I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis to 80% of my colon 2 weeks ago.
I suffered from consitpation prior to the diagnosis for about 5 months
and then after taking Metimusil I was having diarreah untill the diagnosis and pills.
Currently I am taking Salofalk / 2 tablets / 4 times a day.
My bowel movements currently fluctuate between almost normal and constipation with diarreah.
I currently have almost no bleeding and do not feel any pain, spasms, etc.
Could you suggest the best way to start taking the Natren probiotics
that I will be ordering from your site ?
Thank you

Hi, Starfire.

Here's a dosage summary, condensed from Jini's recommendations in Listen to Your Gut. In all cases, probiotics should be mixed in room temperature, filtered or spring water and taken on an empty stomach. To ensure that the stomach is empty, take the probiotics at least 20 minutes before eating and/or 2 hours after eating.

Also, make sure that you do not mix the various powders. Wipe your measuring spoon with a tissue between each probiotic or gently shake the powder into the measuring spoon from the bottles. If the species are allowed to mix in the bottles, one species may outcompete the other(s).

If you tend to be sensitive/reactive, try the following:

- Start with 1/4 tsp. of Bifido Factor powder 1-2 times per day. As you're able to, gradually work up to 1 tsp. of Bifido Factor 3 times per day. If unable to tolerate the Bifido Factor, try starting with the Megadophilus and then trying the Bifido Factor again later.

- Next, introduce 1/4 tsp. of Megadophilus powder 1-2 timers per day, mixed with 1 tsp. Bifido Factor. Continue taking 1 tsp. Bifido Factor 3 times per day. Gradually work up to taking 1 tsp. each of Megadophilus and Bifido Factor powders 3 times per day.

- Finally, maintaining existing dosages of Megadophilus and Bifido Factor, introduce the Digesta-Lac, starting at a low dose and gradually working up to 1 tsp. 3 times per day. Once all three probiotics are successfully introduced, consider performing Jini's Probiotic Retention Enema once per month for three months.

For a moderate approach:

- Start with 1/4 tsp. each of Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac powders 1-2 times per day.

- Gradually work up to 1 tsp. each of Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac powder 3 times per day. Once you've worked up to this dosage, consider performing Jini's Probiotic Retention Enema once per month for three months.

Fast approach:

- Start with 1/2 tsp. each of Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac powders 3 times per day for two weeks.

- Perform Jini's Probiotic Retention Enema once.

- Increase to 1 tsp. each of Megadophilus, Bifido Factor and Digesta-Lac powders 3 times per day. Perform Jini's Probiotic Rentention Enema once per month for three months.

In all cases, once you've maintained the dosage of 1 tsp. of each of the three powders three times per day for three months, consider cutting down your dosage. Jini's recommendation is to take 1 tsp. of each of the powders once before bed for the next six months. If symptoms warrant it, also take a dose first thing in the morning.

Refer to Listen to Your Gut for recommendations on ongoing maintenance.

Nicole

Nicole,
Thank you.
In my case do I order the dairy or dairy free type?
As well is there a big difference between the powder and tablets?
What is the healthy trinity probiotics?

Hi, Starfire.

If you have any suspicion that you may be sensitive to dairy, get the veggie-based ones. I started out with the dairy-based ones and did fine with them, but we're all different as far as what we're sensitive to, so go with whichever you feel will be best for you.

The Healthy Trinity product includes the three different probiotic species in one capsule. Natasha Trenev, the owner of Natren, developed a process whereby the three species are kept separate from each other within the single capsule.

Jini recommends the powders for most people for a few different reasons. For one thing, although they're not as convenient as capsules, the powders are definitely less expensive. More important, though, are the following. If you are having more than three bowel movements per day, capsules may not have time to break down properly in the GI tract; thus, you wouldn't be getting the maximum benefit. Also, using the powders allows the beneficial bacteria to colonize in the mouth and esophagus, not just further down in the GI tract.

I have always used the powders. I found the taste strange at first, but not unpleasant. Over time, I've grown to enjoy it.

Don't hesitate to ask, if you should have any more questions.

Nicole