New recommendations have been issued by the American Gastroenterological Association regarding the use of probiotics to treat inflammatory bowel diseases and most other digestive disorders. They now officially support the recommendations that we have been promoting for many years. Namely, that the use of probiotics to treat IBDs and to treat and prevent digestive issues in general are contraindicated, except in special circumstances, such as preventing C. difficile infections.
New Guidelines Say No to Probiotics for Digestive Woes
All I can say is, "It's about time." I won't argue that there might be a few individuals who can tolerate probiotics, but the number of patients who have actually been helped by taking probiotiocs, compared with the number whose condition has been made worse, or at least not helped, clearly shows that their use is counterproductive for most people.
Many billions of dollars are wasted every year on probiotics because of aggressive advertising campaigns based on half-truths and biased research conclusions. Last year's global market for probiotics amounted to almost 50 billion in US dollars. Imagine how many useful goods could be purchased for that amount of money.
Tex
New Reccommendations Issued by the Gastroenterologist's Assn
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
New Reccommendations Issued by the Gastroenterologist's Assn
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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tommyboywalker
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 126
- Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2018 3:49 pm
Thanks Tex....
I'm definitely on board with these recommendations. There are SO MANY strains of probiotics. How would any of us know what strains will truly help you and which may actually harm you? You don't.
Taking them if you are taking antibiotics could have some value as the antibiotics do strip good bacteria, but even with this situation, how can you really know what strains of probiotic are right for your GI (as everybody's GI is absolutely unique) and what dosage could help you? Using them for C-Difficile would probably be the only situation I could be convinced to take probiotics, and that may even take some doing.
Probiotics are a total crapshoot in my opinion. And I believe they are heavily over-marketed. They of course sound great in theory. So if you wish, you roll the dice, you take your chances. Most studies for MC and other inflammatory bowel diseases show very limited effectiveness for flares and symptoms. And they can actually upset the apple cart and make things worse.
Not for me, I stopped taking them (and most supplements) upon diagnosis of MC. Rebuild your GI tract with a good diet, paying extremely close attention to your own food sensitivities.
I'm definitely on board with these recommendations. There are SO MANY strains of probiotics. How would any of us know what strains will truly help you and which may actually harm you? You don't.
Taking them if you are taking antibiotics could have some value as the antibiotics do strip good bacteria, but even with this situation, how can you really know what strains of probiotic are right for your GI (as everybody's GI is absolutely unique) and what dosage could help you? Using them for C-Difficile would probably be the only situation I could be convinced to take probiotics, and that may even take some doing.
Probiotics are a total crapshoot in my opinion. And I believe they are heavily over-marketed. They of course sound great in theory. So if you wish, you roll the dice, you take your chances. Most studies for MC and other inflammatory bowel diseases show very limited effectiveness for flares and symptoms. And they can actually upset the apple cart and make things worse.
Not for me, I stopped taking them (and most supplements) upon diagnosis of MC. Rebuild your GI tract with a good diet, paying extremely close attention to your own food sensitivities.