as possible.

Activia and Yakult will be useless as the amount they contain is tiny!

DD has just started on these after quite a bit of research. She's come off diary and gluten as well, and is doing a food diary and noticing improvement.

www.amazon.co.uk/Physis-Advanced-Probiotics-Billion-Bacterial/dp/B00ZVD8NT6/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?s=gateway&keywords=Probiotics&qid=1568229087&sr=8-7&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

You can sign up for a free prime trial to get free delivery. There is quite a range of probiotics on there so check the reviews.

[Frangipane]

Thanks for all your responses. I am a bit new to all this as, although I have had IBS all my life and yes, a doctor has confirmed I have it, I haven't really been bad enough to feel the need to do anything about it. But the symptoms have really ramped up in the last few months and I am having a raw deal of it lately.

I was told probiotics were unlikely to do much but were a good first step to trying to get the IBS under control. These capsules being recommended, are any of them worth trying given that I haven't yet tried excluding foods from my diet, or are they something you should take only when you know what your triggers are?

[Bloomburger]

Take a course of oral ones from the chemist and then start on prebiotics (Bimuno are great). They will feed the bacteria that you have put in your tummy by way of the probiotics, it's no good just shovelling probiotics in.

[Onefootforward1]

Try Symprove. You can get it from amazon or a health food shop. My son’s NHS dietician recommended it.

[Wallywobbles]

I make my own kefir. Bought some live things that came in a little sachet. Add to milk. Drink the following day. Very simple. I'm also trying CBD oil. Not sure how that's going to work out either.

Capsules always give me tummy ache. But I'm guessing that's just me.

[Knitclubchatter]

Raw, natural, unpasteurized honey is a pre biotic. Stuff needed even before the probiotic :)

[IsadoraQuagmire]

@Alabasterangel6 Thanks, I know that the drinks aren't very powerful, but I got them straight after being given the antibiotics at A&E, went home, and I haven't been able to leave the house since as the antibiotic side effects are so bad. When I've finished the course (and can stand upright again for more than 2 minutes) I'll definitely get stronger probiotics. I know how bad antibiotics are for you

[Frangipane]

How are you doing tonight @IsadoraQuagmire? It sounds as though you are going through a tough time right now. I hope the nasty ABs are doing some noticable good as well as upsetting your gut. I do appreciate you taking the time to answer my question this afternoon.

[IsadoraQuagmire]

Thanks for asking @Frangipane
I actually rang 111 earlier as I was feeling so terrible from the side effects I felt desperate! Just had a phone call from a doctor who said to stop taking the worse one (ciprofloxacin?) I'm certain it's that one making me so ill as I've had the other one before and not felt too bad. So I'll just be taking one kind for the remaining 2 days.
Incidentally, she mentioned getting the probiotic tablets too!