Probiotics?

[Nicole29]

I'm wondering if anyone has information on, or has tried Probiotics? I've had several people recommend them to me. I would be happy if it helped with any number of things... I have emet and IBS so the slightest upset stomach or d* sends me into panic. I am looking for anything to help make me more regular - lots of yogurt, etc. My boyfriend also has really bad heartburn - almost daily. I bet he could benefit from prescription strength medication but he doesn't have insurance.

I have heard that probiotics helps with keeping a person regular, they help settle a stomach AND can help heartburn... this seems too good to be true. But I bought someone anyway at Whole Foods - they have to stay refrigerated.

Basically I'm just looking for any other experiences with this stuff, before we start takin em. Are there side effects at all? We take regular vitamins and supplements - but nothing that needs refrigerated. Input?

[KTB]

I think they're great. I take them (the refrigerated priobiotic capsule things) whenever I'm on antibiotics and they are BRILLIANT - they stop you feeling sick and getting that yuck upset stomach feeling that comes with antibiotics. I never had any side effects, or heard of anyone else having side effects. I think it's the same bacteria that's in yoghurt, just more concentrated, so I think it's pretty unlikely to have side effects. Read the box though. I'm pretty sure the ones you get here (Australia) don't list any side effects. I'd definitely suggest giving them a go. I've heard other people say they help with IBS too. Or, if you're not comfortable taking them (or want a chepaer option for your boyfriend) you could just try eating heaps of yoghurt (a good kind with lots of bacteria strains) and/or drinking yakult. Both of those are great for digestion.

[Nicole29]

Thanks, KTB - we'll start taking them tomorrow. I heard of supplements/probiotics that help specifically heartburn - have you heard of this? I think it's supposed to include aloe to help sooth the damage that's already been done to the stomach and esophagus.

[KTB]

No problem Nicole. I haven't heard of that, but it wouldn't surprise me if that works because for me, probiotics definitely help balance stomach acid issues, and I think stomach acid is what leads to heartburn too. Definitely worth a try!