Probiotics Minefield

[cakedup]

I thought I would just pop on to Amazon quickly and order some probiotics. One hour later, and I am losing the will to live.

There are many, many different kinds out there. Different strains and strengths and types. How can I choose one without having to take a medical degree first?

Can anyone here recommend a probiotic or advise a way to make a decision? I get mild nausea sometimes and I remember probiotics helped with it once before (can't remember what they were though). I'm wondering if it will also help with some eczema I have suddenly developed.

Biokult is generally well-regarded. My mum uses it and is very picky about this sort of thing, I use it on her recommendation and a colleague now uses it too. I’ve got digestive problems and find it helpful.

It’s quite expensive, but good probiotics are, unfortunately. The other thing you could try is a good quality kefir.

AwkwardSquad ah funny enough that was the one I came across on Amazon as it had the highest reviews, and then speaking to my sister (who has Crohns) and also takes it.

Bloody hell, only just looked at the price. They ARE expensive!

Yes, I know

There’s a comment in this article today from Dr Louise Newson (menopause expert) about probiotics and the importance of quality:

www.thetimes.co.uk/article/vitamin-pills-we-asked-doctors-what-supplements-they-take-z5nkmk6r8?shareToken=7524a09756c0873ac5e0bdd1c6eb1516

If you have a decent Boots nearby, you may be able to get it on a 3 for 2, but it only works out cheaper than Amazon on the bigger packets, I think.

Thanks AwkwardSquad, interesting article and have also ordered some kelp seaweed tablets off the back of it!

Bio-Kult is on ebay, cheaper than both Boots and Amazon! Tell your mum!

Good tip, cakedup, thanks!

I saw a documentary on TV that featured an experiment looking at whether the good bacteria in probiotic products actually reach the gut alive. I'm sure the result was that probiotics in live yoghurt survived the best, because the fats in the yoghurt protected them from the acid in the stomach. Probiotics taken alone or in things like sauerkraut, cider vinegar didn't do so well.

That’s interesting. So kefir would really good, then.

*be really good

Thanks BlackInk. I wonder if taking the probiotic with something fatty (a teaspoon of oil?) would help then. Before I turned vegan, I remember the probiotic yoghurts not agreeing with me - which was most likely due to dairy in general not agreeing with me.