Why do you use Probiotics?

I have read that many of you use probiotics.  Why do you use them and where did you hear about them from?  What are the positive and negative sides of using probiotics.  Thanks to everyone *****plied.

Darlene

I started using them to help with my constipation problems and it has worked well. No negatives here!

Tracey:

Do you use probiotics everyday?  Thanks for your reply.

Darlene

Hi Darlene. Yes, I use them daily. I generally eat an activia light every day and then I do supplement from probiotics I got at the health food store. Daily use is what helps to keep me "regular" and if I miss a day or two I can really tell a difference.

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria that live in things like yogurt.  You eat the live bugs and they help.

But probiotics lately is where the food industry is just jumping on the latest bandwagon.  I just don't like when the scientists start adding the latest fad to things like PROBIOTIC CEREAL.  I mean, give me a break!  It's just a way to get more money from you.

So, probiotics are GOOD but please consume them in the foods that have had them for hundreds of years (yogurt, kefir, some cheese, etc) instead of new foods where the scientsts put them.  If the package says "Live and Active Cultures" you're good to go.

I can't eat yogurt, kefir, and cheese because I am severely lactose intolerant.  Even if I take Lactaid, I suffer horribly.

Therefore, I consume PROBIOTICS in a capsule but I buy a very high quality product (not just something you pick up at the grocery store or gas station).

So, not everyone can consume these beneficial bacteria through food alone.

My gastrointerologist started me on PROBIOTICS 20 years ago so even taking them through a capsule is not a new thing.

Look for high quality probiotics from long time, high quality companies.

Good luck!

Thank each of you for your answers.  One more question, do you take the probiotics every day?  Thanks in advance for your answers.

Darlene

Dear Darlene:

I take probiotics every day.  They take care of the "gas" problem that I have if I don't take them.

I take NSI ProBioSphere Acidophilus -- 90 Bio-tract® Sphere from www.VitaCost.com, one per day.  This is their house brand and comparable to the Acidophillus "Pearls" that you get at the store.  They are much less expensive this way though, I get 90 "spheres" for $8.88.  If I forget to take it, the gas it HORRIBLE.  If they help with regularity, that is a plus!

Hope this helps!

I take probiotics once a day, but not for gas or intestinal relief.  I still have terrible gas, and this does not seem to respond to any normal (suggested) treatment.  I take probiotics for what appears to be a "chronic" yeast infection.  I am not diabetic, but my flora and fauna seem to be out of whack.  Anyway, I started with two pills a day for several weeks, and then one a day.  It has worked wonders, and I do take a high quality pill.  Some pills have to be refrigerated, but this pill does not.  I purchased the product at Vitamin World.  Good luck with your research.

I'm with Sheron.  I take RepHresh Pro-B which is a probiotic feminine supplement.  It helps balance the yeast and bacteria in the vagina.  I've been taking these for a month now and so far, so good.  You swallow one small capsule a day.