To take a probiotic?

[Acunningruse]

AIBU - yes, they're a waste of time and money as the good bacteria is destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the intestine
IANBU- no, everyone should take one as they can help with bloating and digestive function

And if IANBU... which brand do you recommend please?!

I have no real idea. I take actimel. Not sure if it makes a difference, but they taste nice 🤷‍♀️

Yes, decent (sadly expensive) probiotics completely cured me from terrible gut issues brought on by a prolonged course of antibiotics. I don't think they're a cure-all for everything, but if you have a deficient gut flora for whatever reason, definitely worth a try.

I wouldn't bother with the sugary 'yogurt' drink type things - they are very synthetic and full of added sugar. Just buy Greek yogurt instead! I've no idea if bacteria eaten in this way actually reach your gut though - like you say maybe the stomach acid kills them off? But you can get decent probiotics in capsules, and they claim the capsules survive the acid and make it to the gut. Worked for me anyway.

@FeistySheep do you remember which brand you used?

I take a daily probiotic and it helps me prevent UTIs (get them chronically)

Probiotic was suggested by son's GI doctor and it really helped with his stool problem he had years ago.

I used Dr Ohira's (sp?) off Amazon. The more expensive 'professional' ones. I used one box (one month's worth) and problem solved. I was vigorous in following what it said about not eating in the hours around taking them - to the extent of no coffee! 😱

My friend swears by Biomel.

I believe Multibionta cured a spell of IBS after about 6 weeks some years ago . Don’t take anything at all now.

I take Biokult and definitely noticed the difference. I first took a probiotic after a course of metronidazole left me feeling rough.

I do think they improve gut health in the way natural yoghurt can, of course presuming you're not lactose intolerant! My partner developed a rash from taking them daily, he hadn't realised he was sensitive as doesn't otherwise have much dairy.

I also take the cholesterol lowering ones and they're scientifically proven to lower cholesterol and my blood test results confirmed this after three months. Just the own brand Tesco one. I'd just say look out for big supermarket own brands. Same ingredients and not nearly as dear as the branded ones. Half the price in some cases.

I think prebiotics are better, they actually encourage the growth of the good bacteria rather than inserting the bacteria - which is what happens with a probiotic.
www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-and-prebiotics

I drink kefir every day.

Another vote for kefir and a pre-biotic to feed the bugs you want to encourage for gut health. The best I have four are these lovely people

https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk

I’m not keen on Kefir but just wonder if I’ve not found the right one.

I've taken two ten day courses of Elixa probiotics and found them really good! I've taken a lot (had stomach issues) and found those the best. I also like that you only have to do a course every six months or so, or when you start feeling you need it, rather than every day

I started taking OptiBac Saccharomyces boulardii on the recommendation of the assistant in the local health food shop. Amazing--the beneficial effects were felt within the week. Digestion mightily improved. A problem that I had lived with for such a long time was corrected.

Yes, I went from bloat to flat in a month. I take that tiny actimel in the evening, after dinner/in lieu of any pudding so there isn't as much stomach acid effect. Pleased like a cat who got the cream with it.

I've taken probiotics from Holland and Barrett for the last 15 years.
It's helped my IBS and I never get stomach bugs or UTIs

I make my own kefir - very easy to do. It does taste odd though and I make a smoothie with kefir, coconut milk and fresh fruit. A large beaker fills me up for the morning until lunchtime. Was given the grains by a nurse friend whose gastro man at her hospital thinks it is very good indeed for gut health.

Sauerkraut works very well too, the refrigerated ones in the health food shop not the pasteurised ones on the ambient shelves at the supermarket.
The theory of them getting past your stomach acid is that you take them with your meal so the acid is diluted by the food.

If you can't find fresh sauerkraut, it very easy to make as is kefir.
Fermented stuff is incredibly good for us and great for salads or a snack😁

Thanks for all these responses. Good to know so many have found it beneficial. Kids have had occasional constipation then soft stools occasionally over the last few weeks so going to get some for them too.

@Acunningruse

AIBU - yes, they're a waste of time and money as the good bacteria is destroyed by stomach acid before reaching the intestine IANBU- no, everyone should take one as they can help with bloating and digestive function

And if IANBU... which brand do you recommend please?!

Just one point: if bacteria were destroyed by stomach acid, nobody would get food poisoning from e coli or salmonella & co.

Don't forget to feed them.
It's not good to just swallow the bacteria when you don't them feed them well to thrive.

I can now eat bread without looking 9 months pregnant after. Lots of bread😁

Hi, I know you posted a while ago but wondering if you’re still taking saccharomyces boulardii?