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Old Apr 16, 2016, 04:20 PM
anon72219
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That's never fun! I had an extremely bad reaction to Cipro a few years ago - as most people do (it really shouldn't be on the market, IMO).

Anyway, I found this info as a result of that experience - you might already know this, but not all probiotic strains are effective for the same conditions. I've taken a variety ever since. A long cut-and-paste follows, but maybe you'll find something helpful:
Probiotics
The Right Probiotics for Your Stomach Problems and More|Page:4 - Digestive Health - Health.com

The “anti-antibiotic” probiotic
In a healthy body, trillions of bacteria colonize the skin, mouth, intestines, and genital tract. “They do a great job fighting off disease-causing microbes trying to gain entry,” says University of Washington epidemiologist Lynne McFarland, PhD, the coauthor of The Power of Probiotics. “But taking antibiotics can open up a window of opportunity for pathogens to move in.” So-called antibiotic-associated diarrhea, like Klawiter had, is a classic example, with C. diff being the most common culprit. Fortunately, three specific probiotic strains (S. cerevisiae boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Bacillus coagulans GBI-30) can reduce infection risk while you’re taking antibiotics and shortly after. That’s the vulnerable period. Researchers don’t know exactly how these good bugs do their thing; some believe they may simply overpower the invaders.

The “get well down there” probiotic
Even when you're perfectly hygienic, intestinal bugs can stray into your vagina and urinary tract. A healthy vagina is home to bacteria that repel these microbes. Unfortunately, antibiotics, douches, and spermicides can lower the levels of protective bacteria. Solution: Once or twice a day, take capsules of L. rhamnosus GR-1 and L. reuteri RC-14, which reach the vagina via the intestinal tract (just like the bugs they have been shown to repel). Once there, they muscle out the problem bugs associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary infections, and even yeast. In a study of 40 women with BV, two daily capsules containing these probiotics worked better than standard treatment with prescription metronidazole gel. In another study of 100-plus women, adding these probiotics to standard metronidazole therapy more than doubled the cure rate—from 40% to 88%.

The “boost your immunity” probiotic
Lab studies show that many probiotics have invigorating effects on the immune system. In theory, this should increase a person’s resistance to disease. But only a few strains, like L. casei DN-114001, L. rhamnosus GG, and L. acidophilus NCFM, seem to reduce the frequency and severity of illnesses like winter colds. In a study with 360 people over age 60, daily use of L. casei DN-114001 cut the duration of respiratory infections by a one and a half days and the severity by 20%. Similarly, in a study with 571 kids in day care, L. rhamnosus GG reduced both stay-at-home sick days and the number of infections serious enough to require antibiotics. And in a winter study of more than 200 preschoolers, the third strain (L. acidophilus NCFM) reduced the incidence of fever by 48%, cough by 42%, and antibiotic use by 68%. Researchers think similar benefits may be enjoyed by all age groups.

The “soothe irritable bowel” probiotic
Some 10 million American women know the belly pain and bloating discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Experts don’t fully understand what causes IBS, nor do they have effective meds to treat it. But some of the most encouraging news comes out of studies using the probiotic strains Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 and L. plantarum DSM9843. In two trials involving more than 400 patients, a daily dose of the first significantly relieved gut pain and discomfort. And in study of 60 patients, a daily shot of the second reduced gas by more than 50%.

The “fight eczema” probiotic
Scientists link a modern epidemic of allergic conditions with the relative lack of bacteria in our sanitized lives. And some research shows that certain probiotics raise levels of allergy-calming chemicals in the blood. But probiotics don’t appear to be all that helpful—with one exception: eczema, an allergic skin condition. Daily doses of L. rhamnosus HN001 or L. rhamnosus GG mixed into breast milk or formula substantially reduced the risk that children would develop eczema (but not other allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma, or food allergies).

The “avoid traveler’s diarrhea” probiotic
So you’re off to Mexico for spring break and dreading Montezuma’s Revenge? Understandable. Up to 50% of international travelers develop diarrhea caused by parasites and infectious bacteria in unsanitary water, which are common in less-developed countries. But don’t despair. Studies show that the S. cerevisiae boulardii strain reduces the risk of developing traveler’s diarrhea (if you start taking it a week before you go) and can help cure established infections.

Brands
Probiotic Food and Supplements That Really Work - Health.com

Culturelle
Lacto rhamous
Helps fight: Antibiotic stomach upset, colds and flu, maybe eczema
Dosage: One capsule a day
Purchase info: $24.99 for a 1-month supply; drugstores

Florastor
Saccharomyces Boulardii
Helps fight: Antibiotic stomach upset, traveler’s diarrhea
Dosage: Two capsules a day
Purchase info: $33 for 50 capsules; drugstore.com

Sustenex
Bacillus coagulans
Helps fight: Antibiotic stomach upset
Dosage: One capsule a day
Purchase info: $11-$13 for a 1-month supply; drugstores

RepHresh Pro-B supplements
Helps fight: Vaginal and urinary infections
Dosage: One capsule a day
Purchase info: $30 for a 1-month supply; drugstores

DanActive dairy drink
Helps fight: Colds and flu
Dosage: One (3.1-ounce) bottle a day
Purchase info: $2.50-$3.50 for a 4-pack; supermarkets

Attune bars
Helps fight: Colds and flu
Dosage: One (80- to 90-calorie) bar a day
Purchase info: $1.50–$2 per bar; supermarkets and natural-food stores

Align supplements
Helps fight: Irritable bowel
Dosage: One capsule a day
Purchase info: $43 for a 6-week supply; drugstores

GoodBelly probiotic fruit drink
Stonyfield organic activia yogurt
Helps fight: Irritable bowel
Dosage: One (2.7-ounce) bottle a day
Purchase info: $3.99 for a 4-pack; Whole Foods Market, Safeway, and specialty stores