Probiotics for people, not cats

LTS3

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Does anyone here use probiotics for themselves? What brand do you use or recommend? I've been thinking of starting a probiotics to keep my fussy digestive system somewhat happy. Is there a specific strain of bacteria I should be looking for? Is multiple strain better than single strain? How many CFUs should I start with? I've seen products with as many as 150 billion CFU but that might be too much for my digestive system to handle right away.
 

lavishsqualor

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I was going NUTS looking for one for my cats, reading everything in the world online and becoming totally overwhelmed.  I finally had an "A-HA" moment and decided to call a friend who's an MD and that person said that they recommended Renew Life Ultimate Flora to patients because it's readily available, reasonably priced and an overall decent probiotic.  I figured if it was good enough for humans it was good enough for felines.  I also began taking it at the same time but haven't noticed much difference.  That said, I don't really have a fussy digestive system so they may be wasted on me.
 
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LTS3

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I acutally use the Renew Life Ultimate Flora Extra Care Probiotic 30 Billion for Leroy. Might need to buy one for myself now


Any pros / cons for a women's specific probiotic vs a general probiotic?
 

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I had some serious digestive issues after gallbladder removal in 2011. After 2 years of struggling, my doctor suggested trying a probiotic. I have been taking NOW foods 10 strain, 25billion for 4 years and now I would not go a day without taking them!  You want as wide a variety of strains as possible, I started with 25billion, I have a very sensitive gut so I don't want to push it! 

My kitten Buster was supposed to try taking Renew Life but I could not manage to get the capsule down the hatch and when I though I could pour it directly on his food, my vet said the contents of the stomach acids would destroy any useful good bacteria, that's why probiotics are enteric coated. But yes, you could certainly  share the bottle with your kitty.

Regarding your question as to a woman specific probiotic, I had done some reading and I could not see any magic ingredient in the designated "Women's" formula?

One other thing that you may find helpful...I started making myself a health "shake" with unflavored, organic Kefir Milk, frozen blueberries, half a banana and spinach or whatever greens in the house. You can use yogurt in place of kefir milk if it is more readily available. My doctor is really into this sort of nutrition, this is another way of getting natural probiotics and the result is actually pretty tasty and I have not had stomach issues for years!
 

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I take one with 5 strains of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic bacteria.  The probiotics feed on the prebiotics.  The more billions the better, 150 billion sounds great to me, as does 10 strains.  I take them as I have a very dodgy diet and can get bad breath caused by my guts, but probiotics eliminate this instantly after taking just one tablet.  And I do generally feel better for taking them, more alive, if you can see my meaning.   

@RuthM  your shake sounds lush.  I've been thinking about getting a bullet type personal blender.  I like vegetable juice, especially with celery.  

Live yogurt is a great way of getting probiotic bacteria into your system.  My mum used to make us chocolate yogurts when we were kids, yogurt making is surprisingly easy.  I'm minded to ask her for the recipe/instructions.  
 
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LTS3

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Regarding your question as to a woman specific probiotic, I had done some reading and I could not see any magic ingredient in the designated "Women's" formula?
The only difference I could see is that, in one brand I looked at, the women's formula has a higher CFU of certain bacteria strains than in the general probiotic.
So probably not worth the extra cost.
 
My kitten Buster was supposed to try taking Renew Life but I could not manage to get the capsule down the hatch and when I though I could pour it directly on his food, my vet said the contents of the stomach acids would destroy any useful good bacteria, that's why probiotics are enteric coated. But yes, you could certainly  share the bottle with your kitty.
Most people here on TCS just open the capsule and sprinkle the powder right into the cat's food. I think one of the popular links to info about using probiotics for cats says that the most of the bacteria will survive the acid in a cat's stomach.

I should eat yogurt more often. I really like a locally made brand but haven't bought any in awhile because the price went up to nearly $6 for a quart. The individual sized cups are over $2 now. The big name brands sold in supermarkets are just too sugary for me, even the sugar-free ones.
 

sivyaleah

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I had some serious digestive issues after gallbladder removal in 2011. After 2 years of struggling, my doctor suggested trying a probiotic. I have been taking NOW foods 10 strain, 25billion for 4 years and now I would not go a day without taking them!  You want as wide a variety of strains as possible, I started with 25billion, I have a very sensitive gut so I don't want to push it! 

My kitten Buster was supposed to try taking Renew Life but I could not manage to get the capsule down the hatch and when I though I could pour it directly on his food, my vet said the contents of the stomach acids would destroy any useful good bacteria, that's why probiotics are enteric coated. But yes, you could certainly  share the bottle with your kitty.

Regarding your question as to a woman specific probiotic, I had done some reading and I could not see any magic ingredient in the designated "Women's" formula?

One other thing that you may find helpful...I started making myself a health "shake" with unflavored, organic Kefir Milk, frozen blueberries, half a banana and spinach or whatever greens in the house. You can use yogurt in place of kefir milk if it is more readily available. My doctor is really into this sort of nutrition, this is another way of getting natural probiotics and the result is actually pretty tasty and I have not had stomach issues for years!
There are 2 widely recommended and available probiotics cats can use.

First is Azodyl. This one should be pilled, not opened although some people do.

The second, is Renadyl.  This one is human grade, targeted for those with kidney issues but anyone can use it.  Renadyl has twice the amount of colonies as the other - at 45 billion.  This one can be opened and put into the cat's food.  I am currently using it this way with our older boy who was diagnosed with kidney disease recently.  No problems with it at all.  

Both are pricey and require refrigeration once you get them home.  

Now for me - I also use a probiotic but in limited amounts. I take them when I am using antibiotics as it will help the tummy troubles that can arise from their use. So far I've been pleased with those results
 

artiemom

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The only difference I could see is that, in one brand I looked at, the women's formula has a higher CFU of certain bacteria strains than in the general probiotic.
So probably not worth the extra cost.

Most people here on TCS just open the capsule and sprinkle the powder right into the cat's food. I think one of the popular links to info about using probiotics for cats says that the most of the bacteria will survive the acid in a cat's stomach.

I should eat yogurt more often. I really like a locally made brand but haven't bought any in awhile because the price went up to nearly $6 for a quart. The individual sized cups are over $2 now. The big name brands sold in supermarkets are just too sugary for me, even the sugar-free ones.
Is there a Trader Joe's near you? Their yogurt is great. Shush--- semi secret, but it is made by Stoneyfield.. and is only 99 cents for a small container...

this is the only greek yogurt I buy...
 
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LTS3

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There is but it's a pain to get to because there isn't a bus that I can just hop on and get off. I'd have to take the bus into the square, another bus a couple blocks up the street, and then another bus which doubles back in the direction I came from to the store, assuming I don't miss the bus and have to wait a loong time for the next one (I hate those express busses and their limited schedules
). Basically the route via bus is a circle from where I live that will take close to an hour. Other option is to use a ride share service or bribe my brother. Would take like 10 minutes to get there.

I just ordered some more Renew Life probiotics. It costs a lot less online than the one I got from CVS even with a $3 coupon. I'll give it a go and see it helps. Leroy can always use it to keep his poop from clearing the room.
 
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LTS3

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Along the same lines, what does everyone think of digestive enzymes / pre-biotics? Does it help in addition to probiotics to keep the digestive system happy?
 

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Along the same lines, what does everyone think of digestive enzymes / pre-biotics? Does it help in addition to probiotics to keep the digestive system happy?
I should have said this earlier but have you been talked to your doctor and had any testing done?   In my two years of misery, I got to be on a first name basis with my gastroenterologist
My  gastro doctor said unless you have pancreatic insufficiency(white or light colored, loose and smelly stools) or test positive for cystic fibrosis, you probably don't need digestive enzymes. I actually did turn out to be lactose intolerant, and she told me that I could try taking lactase enzyme pills, which I do still use but I don't eat a whole lot of dairy anymore.  It probably won't hurt you, but I would discuss it with your doctor if it was me.
 

ruthm

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I take one with 5 strains of probiotic bacteria and prebiotic bacteria.  The probiotics feed on the prebiotics.  The more billions the better, 150 billion sounds great to me, as does 10 strains.  I take them as I have a very dodgy diet and can get bad breath caused by my guts, but probiotics eliminate this instantly after taking just one tablet.  And I do generally feel better for taking them, more alive, if you can see my meaning.   

@RuthM  your shake sounds lush.  I've been thinking about getting a bullet type personal blender.  I like vegetable juice, especially with celery.  

Live yogurt is a great way of getting probiotic bacteria into your system.  My mum used to make us chocolate yogurts when we were kids, yogurt making is surprisingly easy.  I'm minded to ask her for the recipe/instructions.  
I am very glad I have my blender, here in the US, we call it the Magic Bullet?  It is a sturdy little machine!

Could you share your mum's recipe for yogurt? Thanks!
 
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LTS3

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I should have said this earlier but have you been talked to your doctor and had any testing done? 
I've had plenty of blood tests and CAT scans done. The doctor hasn't figured out why I have abdominal cramping and pain and general digestive issues. IBS / IBD and a few other diseases have been ruled out.
 

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Has diverticulitis been ruled out?  My mum suffers it and has a terrible time of things ALL the time, poor thing.  
 

artiemom

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@LTS3    I may be giving out TMI here but, I had a bout of digestive issues: i.e. diarrhea for 5 months before I told my doctor about it. I had a colonoscopy with biopsy which showed microscopic colitis...

I had tried everything under the sun before admitting defeat to the doctor... probiotics, low fiber diet, extra yogurt, no milk products, staying away from gluten, etc.... nothing helped..

I am pretty much ok now... go from one extreme to the other.. so I can understand..

these are just thoughts....

Good Luck
 
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LTS3

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Has diverticulitis been ruled out?  My mum suffers it and has a terrible time of things ALL the time, poor thing.  
Yes.
My digestive system works normally for the most part. It's just the occasional cramping and pain and gurgles that's a PITA. Nothing in particular triggers the symptoms. I can be fine one moment and then have stabbing pain the next.

I just asked about digestive enzymes out of curiosity. I know there are brands of probiotics that also make digestive enzymes or a combo product. I've never taken probiotics before so that's why I asked for recommendations of good brands.
 
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