Probiotics

[FMmom]

Does anyone take a probiotic, either a pill or a yogurt containing it?

In the never-ending quest to get rid of stomach pain, the gastro doc said to try a probiotic. Kaelin said it hurt a lot -- and within three days, she had diarrhea. That subsided after a few days, but the pain continues. (The doctor gave her the choice in whether to continue taking it and she decided to keep trying it.)

It's been about two weeks and the pain is still there. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if eventually the pain goes away.

[Charlie Arnold]

I think I have read alot of advice against probiotics, I think FM leads to a strong build up of bacteria in the intestines and I have a feeling probiotics can make it worse.

I used to give Meg alot of natural live yoghurt though which I think was OK for her. But I used to homemake it to know it hadn't got contaminated.

[FMmom]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I remember when I first started researching the FM diet, I read this blog where the woman described yogurt as "hell in a plastic cup." Wasn't terribly interested in serving any of that to Kaelin...

However, I read through a discussion on an FM board and there were several people who advocated using probiotics -- and got downright indignent when people disagreed. So when gastro doc suggested trying it, I researched again and found this at Livestrong (www.livestrong.com/article/447370-fructose-malabsorption-and-probiotics/)

Bifidobacteria
One of the potential problem with fructose malabsorption is the excess production of gas by the bacteria in the intestinal tract. This is why adding probiotics can sometimes exacerbate your symptoms if you have fructose malabsorption. Bifidobacteria is probably the best choice in terms of probiotics because it doesn't produce gas, unlike other types of bacteria, as shown in a study published in the February 1998 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition." When buying supplements, look for good quality brands that have clinical studies documenting their role in human health.

Watch for Prebiotic
Some probiotic supplements can contain prebiotics. Prebiotics are food for the probiotic and healthy bacteria and help you to maintain a healthy and favorable gut flora. Some of the prebiotics that are most often used include insulin and fructooligosaccharides, which are chains of fructose that may be problematic for people with fructose malabsorption. Carefully check the ingredient list of any supplements, including probiotics, before buying to ensure they do not contain potentially problematic ingredients.

I bought a probiotic that contained ONLY the two cultures (Bifidobacteria being one of them) that gastro doc wanted Kaelin to take; there are no fillers, no prebiotics, nothing extra. I decided to take the probiotic at the same time and I felt nothing -- no gas, no diarrhea, no bloating, no pain. The health food store clerk just raved about how wonderful probiotics are and thinks everyone should take it every day, so I wanted Kaelin to continue if there is some value, but I don't see any value in causing more pain.

Thanks

[FMmom]

I thought I remembered reading that probiotics was a treatment for FM -- and I found the article I was looking for, also on LiveStrong: (www.livestrong.com/article/525062-does-fructose-malabsorption-go-away/?utm_source=popslideshow&utm_medium=a1)

Potential Treatment
More research is needed to fully understand the cause and then figure out a potential treatment for fructose malabsorption. In the meantime, some companies are trying to develop enzymes that can facilitate the absorption of fructose to prevent the unpleasant symptoms associated with the malabsorption of fructose. Probiotics, or gut-friendly bacteria, may also be a potential treatment option if an imbalance in the gut flora is really contributing to the problems; however, studies are needed to investigate these potential treatments. Consult your doctor or a health care professional before using any supplements.

I'll say from Kaelin's experiences, it's probably not a great treatment, but hey, at least I know I'm not crazy. I was sure I read that somewhere when gastro doc said to give it a try!

[scott]

Hi I was just researching the topic of probiotics with regards to my FM and it seems to me the whole thing is a big marketing hype like multi vitamins. Your gut contains some 400 different bacteria that are structured in a complex hiracial system. I don't see how taking 2 or 3 bacterial strains is going to restore balance. One radical approach which has had dramatic positive outcomes is fecal transplants, were healthy denatured poo from a healthy downer is deposited into to small intestine.

[Charlie Arnold]

Ewwww, not sure about that idea!!!!!!!!!!!!

But yes Scott, you are right, alot of the probiotics are a massive advertising oversell, the amount of sugar in alot of the probiotic drinks is quite shocking. However, proper probiotics I think could be beneficial to a strained digestive system through years of attack with things like FM and IBS etc but they need to be well formulated ones not just the mass produced cheap ones. Also a balanced, suitable diet is going to do far more good it just takes time.

[catherine]

Charlie
There is some talk about fecal transplants on the crohn forums. Not sure I ready for that either.

[Anne Offor]

I have been advised to take pro and pre biotics. Havent noticed any difference in my problems. Still have upset tummy on many occasions even though on the fodmap!!!
Taking a chemistry set of powders and pills, which is costing me a fortune each month do I carry on or stop!!!What would you advise. I am taking..
Nutrition Care gut relief.
Metagenics Gastro AG
Life Extension Mega EPA/DHa
Nutrition Care Polybac 8.
Diet, banana for brekky with green tea, very small gluten free sandwich with meat for lunch. meat and potatoe or rice of fish with a portion of broccoli and ending with some berries and more green tea.
I don't seem to be getting any better. Have had all the tests done confirming fruc mal, and gluten intolerance, but even find milk now a problem, seem to limp from one problem to another.
Really need help!!!

[Anne Offor]

Oct 17, 2013 7:24:22 GMT Anne Offor said:

I have been advised to take pro and pre biotics. Havent noticed any difference in my problems. Still have upset tummy on many occasions even though on the fodmap!!!
Taking a chemistry set of powders and pills, which is costing me a fortune each month do I carry on or stop!!!What would you advise. I am taking..
Nutrition Care gut relief.
Metagenics Gastro AG
Life Extension Mega EPA/DHa
Nutrition Care Polybac 8.
Diet, banana for brekky with green tea, very small gluten free sandwich with meat for lunch. meat and potatoe or rice of fish with a portion of broccoli and ending with some berries and more green tea.
I don't seem to be getting any better. Have had all the tests done confirming fruc mal, and gluten intolerance, but even find milk now a problem, seem to limp from one problem to another.
Really need help!!!

[Charlie Arnold]

Hi Anne, welcome to the board. To answer fully I need some more answers. How old are you, how were you diagnosed for FM and gluten intolerance and at what age did symptoms first start as that may give an indication of what level of FM you may have.
However in the meantime, if you haven't ever done so I would cut out all fructose, ie all fruit, veg and sugars for several months, allow the gut to settle down then start to add in stuff again.
Another thing to look into is a disaccharide deficiency as there look as though you may be reacting to several different sugars. This is something that we have started looking into for my daughter now and on a new diet she is starting to come on in leaps and bounds at last by modifying the diet and using enzyme replacers that we have found. With her then the missing component not excluded or limited was starch and now we are looking down that route she has improved dramatically.
Will look up the products you are taking and see if they give any clues but fill me in more when you have time. If you don't want to post it publicly then email me on [e-mail]