DrRic Tutorial Probiotics 1

Probiotics are great. Studies will show this suppllement helps maintain "Normal Flora" in your digestive tract. You need normal flora for proper digestion. Antibiotics kill bad bacteria but they also wipe out your stock pile of good bacteria. I always give suggestions for starting a probiotic the same day I prescribe an antibiotic. Usually I say just finish off the bottle from your healthfood store refrigerated section (and most bottles are for 30days). For avoiding diarrhea from antibiotics-look for Lactobacillus GG, Lacto rueteri, Lacto sporogenes and Saccharomyces Boulardi. If there are more bacteria than the 4 listed-ok! For just maintaining good flora (like in IBD (D), Crohns disease or Ulcerative colitis-look for Lacto rhamnosus, Lacto rueteri, Bifidobacter and Saccharomyes B. You can ask your doc to write a prescription for VSL#3 (a prescription strength probiotic you take in powder form) and if covered, great.....although this probiotic has 300billion bacteria vs standard probiotics with 4 billion vs yogurt with 70thousand.