Just saw on the news how taking Probiotics is good in helping to prevent colds. Does anyone take them and if so can you recommend which ones and where to purchase them from? What is your experience with them also?

(I DID try a "search" because I know I've read somewhere that some of you already take them.....but had no luck)
THX!!

Hi Disgal,
I'm not the expert here by any means, however I have been drinking some tea that I really enjoy the taste. I would drink it even if it didn't have Probiotics in it just because it tastes great. http://www.amazon.com/Bigelow-Herb-L...=probiotic+tea

Thanks!

Yogurt especially Activia .

Culturelle is a great probiotic. You can get it at Target, or Walmart, or any major chain. I give my kids the kid's version and it has made a big difference in their health...and their bathroom habits.

But, since you are an IPer, why not just eat probiotic foods? For example, sauerkraut is a GREAT probiotic and it's IP friendly.

Good luck.

LOL! Sadly I don't like Sauerkraut (despite being raised by a German Mom)!!
I just picked up a generic brand at Target for the time being. Thx!

I take them daily based on my doctor's recommendation. She suggested Align. Kind of pricey but worth it. I feel great.

I take Power-Dophilis, by County Life vitamin line. I got mine at Whole Foods. the Vitamin Shop carries lots of different brands. They are especially good for me to keep the candida at a manageable level. Candida makes it harder to lose weight, plus it can cause many uncomfortable things like headaches, insomnia, brain fog, etc. I've used Three Lac , which you can find easily on Ebay, although that is more geared toward handling candida, it's healthy just overall. For me, probiotics help my immune system a lot. I had that horrible flu recently, and just couldn't kick it until I started taking probiotics and electrolites.

I don't think you can really go wrong with them. they are all good for you, as far as I know. Maybe just get some basic overall ones, and see if it helps.

I have been taking probiotics daily since 2010 and have not had any major cold or flu since then (I also use turmeric daily in my cooking-both protect the immune system when used daily over long periods of time).

The brand I chose (after using many different kinds): Genestra brand HMF Forte capsules. Order off the internet (Google them). I have also used Dr. Ohara but that caused me intestinal distress.

I swear by probiotics, but you have to use them daily for a long time to reap the long term benefits. Don't expect a miracle overnight. it takes time to build up the good bacteria in your intestines.

I have GI issues, and have been taking a probiotic for years. I also like Power-Dophilis, but I think that the best probiotic for me, might not be the best probiotic for someone else. It was trial and error to find what worked best.

Sadly, I still get sick (actually I have had the flu since Friday -even though I had my flu shot!), but I also have two young children in school/daycare so there is always some germ being bounced around the house.

Thx all for the advice!

I didn't know they prevented colds and flus but I started to take them about 6 months into Phase 1 (2011) and haven't stopped (I just take a little less now). Originally started because I couldn't find a balance with being regular it was never 'balanced'.

HOWEVER since I've been in maintenance I've had two sinus infections (which aren't pleasant but something I get and I think it's just the way my sinus are 'made') and I've been on bulldozer antibodics for them and I've had no lasting effects from the antibodics...and I attribute it to my probiotics! Seriously I'd have to take further medication after antibodics to fix the damage from them.

I agree it takes while to build up the proper level...but I'm so impressed just by the difference that I'll never stop taking them!

Remember- it's not a solid probiotic unless it's refrigerated. This is due to the live active cultures.

The ones added to yogurt are NOT good strains since the dairy had to be pasteurized and homogenized first. That's just money down the drain.

I would recommend going to a natural food store or Whole Foods and discussing this with someone there. Depending on your age, goal for the use of probiotics, inflammatory state.... there are certain types of strains and number of strains you would want to get.

For immunity against cold and flu I would get Jarrow formulas 30 Billion Strains with FOS and take it with a good D3 5,000 IU strength together.

Take the probiotic on any empty stomach before breakfast (1 for under 150 pound person, 2 for 150+) and take the D3 after breakfast (2-3 caps).

This combination is 800% more effective than the flu shot itself without having to ingest calories or see dismal results from subpar brands like Align.

Really good sources of probiotics are homemade sauerkraut and pickles. But none that have been pasteurized (most available commercially). There are some great homemade sauerkraut recipes on paleo sites. You'd be eating the beneficial bugs your gut NEEDS!

Last time I ate some , my body responded by cleaning out. I need to incorporate more often

hmmm that is interesting, I would think the 'heat" would destroy the probiotics. ( I love tea)

I do take probiotics from Vitamin World, I do it because we do Not eat yogurt on this diet and I am suseptable to UTI/Yeast infections. Taking them certainly doesn't hurt anything, it helps out your "good" digestive bacteria, which is destroyed by anti-biotics, and if your pH is off.