LymeNet Home LymeNet Home Page LymeNet Flash Discussion LymeNet Support Group Database LymeNet Literature Library LymeNet Legal Resources LymeNet Medical & Scientific Abstract Database LymeNet Newsletter Home Page LymeNet Recommended Books LymeNet Tick Pictures Search The LymeNet Site LymeNet Links LymeNet Frequently Asked Questions About The Lyme Disease Network LymeNet Menu

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter




The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

LymeNet Flash Discussion
Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

LymeNet Flash Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply
my profile | directory login | register | search | faq | forum home

  next oldest topic   next newest topic
» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » I need recommendations for quality probiotics

 - UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: I need recommendations for quality probiotics
LymieLaura
Member
Member # 19367

Icon 1 posted      Profile for LymieLaura     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Can anyone recommend good quality probiotics?

I currently take a brand called Nature's Health, I get them from our local natural food store. They have 10 billion live organisms, however I don't know if they are a reputable brand.

If anyone knows of any good quality probiotics that really work, I would appreciate the info. I have to start them in a couple days.

Thank you so much!

Posts: 34 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Mar 2009  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
GenaD
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 11988

Icon 1 posted      Profile for GenaD     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Dr S has me take Natren Healthy Trinity. You can find it on www.vitacost.com

--------------------
"Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
--Margaret Mead

Posts: 290 | From New York | Registered: May 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551

Icon 1 posted      Profile for gemofnj     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Hi Lymie,

If you are taking high doses of antibiotics, you need to have more than 10 billion organisms.

There are lots of brands out there, but the key is getting one with high culture/high strain. Look for ones like the refrigerated kind such as Renew Life Ultimate Flora, Critical Care, which has 50 billion cultures and 8 strains. (found in most good heath food stores)

If you are taking high doses and multiple kinds of abx, you may want to even get VSL #3, which is very potent at 225 billion cultures and 10 strains. (found in CVS pharmacy dept.)

My LLMD sold me a great one called IFLORA by Sedona labs professional strength, which had 20 billion cultures and 10 strains. The more strains the better!

I would take it 2 or 3 times a day, by itself and not with other meds or supplements. Also, taking one dose at bedtime is even better to protect the gut.

Good Luck! [Smile]

Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
darla135
Member
Member # 15688

Icon 1 posted      Profile for darla135     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I use PB-8 which I find at any quality health food store. It is what I use as my "regular" probiotic and take 4-6 a day with my IV infusions. 2 pills contain 24 billion units of a combined mixture of 8 different strains.

I also supplement Sacchromyces Boullardi with my infusions which prevent the diarrhea.

Posts: 96 | From Ft. Worth, TX | Registered: May 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797

Icon 1 posted      Profile for kelmo     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
We like Theralac
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
m0joey
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13494

Icon 1 posted      Profile for m0joey     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
take a look at the "progurt" thread
Posts: 713 | From Los Angeles | Registered: Oct 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
unshakeable333
Member
Member # 19614

Icon 1 posted      Profile for unshakeable333     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I use the brand Metagenics through my LLMD, as I don't think you can find these in a health food store, on their site it says sold only through Licensed healthcare practitioners.

They are scientifically identified strains so you know you are getting the right ones. I don't see this brand mentioned a whole lot, I think there are a few that most people tend to recommend, I just say this one because it's really worked well for me and I've had very serious digestive issues even before antibiotics.

The kinds that I take are their Ultra Floral lines, I had taken a couple other brands before that didn't do much for me but with these it was almost an overnight improvement so as to why I do recommend them.

Posts: 17 | From Near Ft. Wayne. IN | Registered: Mar 2009  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
lymeHerx001
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6215

Icon 1 posted      Profile for lymeHerx001     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
I second vita cost. They are terrific!!!!!
Posts: 2905 | From New England | Registered: Sep 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628

Icon 1 posted      Profile for METALLlC BLUE     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
If you need something serious to start off, VSL#3. After that you can maintain using just about anything. Usually it's a good idea to use it for the first month or two with one to two packets a day.

It's a little costly, but after that you can buy the capsules and just use one per day, that'll cost you 25 per month for a real solid probiotic.

--------------------
I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.

E-mail: [email protected]

Posts: 4157 | From Western Massachusetts | Registered: Dec 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
CD57
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11749

Icon 1 posted      Profile for CD57     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
VSL#3, Theralac
Posts: 3528 | From US | Registered: Apr 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067

Icon 1 posted      Profile for seekhelp     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
How much is VSL #3 for a 30-day supply if insurance doesn't cover?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
hcconn22
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 5263

Icon 1 posted      Profile for hcconn22   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Ultimate Flora
and
Threelac

Take both or don't rely upon one product.

Also kiefer and active yogurt is good in small quantities.

Per our LLMD.

--------------------
Positive 10 bands WB IGG & IGM
+ Babesia + Bartonolla and NOW RMSF 3/5/09 all at Quest

And still positive ELISA and WB two years after IV treatment
http://www.lymefriends.org/profile/blake

Posts: 607 | From Tick Town, Connecticut | Registered: Feb 2004  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
terri3boys
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 12993

Icon 1 posted      Profile for terri3boys     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
VSL #3 has been a lifesaver for me. It's been the BEST one so far in my case. A noticeable difference!

I take 2 capsules a day --- 1 in the morning and 1 at bedtime. Usually I buy it at my doctor's office but I've asked Walgreens to order it for me when I see that I'm going to run out beforehand.

It's not covered by insurance (at least UHC doesn't cover mine), and it costs around $45 or so for a bottle of 60 capsules. It's worth it to me!

Try it!
terri3boys

Posts: 268 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067

Icon 1 posted      Profile for seekhelp     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Do you need a doctor's Rx to get VSL #3? Does the 60 capsules last 30 days? 60 days? Do they have 125 billion per capsule?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Parisa
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 10526

Icon 1 posted      Profile for Parisa     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
You can order VSL online. I get two bottles for about $100, including shipping.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290

Icon 1 posted      Profile for randibear     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
i take ultimate floral. when the bottle is empty, i'm switching to theralac.

--------------------
do not look back when the only course is forward

Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551

Icon 1 posted      Profile for gemofnj     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Seek,

It needs to be refrigerated so I would just go to CVS and buy it (at the pharmacy) if you have a CVS near you. It contains 225 BILLION cultures and I think 10 strains.

If you order it online, Im not sure its cultures would live through the transit, unless they do special shipping, like iherb.com does.

Its about $50 for a one month supply, taken at 1 x a day. Its VERY good.

randi,

theralac has 5 different strains and I think 20 billion live cultures. I used it along with olive leaf extract and oregamax to keep yeast down. But overall, it doesnt contain that many cultures/strains. I guess it depends what your issues are.


VSL#3 has the highest culture count/strain I've ever seen out there anywhere, and it is great for staving off gut issues.

Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
FuzzySlippers
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13658

Icon 1 posted      Profile for FuzzySlippers     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
VSL #3 has literally saved my intestinal tract.

You can order VSL #3 directly from the manufacturer. Their delivery is prompt, orders are accurate, and the probiotics are shipped in styrofoam/freezer-type disposable coolers with ice packs inside.

When the products arrive at my house they are still very cold.

Just my opinion, but I feel safer ordering it directly from the manufacturer because I KNOW they are shipping and handling this product safely and correctly. God only knows how long it would take my local CVS to get around to unloading a shipment and placing it in their refrigerators.

Even though all of the reputable companies allow for some travel time in calculating the potency of their products, I believe the less time in transit the better with purchasing probiotics.

By ordering directly from the manufacturer I am avoiding additional time in transit that purchasing from a middle-man (like CVS or Costco) would cause. Obviously additional time in transit from manufacturer to middle-man could cause the product to lose some strength.

Just my sorry old 2 cents.

Fuzzy

Posts: 503 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067

Icon 1 posted      Profile for seekhelp     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Does VSL contain any dairy/gluten in it?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
gemofnj
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15551

Icon 1 posted      Profile for gemofnj     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
seek,

im reading these ingredients from the bottle (i dont know what could be gluten product)

Lactic acid bacteria, microcrystalline cellulose, steric acid, silicone dioxide.

It says on the bottle it must be stored at 39-46 degrees F.
Quoting from the bottle: The Living Shield

"a medical food for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis."

225 billion live lactic acid bacteria per serving. 2-8 capsules or as directed by physician

[Smile] [Smile]

Posts: 1127 | From atlantic city, nj | Registered: May 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
FuzzySlippers
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13658

Icon 1 posted      Profile for FuzzySlippers     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
seek,


You might want to read the VSL #3 website, Frequently Asked Questions section:

http://www.vsl3.com/VSL3/about-faq.asp

You can also call the company, they have a 1-800 number with your questions. I did that before making my decision to purchase and they were very helpful.

I can't tolerate any dairy, nor any probiotic that contains outright dairy, and I'm doing just great with this product. I've been on it almost a year.

Fuzzy

Posts: 503 | From Maryland | Registered: Oct 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067

Icon 1 posted      Profile for seekhelp     Send New Private Message       Edit/Delete Post   Reply With Quote 
Thanks. I found the link yesterday that you posted. It was helpful!
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

Quick Reply
Message:

HTML is not enabled.
UBB Code� is enabled.

Instant Graemlins
   


Post New Topic  New Poll  Post A Reply Close Topic   Feature Topic   Move Topic   Delete Topic next oldest topic   next newest topic
 - Printer-friendly view of this topic
Hop To:


Contact Us | LymeNet home page | Privacy Statement

Powered by UBB.classic™ 6.7.3


The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA


| Flash Discussion | Support Groups | On-Line Library
Legal Resources | Medical Abstracts | Newsletter | Books
Pictures | Site Search | Links | Help/Questions
About LymeNet | Contact Us

© 1993-2020 The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Use of the LymeNet Site is subject to Terms and Conditions.