Probiotics and Prebiotics

Just diagnosed with pancolitis. Just spent 12 days in the hospital -- all totally new to me. Now on prednisone 40 mg and remicade. Want to start pro or prebiotics. What is the difference? I know I can look it up on line, but you guys are much more helpful. Thanks. Need a nap right now.
Charmin

Probiotic cultures are live micro-organisms that, when consumed in sufficient amount, can provide health benefits to the host. These cultures survive the digestion process intact and deliver good bacteria to the large intestine, where they can contribute to the well-being of the digestive system. Probiotics are commonly found in yogurt and milk.



On the other hand, prebiotic (inulin) is a soluble dietary fibre which is not digested in the stomach or small intestine and reaches the large intestine intact. Prebiotics are non digestible carbohydrates that stimulate the growth and metabolic activity of certain bacteria that are useful to the intestinal flora, thereby providing good digestive health.



Eaten together on a daily basis, probiotics and prebiotics act symbiotically to optimize digestive health, contributing to overall health and —ultimately—to one's wellness and vitality.

:)

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My bum is broken....there's a big crack down the middle of it!  LOL  :)

Thank you so much for the reply. That really gives me a great basic understanding as I begin my journey.

You're very welcome...a good probiotic that I use is called primadophilus reuteri made by natures way, I buy the caps but it comes in powder as well (and some are taking pearls).

:)

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My bum is broken....there's a big crack down the middle of it!  LOL  :)

A good, decently-priced prebiotic supplement is inulin by NOW. I've taken it in the past, but didn't stick with it long enough to see if it did anything for me. It did seem to cause me some gas, so make sure to add it in slowly. Probiotics can cause an increase of gas at first, too, (they didn't for me though) but this should go away in a week or two. Some dietary sources of prebiotics include soybeans, Jerusalem artichokes (which contain inulin), jicama (also containing inulin), chicory root (inulin source), raw oats, unrefined wheat, and unrefined barley. FOS is a prebiotic that is often added to foods.

I take the same probiotic as pb4. I've also used Ultimate Flora probiotics, which were good, but they were more expensive. I buy most of my probiotics and prebiotic supplements at iherb.com. They have pretty good deals. Probiotics are also in yogurt, kombucha and kefir. I would suggest yogurt brands like Stonyfield Farms and Brown Cow. They have more strains of bacteria in them and less added preservatives (if any) and sugar.