Got probiotics?
If most gastroenterologists had their way – you would. With the simple addition of probiotics into your daily regime, you may begin to have noticeable improvements in your GI health.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are over the counter supplements that are potentially helpful with celiac disease and other bowel irregularities. Probiotics are essentially healthy bacteria that help to keep the delicate balance in our digestive system in check. We don’t want bad bacteria to overrun the good or wipe it out altogether with long term antibiotic use.
Once diagnosed with celiac disease and following a gluten free diet probiotics may be helpful with: leaky gut, ongoing digestive symptoms and food sensitivities.
Can you feel the pain of someone with celiac disease? With a damaged gut, inflammation, bloating, irregular bowel habits and chronic stomach pain people with celiac are usually desperate to find something to help them limp along with the healing process.
Where can I find probiotics?
They can be found at pharmacies, online, grocery stores, health food stores and most places that sell health basics.
What kind are recommended?
Whatever you choose, be sure it is gluten free. In general the more strains and the higher the bacterial count, the more they will cost.
We saw a pediatric gastroenterologist at The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center this summer who also happens to be a probiotic specialist.
Dr. Guandalini has three favorites: VSL #3, Culturelle and Align.
- Check with your gastroenterologist and see what their recommendations are for you and your current health situation.