Probiotics - apparently making a difference but what now?

[Silvercatowner]

I decided to try probiotic tablets to see if they'd make a difference and in an attempt to avoid a trip to the doctors. I started taking the ones that need a second mortgage 10 days ago and am really noticing a difference (I was quite sceptical so am pleasantly pleased). But do I need to take them long term or could I have kick started my own healthy gut bacteria??
Thanks

I had four weeks of antibiotics and they left me with diarrhoea so as well as probiotic yoghurts I bought some probiotic tablets from Boots. Cost about £10. Two weeks later all is well even though I am now on ABs again.
So either
a) they worked or
b) I got better anyway.
That's the problem, if they were proven to work they would be called a drug and on prescription.

Try eating more pre biotic foods (leeks, onions, asparagus) and fermented foods (kefir and saurkraut). there are some great books about maintaining gut health and its easier, cheaper and tastier to incorporate changes in your diet.

Yes I tried Keffir and Sauerkraut. It's possible they may help long term but did nothing in the short term for AB induced diarrhoea.

Op what's the name of the probiotic you took? I need a good one

I take Opti-bac ones which are just over a tenner for 30. Not sure if that's a lot?

@HuaShan I eat loads of leeks and onions. I'm lactose intolerant - kefir made me nauseated - and cannot bear sauerkraut. The probiotics have had amazing impact on my gut (although I've only been taking them for 3 weeks).
@kissmelittleass - I am taking Wellbio from Boots. They cost around £27 for one a day for a month.

What kind of difference are you noticing, if you don't mind me asking?

You can brew water kefir with water and fruits for a non dairy probiotic.

You can brew water kefir with water and fruits for a non dairy probiotic. Tablets are much easier!

Bridget - I was having all the typical symptoms of IBS including awful stomach cramps and nausea. They'd got gradually worse over the last 2 years. Since taking the probiotics they've got amazingly better. Co-incidence - possibly, I hope not. Placebo - I'll take that!

I’ve had IBS for over 20 years but the last 2 years have been awful, Ive tried everything on the market to ease the bloating, pain, gas, nausea and indigestion/burping. The one thing I haven’t tried is probiotics although I have always wanted to give them a go but have been afraid they would make my symptoms worse or cause diarrhoea. OP did you get any unwanted side effects from them?

@Afternooninthepark no adverse side effects that I've noticed!

Thanks Silvercatowner I shall try some.

Thanks op👋

I started using actimel for IBS as I spotted it on offer. Definatly made a difference to me and I can usually find it on offer so it works out about 25p per day. Might be worth switching to that?

Might be worth switching to that?

I love actimel but it doesn't love me - I'm lactose intolerant and it made me nauseated.

Ah. Maybe not then!