Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotics Professional Formula with 5 Year Fermented Prebiotics, Live Active Probiotics and The only Product with Postbiotic Metabolites, 120 Capsules

Love this product!!!!

The "loading dose" some people describe in the reviews is something I could not find being recommended by any reputable doctor. I saw a few anti-vaxxer types recommend it and that was it.In the interest of pseudo-science, I tried it anyway. I took a box in a week. That was some expensive poo.Results? Well, the eczema I was caring for went away completely (maybe it would have gone on its own) and I can eat ice cream and cheese again (I've been lactose intolerant for decades). I'll probably have to keep taking the probiotic to keep eating milk products, but I'll go to the normal dosage now that my first box is gone and the "loading" phase is over. I won't ever really know if that "loading phase" was necessary or if somebody's advice just cost me an extra $40. You decide there.It is very difficult to find good information on probiotics on the 'net. I can tell you that a gastroenterologist recommended them to a close relative after colon cancer. He looked me in the eye and told me to take them too. Here I am. Again, this is not medical advice. Don't try to glean medical advice off the net or you might end up missing a section of colon. Got it? I'm just offering anecdotes.Why did I end up with Dr. Ohhiras? I liked the idea that they were essentially delivered in their own growth medium. It's nice that they do not require refrigeration. It's nice that Dr. Ohhira had a PhD (he's dead now) and actually studied fermentation and bacteria. You can find his research papers online.Do other brands have PhD's studying their own probiotic strains? Undoubtedly.Did I have good luck with this one? Oh yes.I have vague hope that in a year I'll be able to eat wheat again too.Did it cure everything I ever had? No. Of course not. The claims made about probiotics are ridiculous because supplements are not regulated and they are allowed to make all kinds of claims. If you've taken some anti-biotics, or you aren't digesting some things properly, or your doctor told you to take some, or you have specific health issues, then these appear to be a good brand to use. I know they are doing something because I couldn't eat milk products before - and now I can.I guess that's the best endorsement I can give it. I'm going to eat pizza now. BTW, if this doesn't work for you - Digestive Advantage Lactose Defense Formula has a similar action - these probiotics aren't unique in allowing the lactose intolerant to eat dairy - I just like that they deliver more strains of beneficial bacteria than only the ones that take care of milk.

I've used both formulations of Dr Ohhira's probiotics, they are both good and the ingredients just about match the prescription only probiotics the gastroenterologists are prescribing. With that said, I've had bouts of ulcerative colitis for 25 plus years, have tried all of the 5-ASA drugs and steroids to no avail. I suspect my condition started with long term use of Cipro which in turn caused an imbalance of flora in my gut (oddly enough, the only drug that has immediately stopped my bleeding was another antibiotic, amoxicillin given to me for an abscessed tooth upon which, after two years of bleeding, the bleeding stopped (I believe the amoxicillin knocked back the overgrowth of bad bacteria). Problem is the gatroenterologist will not prescribe it for a flare as it is not "in the book" (extremely frustrating). Nonetheless, the thought my gut flora was out of balance and subsequent research introduced me to probiotics. I tried them all and it was Dr Ohhira's original formula that brought any relief, it eased the flare. I recently had another flare and decided to try the Professional formula. After following the directions to take an initial loading of 5 in the morning and 5 at night, after 7 or 8 days I stopped bleeding (after 3 months of non-stop). I believe the addition of the postbiotic metabolites in the Professional formula made the difference, particularly after researching and understanding their purpose (and because I observed easing of symptoms when I ate the kind of fiber that creates these naturally for you). My take is these probiotics are the fast path to reestablishing a balance in gut flora. Everyone's flares are different so I will share that mine typically start after a little too much "vacationing" where I may imbibe more than usual (typically not a drinker) and when I overdo sugar (I have a terrible sweet tooth) and dairy (specifically milk). These seem to be a triggering combo for me when over indulged (moderation is something I appreciate more everyday). I believe my gut flora balance is borderline and sugars push me over the edge when too much consumed - and the bleeding starts. Hope this helps someone, ulcerative colitis is a maddening condition and a gastroenterologist, when pushed, will admit they haven't a clue why it occurs.