I need to admit this to you guys - I know I'm not the only one

[AllieCat0817]

I have been using Chiro-Klenz tea - a senna tea- every night (sometimes twice a day) for the past 3-4 years (off and on, but mostly on). It started back when I first started LC and was 'backed up'. Upon doing some research and talking with a LC coworker, I started with The Ultimate Cleanse. When the 'cleanse' was over, I still felt like I needed a 'daily cleanse'. She brought me some Chiro-Klenz tea which she got from her chiropractor. I've been hooked ever since.

It first started as a way to 'go daily'. THEN it morphed into 'if I weigh after I go, then the scale will be down' = EATING DISORDER. I am ashamed to admit it, and another VERY IMPORTANT LCF thread has brought it to light to me that I have a problem. And I KNOW I am not alone. From what I understand this is a form of bulimia.

I will be 35 next month and have been feeling very crappy for the past 2-3 months. Extreme bloating and stomach discomfort- and ANYTHING I ate would cause it. I love salad-- but whenever I'd eat it, my tummy discomfort would double/triple and not go away for 2-3 days after eating the salad.

I love LC and it has taught me to crave the foods that nourish my body (raw veggies). I have been depressed because eating the foods I love so much was making me just sick AND make the scale go UP, no matter how much 'tea' I drank.

I thought about seeing a gastro-enterologist but I knew when they asked me what all I was taking, I'd HAVE to put down the tea. I also knew it was probably the source of my problems.

I kept posting on here asking you guys WHY does salad make me bloat. A very kind poster suggested that possibly lack of good bacteria in my intestine and that I needed maybe a probiotic. That made TOTAL sense to me-- my colon has been stripped and I had very little good bacteria. Saturday I felt so sick to my stomach I prayed to Jesus to please help me and also prayed that my colon would still move without the senna. How could I have come this far in my weight loss journey (supposed to be HEALTH JOURNEY), only to have damaged my body?

That started me on a search. I did a google search on 'laxative dependency' and 'probiotic'.. and found that a good probiotic can CURE laxative dependency. Then I did an LCF search and found that someone recommended Enzymatic Therapies brand Acidophilus Pearls. I have always eaten a TON of yogurt on this WOE, but those yogurt bacteria have not been enough- especially lately.

So I did some more net searching and found nothing but FABULOUS reviews for this product. I also searched the Thyroid-Info website (I am hypo and based on the urgings of NonstickPam, I talked a dr into starting me on some T3 meds as well as my T4).... on the Thyroid-Info website Mary Shomon (thyroid patient advocate) highly recommended Acidophilus Pearls.

MORE REASON FOR PROBIOTICS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A probiotic is an organism that helps to balance the intestinal tract. Probiotics are also frequently referred to as "friendly" or "good" bacteria.

Many people are familiar with acidophilus, one of the most well-known probiotics, and the "good bacteria" or "live bacteria" found in most yogurts.

These probiotic bacteria are those that when present in sufficient quantities in your intestines, will kill off and prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria -- pathogenic bacteria -- that can lead to digestive problems and disease.

When you eat foods containing probiotics, or take probiotic supplements, the probiotics help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract, and can actually help prevent some illness, or fight off other illness and disease.

There are two more reasons for probiotic supplements that are being reported in the research. Early results of research presented in April 2002 at a conference in Italy reported that as many as 18 percent of chronic migraine sufferers were infected with the bacteria helicobacter pylori - which has been found to be the cause of many ulcers.

Among those who tested positive for helicobacter pylori, use of antibiotics was an effective treatment for the headaches, and even better results were obtained when sufferers added the "friendly" bacteria probiotic supplement lactobacillus. The majority of those who added the supplement were free of migraines for a year, and the others had fewer and less intense headaches.

At the end of the year, only 20 percent of those who got antibiotics and probiotics to start, and then continued on probiotics for the year were still getting headaches. Headaches in the probiotic group occurred less often, were milder and went away more quickly than they did in the antibiotics group.

Preliminary research findings have also indicated that the risk of eczema can be reduced in infants who are given probiotics while they are being weaned from breastmilk. In the past, researchers have been able to determine that children with food allergies have a higher likelihood of overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the large intestine. A healthy, balanced ratio of good/bad bacteria is thought to help create a properly functioning immune system.

The researchers looked at 21 breast-fed infants who had already been diagnosed as having eczema, and were therefore at an increased risk of developing allergies. The infants were weaned to whey formula with and without probiotic supplementation. Stool samples were taken to test for levels and presence of good and bad bacteria. What the research found was that those who did not get the probiotic formula were more likely to have higher levels of bad bacteria. More studies will be needed to confirm these findings.

NOTE: In my new book, "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease," the importance of probiotic supplements for autoimmune disease sufferers is discussed. In addition to taking probiotics, there are a number of other immune-healthy changes you can make to your diet, and supplements to consider. Find out more about probiotics and other things you can do in the detailed diet and nutrition section of "Living Well With Autoimmune Disease." (Living Well With Autoimmune Disease -- Conventional & Alternative Answers for Thyroid, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Many Other Conditions)

If You Want to Take Probiotics

The biggest problem with probiotics is that few products actually deliver sufficient quantities of live bacteria to make an impact on your health. They can also be ridiculously expensive to get what is identified as a decent quality product. Many of the better products also require refrigeration, which means that you may be erratic at taking the product, and they don't travel well. Even then, consistency and delivery of most probiotic products is iffy at best.

After looking at various products, I've agreed with a number of practitioners I've talked to in deciding that the best product on the market is "Acidophilus Pearls," from Enzymatic Therapy. Each tiny pearl - they come in a punch out pack of 30 -- is easy to swallow, no refrigeration required, no messy powders. The technology protects the live bacteria, and each pearl delivers millions of live bacteria. All you need is one per day - no need to take them all day long, or pills and powders with each meal. I've been trying for years to regularly take probiotics, and have never been good about it because of the refrigeration issue. Now, I keep it with my thyroid medicine, and take it every morning. Can you tell I LOVE this product!?

You can get Enzymatic Therapy's Probiotic Pearls at most good health food and vitamin stores.

Friday night was the last night I used the tea. Saturday I got some of the Acidophilus Pearls as well as the Pearls Express lemon flavored powder. I took one pearl and later in the day used the powder. I have felt normal, not bloated and REGULAR ever since.

I tested it yesterday by eating a salad at lunch AND dinner (I also take Digestive Enzymes supplement). NO PROBLEM and able to 'move' several times a day without effort.

I also did the yeast spit test and it tested positive. I just came off a round of Cipro for a UTI, and two of my fingernails show signs of fungus. I have been on prednisone and MANY rounds of antibiotics for past sinus and UTI infections, and have been on oral contraceptives for 10-15 yrs. I have also fought with yeast infections down south as well. I ordered some Threelac and am anxious to start it as well. I also quit my oral contraceptive.

Thank GOD I am ok, I think. I know I am not alone in this, I KNOW I'm not. If this can help one other person then it was worth it to tell the story. I feel like I am on the road to recovery and my tummy is thanking me. My weight has also gone down a bit since starting the probiotic (probably killing off some of that yeast already). I feel like I can eat the LC foods I crave and be ok. And I don't feel 'dependent' on the tea any longer.

I still have my mental 'weight' issues, which I will always have. But physically I feel alot better. I also feel much more energized with my workouts (due in part to both the probiotic and the new T3 thyroid med).

I love you all, and I can just say that this board has saved me on many an occasion. I think possibly MOST of us have mental body image issues, and MANY of us are doing unhealthy things to our bodies for the sake of being skinny. We have to take care of ourselves. Me turning 35 next month-- made me really want to wake up and 'fix it'.

Thanks for reading and be blessed and know that probiotics rule! If anyone thinks they might have IBS, or are just bloated and tummy crampy and gross feeling all the time, TRY ACIDOPHILUS PEARLS. Don't give up.

[francine]

allie: thanks for sharing. you're still an inspiration. I have problems with IBS and experiencing alot of bloating and I think I'll try the pearls.

[teri f]

Bless you Alie. Years ago I abused over the counter laxatives and it turned into the same deal for me. It was awful. It was also dangerous because alot of my blood work was really screwed up at the time. I was depleting my electrolytes and having some serious heart rhythm disturbances. It was ALL body image and eating disorder related. It's a vicious cycle that gets out of control very quickly.

I'm so glad you were able to figure out what your problem is and find a solution. I'm also glad you are feeling better. I was told a long time ago that we are only as sick as the secrets we keep and the truth will set us free. Glad you found that to be true as well!

[lil miss]

allie-You are doing great, recognizing when you had a problem and addressing it! It was very brave of you to post this and I am sure it will help others!

[AllieCat0817]

Honestly, weight loss forums have taught me that there is really no need to be ashamed of our weight (start weight included) and everyone is in the same boat (to varying degrees). There's no shame in it- and knowing that other people are in your boat is a big help. I mean yeah I'm ashamed to admit what I did, because I have been put on a 'pedestal' by many people here. Put no one on a pedestal, because we all have our issues. Seriously.

[Tooter]

Allie, that was HUGE! I am so thankful that you realized all of this and also shared it with all of us. I'm sure there are others going through this and it will also help them and let them know that they are Not alone.

I just want to add something, It takes "time" for your body to heal up. There is no quick fix. Take your time.

The entire reason I started low carb years ago (I was here when they started this board and even on the board BEFORE this one) was because of IBS. When I was younger, I was anorexic and then bulimic. That does take a toll on your insides.

As I said, I have had to learn to eat all over again. I have found a balance of low carb, fiber and probiotics. I have no symptoms now (as long as I eat to keep that balance).

In finding that "Balance" There were bouts of bloating etc. It takes time to get in tune with your body (learning about it) and for your body to heal.

It's a "Journey", my friend. A Journey to good health.

You can do it. One step at a time and one day at a time.

[AllieCat0817]

Tooter girlfriend, I LOVE FOOD. Not eating just isn't an option. You know I am an advocate for eating a good amount of calories made up of the right foods, including good carbs. So 'eating well' isn't the issue for me-- it's wanting my tummy to feel 'empty' after I have eaten it! sigh

Yes, it takes time, and absolutely no quick fix. But these probiotics really have made an instant difference physically as far as how my tummy feels. Thank God.

[sugarless4life]

Alliegirl, it took alot of courage for you to step up and admit that there was a problem .. I am so so proud of you and thankful that you are on the right track now! Love ya girlfriend!

Betty

[AllieCat0817]

Love you Betty, ALWAYS girlfriend!
It's too easy to take things too freakin far.

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

Tooter girlfriend, I LOVE FOOD. Not eating just isn't an option. You know I am an advocate for eating a good amount of calories made up of the right foods, including good carbs. So 'eating well' isn't the issue for me-- it's wanting my tummy to feel 'empty' after I have eaten it! sigh

Yes, it takes time, and absolutely no quick fix. But these probiotics really have made an instant difference physically as far as how my tummy feels. Thank God.

They made me feel worse, until I got better. It took time for "me" to heal. I'm glad they are working for you.

[Peony]

Good for you for taking the time to research this and find out you solution. I've had yeast in the past and I couldn't believe all the symptoms it caused. I'm glad you're off the tea. I remember once on TV, they showed a young woman who died unexpectedly and they discovered it was because she was drinking a "dieter's tea" which totally messed up her electrolytes and killed her.

BTW, what is the yeast spit test?

[AllieCat0817]

Hey,
I found this for the Yeast Spit Test. It may or may not be accurate, BUT I also have experienced all of the things I listed above (extended oral contraceptive use, many rounds of antibiotics/prednisone, nail fungus, yeast infections, plus other physical symptoms).

[LaurieRobo]

Allie

Seems like there have been a ton of emotions brought up for a lot of us on the other thread. I have totally refused to comment on the laxative issue - well until now... you've opened up the door.

I too last summer started using Smooth Move tea on a pretty regular basis to stay regular. I have ALWAYS has bowel issues all my life - bingeing when younger didn't help.

I have been using this pretty regularly since last summer, once (sometimes twice) a day. With all the other issues brought to light for me - I have been trying to wean myself off and am down to every other day and after this weekend will go 3 days etc... don't want to shock my system too much.

I do eat a ton of yogurt and at least one glass a day of my home-made kefir daily and will look at an addition proboitic as you mentioned.

At 42 I am trying to be the healthiest I can and this is my last step getting there. Thank you for sharing - GIRL - I'm with you!!!!

This has been a very EYE OPENING couple weeks!!!

[thindreams2reality]

I'm glad you're feeling better now.

[Tooter]

Allie, I was on Antibiotics as a Teen for 2 years for acne. *shiver* and then in my 20's I had 4 babies in 6 years.

Oh, I tried going to the doctor about it. I knew it was yeast over growth (Even had a carpet on my tongue).

The doctor looked at me like I was crazy. Said that I couldn't have the "Yeast" problem unless I had Aids, diabetis or Cancer. I said "Then what in the heck is on my tongue"? He looked at it and was clueless. Gave me some meds for 7 days that he said would cure ANY yeast problem. I said "What about diet and further treatment"? He said I didn't need it.

I took the meds and of coarse was sick as a DOG for 7 days. The yeast left my tongue on the 2nd or 3rd day, but came right back after the Medication stopped.

It was THEN that I threw up my hands at the doctors (For the yeast and IBS) and started my own journey with eating right. I was doing a search on the anti-yeast diet and realized that it was very close to Low carb.

Low carb seemed like something that could be done for the rest of your life.

So, that's how my "Healing" journey started.

It's good to know that Today Doctors are much more aware of the problem and that there is much more information out there for all of us to find.

[AllieCat0817]

Laurie-- I knew it would open the door for someone besides me. I promise there are more folk out there with the same issue. As long as you recognize it for yourself that is all that matters. I personally wanted to post it, because I KNEW other people were out there, and because I found something that really is helping. Yeah that thread has opened a whole can of worms for sure. Good worms though!

Tooter, I am also convinced that doctors just have NO CLUE. Which is why I knew I had to figure this out on my own - I already knew that ahead of time. We have to be our own 'patient advocate' because they are about lining the drug companies' pockets.

[Melle's_Sweetheart]

Allie:

The most important part of all this is that you recognized what you were doing wrong and you corrected it.

Don't obsess over it any longer....if you're still feeling symptoms after today, see your doctor and tell him/her exactly what you told us.

Oh--I almost forgot---acidopholus is a great thing...I've been taking this since 2001 when a friend of mine mentioned that I could have "gut yeast"....

*hugs*

[weasel!]

Allie, you might want to check out the work of Kristena Amelong program. She's a woman who dragged herself through years of raw foods, lowfat, and such. Now promotes natural fats, traditional foods and colon heath, including probiotics. She's into metabolic typing.

Also you might want to look up the Weston A. Price Foundation, the work of Sally Fallon and Mary Enig.

Sorry if this is already old hat!

Glad you posted about all this. All the best with your journey to total-self heath.

[gotogirl]

Allie,
I have used the Enzymatic probiotic pearls before and they help a lot. I found that the best way to use them is the way Ann Louise Gittleman says:
Divide the 60 tablets (in a box) into 6 sections of 10 each. Then take 5 each morning and 5 each evening for 6 days. I know that's different from the package directions but it really works wonderful. She says that most people don't really take enough to do them much good. After this, you might do it again once or twice a year.
You might read Gittleman's books (or website, if she has one). She's really good on health issues.
Thanks for all your ability to touch on issues that all of us have.

[AllieCat0817]

Weasel-- thanks for that info, I am famous for my 'google searching' and will look at those too! Every bit of info helps.

[AllieCat0817]

Originally Posted by gotogirl

Allie,
I have used the Enzymatic probiotic pearls before and they help a lot. I found that the best way to use them is the way Ann Louise Gittleman says:
Divide the 60 tablets (in a box) into 6 sections of 10 each. Then take 5 each morning and 5 each evening for 6 days. I know that's different from the package directions but it really works wonderful. She says that most people don't really take enough to do them much good. After this, you might do it again once or twice a year.
You might read Gittleman's books (or website, if she has one). She's really good on health issues.
Thanks for all your ability to touch on issues that all of us have.

Actually YOUR POST was one of the ones I read on here, after doing a search about the product! I even went to Louise's website to look where she recommends that but couldn't find it anywhere-- or is that in one of her books? Please tell me, when you did the 10 pearls a day, how specifically did your body react?? I'd appreciate that info!

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

I have about quit posting anymore but I thought I needed to respond to you.

NO, you are not the only one. I went thru something very similar. A dear posting friend, Lowcarbette, kept telling me it wasn't good for me to take those laxatives. I took Senna, Epsom Salts - anything to keep myself cleaned out constantly. I felt so bad I could hardly stand it and that was the main reason I stopped the habit. I don't know if it was what caused a lot of my gastro problems or not but I saw a Gastroenterologist for about a year. I did find out, not only had I destroyed my good bacteria, I had left a lot of the bad bacteria that is so hard to kill. (I'm not saying this is what caused the bad bacteria because I don't know for sure). Anyway, I had to take two rounds of very expensive antibiotics to try and eliminate the bad stuff and took a lot of good probiotics purchased from Whole Foods. My doctor plans to test me again in about six months. She said I needed to wait awhile. The habit helped keep me nice and thin and feeling so bad; probably kept me from eating. That is one way my weight dropped to the low 90's. Also had a ruptured appendix. Don't know what caused that either but I will say, I know that darn habit of laxatives is NOT good for us. I no longer abuse laxatives, very rarely even take a mild one. Eating more salads, fruit, and whole grains as well as taking a high potent 369 oils helps keep me fairly regular.

No, you are not alone. I've been thru it and it aint good. If anyone is abusing laxatives, and Senna is really bad IMHO, please stop. Its not a good habit. It can do some damage which may be hard to cure.

You can do it Allie. Good Luck.

Ann

[AllieCat0817]

Granny Ann THANKS SO MUCH. Please-- why have you quit posting? Please don't. Stuff like THIS, everyone needs to read. It is an EASY habit to slip into. VERY EASY.

[Yellobrix]

You really deserve to take a bow for your integrity and honesty in sharing a very personal struggle!

Yes, having overall intestinal health and balance is so important -- we love to giggle and act embarrassed, because, well, it's POOP! And poop is funny. Until you either can't, or can't stop.

Just FWIW, I take a probiotic supplement that contains both acidophilus and FOS, which is a type of fiber that bacteria use for growth. FOS is a "prebiotic" rather than a "probiotic."

I first became interested in all of this when my sister developed life-threatening food allergies as a direct result of not having the right type of gut flora. After about 2 years on a strict elimination diet, she was able to return to normal eating habits. Later, I had a scare hit even closer to home, when a round of antibiotics killed off my husband's gut flora. He was already experiencing extreme side effects from Lipitor -- once he was on antibiotics, his vitamin K levels dropped so low that he developed a pretty scary bruising & bleeding problem. I had no idea, even after all of the reading I had done previously, that the bacteria in your intestines provide your body with vitamin K! No K = no ability for your blood to clot.

And, obviously, there's the issue of candida. Not only does acidophilus help keep candida in check, but also you can do things to kill off the candida and so in reverse, make the friendly bacteria do their job easier -- whenever I feel "candida-ish" I take capsules of dried olive leaf for several days. Often, if I feel strong sugar cravings, it's because candida is out of control.

You're awesome, Allie -- thanks for sharing! Everyone here feels stronger when someone like you speaks out!

[Diana]

I know that was hard to post! I am glad you have found something that works for you. I love yogurt and eat it everyday, now I wonder if it is enough?

Ann- it's good to see you posting.... Miss you much

[AllieCat0817]

Originally Posted by Yellobrix

You really deserve to take a bow for your integrity and honesty in sharing a very personal struggle!

Yes, having overall intestinal health and balance is so important -- we love to giggle and act embarrassed, because, well, it's POOP! And poop is funny. Until you either can't, or can't stop.

Just FWIW, I take a probiotic supplement that contains both acidophilus and FOS, which is a type of fiber that bacteria use for growth. FOS is a "prebiotic" rather than a "probiotic."

I first became interested in all of this when my sister developed life-threatening food allergies as a direct result of not having the right type of gut flora. After about 2 years on a strict elimination diet, she was able to return to normal eating habits. Later, I had a scare hit even closer to home, when a round of antibiotics killed off my husband's gut flora. He was already experiencing extreme side effects from Lipitor -- once he was on antibiotics, his vitamin K levels dropped so low that he developed a pretty scary bruising & bleeding problem. I had no idea, even after all of the reading I had done previously, that the bacteria in your intestines provide your body with vitamin K! No K = no ability for your blood to clot.

And, obviously, there's the issue of candida. Not only does acidophilus help keep candida in check, but also you can do things to kill off the candida and so in reverse, make the friendly bacteria do their job easier -- whenever I feel "candida-ish" I take capsules of dried olive leaf for several days. Often, if I feel strong sugar cravings, it's because candida is out of control.

You're awesome, Allie -- thanks for sharing! Everyone here feels stronger when someone like you speaks out!

Yello-- YES, the Acidophilus Pearls lemon powder DOES have the FOS - prebiotics! It works fast too...... 'grows the bacteria' faster!

[AllieCat0817]

Diana,
I don't think yogurt is enough. If you aren't having any instestinal issues then maybe it's enough for you though!!

[Tooter]

Originally Posted by AllieCat0817

Diana,
I don't think yogurt is enough. If you aren't having any instestinal issues then maybe it's enough for you though!!

Here's where the trial and error comes in. Too much probiotics can cause problems, bloating etc. Not enough, doesn't keep the yeast at bay.

Usually with Yeast problems you go through a DIE OFF period that is extreme. The yeast die off and the toxins they release causes the problems in your intestines. Too much can do this.

This can be really hard to handle. It's the reason I didn't stick with the anti yeast diet with tons of probiotics. I felt bad enough as it was, To go deeper into feeling bad wasn't going to help me (nor where I was at in my mindset).

Slowly, with low carb and "tweaking" the fiber and probiotics I am at the place I am now. I had time to heal and I'm in a great place. I'm sure I'm not done yet, either.

We can never get rid of yeast completely. There is to be a "Balance" in our flora and that is what is to be strived for.

So, don't be upset if all of a sudden you have symptoms when you are trying to do the right thing with probiotics. It's most likely a case of "Die off". You either Buckle up and live through it (realizing what is going on) or you adjust (go a little lower and slowly add more later) or you keep where you are at, without the symptoms, knowing that in "time" things will balance out.

Oh, and some medications will throw ALL THAT for a loop. I refuse to take an antibotic unless it truly is nessasary. Knowing Full well, I will have a recovery on my hands again and will feel sick, tired and depressed. I'll have to be strict in my eating and strict in taking probiotics.

That's why There is never an end to it and one answer doesn't fit all, nor will the answer right now, fit you later.

[Diana]

Well..... I could use some help! LOL I'll order some today... how about the Super 8 that Netrition has?

[Diana]

Super 8 too much maybe? How about aldults blend?