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Tips on best probiotics for ulcerative colitis

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Posted 4/18/2019 7:07 PM (GMT -5)
Hi...

I had an amazing deal of getting 180 capsules of Dr. Mercola's Complete Probiotics for $70.00, which has ended. I'm now on Vitacost....was about to order 90 capsules for about the same price.

Does anyone have recommendations for a viable (reputable/tested) probiotic they like and get at a 'decent' cost? I totally get that each body is different. I do have a prescription for VSL#3 but its over $100 although I haven't looked into that for a few years. I'm open to hearing any feedback. I'm not in a flare. But I do need to order probiotics and looking for perhaps a more cost effective way. Thank you!!
Posted 4/18/2019 8:24 PM (GMT -5)
Since there isn't strong data supporting the use of *any* of them, the most cost effective thing to do is not to spend money on them.
Posted 4/18/2019 10:01 PM (GMT -5)
Ah, I truly believe and experience if I hadn't been taking probiotics for decades, (and a few bouts of intensive steroid treatment), I'd be dead now.

Still looking for folks into high quality probiotics. Only way to re-feed healthy gut flora.
Posted 4/18/2019 11:27 PM (GMT -5)
I use what's in my signature.
q
Posted 4/19/2019 10:18 AM (GMT -5)
In my case probiotics have also been quite helpful. I tried many different kinds, but by far had the most success with Culturelle. It can pull me out of a mild flare very fast. However I did notice that eventually it stops doing its job, so I have to increase the dose or temporarily switch to another kind. I also tried s. bulardi (from Pure Formulas I think) and had some positive results as well.
Posted 4/19/2019 4:59 PM (GMT -5)
VSL is likely still the cheapest per billion bacteria, or so it was by far back in 2010. Check this post out were I crushed this subject with my superior mathematics skills (lol):

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=1687756

I guess if you look at a packet of VSL and it's $100 and see 100 pills for $70 then it's not clear the later is a better deal. Gotta look at what you're paying for.
Posted 4/19/2019 8:07 PM (GMT -5)
There is some controversy regarding VSL 3 as the formula may have changed slightly. There are several small studies showing the original formula effective. Apparently visbiome is the same as the old VSL 3 formula. There is also research behind e. coli nissle, but this is not available for purchase in the US. Not sure where you are located.

This article is pretty good. about 2/3 of the way down there is info on probiotics. https://www.dietvsdisease.org/ulcerative-colitis-diet/
Posted 4/19/2019 8:31 PM (GMT -5)
"Still looking for folks into high quality probiotics. Only way to re-feed healthy gut flora. "

actually, probiotics are just part of it - real food, especially fermented foods, are probably just as important - regardless which brand or strains used, I think probiotic supplements are the least bang for your butt -
Posted 4/20/2019 1:21 PM (GMT -5)
When I stopped using probiotics my IBD saw improvement. I used to use VSL but then stopped once they switched their base to corn starch. Then that news blitz happened about how commercial probiotics mostly don't do anything, and I just got turned off completely. Their effects are transient at best. When I was full on flaring, probiotics just produced more mucus.

For myself, probiotics were useless during an active flare. The mucosa is too reactive for anything to colonize on it. Only a non-inflamed colon can support a healthy flora.
Posted 4/20/2019 6:34 PM (GMT -5)
I found everything to be useless for me during a flare except steroids and immunosuppressants.
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