I recently met with a doctor in gastroenterology to see if there was anything else I could be doing to improve my IBS. She suggested a probiotic. It may or may not work, but it wouldn’t hurt to try. So I picked some up and gave it a try. The next day I was making a mad dash to the toilet. I should have looked at the product label! I’m usually pretty good about that, and if I had this time, I would have seen the probiotics contained FOS.
What is FOS? Well, most probiotics have what is called a “prebiotic,” which is what the probiotics feed on. These prebiotics are usually Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) or inulin. FOS is pretty much the definition of a FODMAP and I react horribly to inulin, so it’s no wonder the first probiotic I tried did not work.
The idea with taking probiotics is to repopulate your intestines with good bacteria and push out the bad ones, the ones that cause gas and diarrhea. It sounded like a good idea, so I set out to find a probiotic that does not contain FOS. I ended up deciding on HLC Intensive Capsules by Pharmax. I think it’s an excellent product, in my humble, nonprofessional opinion.
So far I would say that I have improved. My gut feels more quiet. Not as many noisy gas bubbles moving through and less of those mad dashes to the bathroom. Have you tried probiotics and have they worked for you?
I had the same thing happen – same reason FOS. I have been slowly adding in a little probiotics. I took too big a dose at first and I guess the die off of the bad bateria can cause some havoc for a few days. I need to stick with it!
Fingers crossed it helps you.
Thanks! I've been taking it slow too. Just one capsule a day.
I currently take Align and have been fine–no FOS in it! There is sucrose, but it's so little of an amount that I don't react to it. I take one a day for a month, with two months in between (if that makes sense). 🙂
Yes, that does make sense! I will have to try Align. Thanks!
I also have issues with Inulin! I have gluten intolerance, Lactose intolerance, Fructose Malabsorption and just IBS all around O_O It annoys me how many "gluten free" foods are filled with things like Inulin DX Speaking of probiotics reminds me I need to eat some of my lactose free yogurt! ::Noms::
First of all, I just love your blog – it's amazing:) I'm low FOD-MAP for the most part (though I tolerate some foods in small amounts).
Anyway, I like Phillips Colon Health probiotics and Renew Life brand probiotics. Both are very inexpensive and I find they work GREAT. I'll give the brand you mentioned a look-see though:) Thanks for sharing all your ups and downs. It's so helpful for everyone to see what works for some people that might be help our own GI issues.
Have a great day!
I know, inulin is everything, unfortunately! I think food manufacturers add it as a cheap filler to boost the fiber content. Thanks for your comment!
Thanks Heather! Glad you are enjoying my blog. I will have to try the probiotic brands you've mentioned. I love getting all of these recommendations!