Probiotics

[Meowzltov]

Normally we all talk about MJ stuff, but from time to time there are threads that are just on friends stuff. I'd like to share what's been happening to me regarding probiotics and ask if anyone else has had a similar experience.

Has anyone else besides me tried probiotics? (Not the yogurt or drink sort, but laboratory grade.) If so, what was your response?

When I see a company hawking some new herb or miracle drug, especially if it claims weight loss or some kind of miracle cure for everything including cancer, I roll my eyes. However, from time to time I'll find a company that does seem to have legitimate scientific evidence behind them, and I'll say, "Well I'm not getting up my hopes, but I'll give it a try." That's what happened with probiotics.

What is probiotics? In our digestive system, we have more bacteria than the number of cells in our entire body. Many are good bacteria, and some are bad bacteria, like candida (yeast). Normally they live in a certain proportion to each other, a kind of homeostasis, where the good bacteria outnumber the bad. But antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria. Other things like stress can also have a bad effect on the balance. Sugars and artificial sweeteners are well known to feed candida, which will definitely throw off the balance.

When the candida becomes more than the good bacteria, we develop a host of problems. The most obvious are weight gain, irritable bowel syndrome (indegestion, gas, diarrhea, and constipation), possible metabolic syndrome, and a feeling of general malaise (tiredness, etc.). But our digestive systems are the foundation for the rest of the body -- nutrition is square on. Symptoms of candida out of control are:

• Chronic fatigue
• Brain fog
• Digestive issues
• Recurring yeast infections
• Oral thrush
• Sinus infections
• Food allergies/intolerances
• Fungal infections on the skin and nails
• A weak immune system
• Joint pain
• Low mood

I started taking probiotics because I have radical immune system problems -- not only do I have myasthenia gravis, but I have problems on the flip side from my medications such as tooth infections.

They say to take probiotics for two months to see how it works. I have been taking it for just one month.

I HAVE LOST 18 POUNDS without changing my diet (low carb high protein, no exercise). My digestive issues have cleared up. I have less fatigue. Whether it helps with my immunological problems is yet to be seen (I have to be tested by my doctor). But I am so sold.

Laboratory grade is 30 CFU and 10 strains or above. I'm taking 50 CFU and 16 strains. I haven't been able to find laboratory grade in pharmacies -- I had to order it online.

 

[AbbaLove]

16 strains is more expensive, but supposedly worth the higher cost. It's my understanding that you only need to take it for 2 months accompanied with a healthy organic diet (fresh fruit and veggies) and of course moderate exercise. Then maybe, repeat again in 6 months or once a year. A good quality probiotic is too expensive to be taking continually if it's not necessary.

No matter what quality probiotic and the healthiest diet all Wellness Centers recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (25 minutes a day for 6 days). Even just going for a brisk 1/2 hr walk in a Mall, on a hiking path or around the neighborhood. With a quality pair of sneakers and a partner 1/2 hour flies by.