Probiotics: Yeast or Bacteria?

[JackieCalifornia]

Many of us seem to be taking probiotics with antibiotic treatment to replenish the gut flora killed off by the abx.

Here's my hazy understanding -- please let me know if you disagree or I've misstate something:

Facts:  1--Some of us are taking S. boulardii (brand name fl*rastor), which is a yeast.

2--Others of us are taking Lactobacillus, which has many variety, acidophilus being the most common, which is bacteria.

3--Abx kill bacteria.  Abx do not kill yeast.  Therefore the abx will kill both good intestinal bacteria which we need and the bad (Lyme) bacteria.  

Theory:  Yeast can colonize the gut to defend against the lack of good bacteria, so we want to seed the gut with good yeast like S. boulardii/fl*rastor.

Question:  Why not just take Lactobacillus to constantly replenish the gut?  Why is the yeast solution superior?

I'll be taking this up with my LLMD this week, and would appreciate any input you have to enlighten me. Will report back on what I learn.

[patsy10]

Let us know what he says.  Antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad.  So this lets yeast overgrow.  I have not had any problems with yeast just eating yogurt daily so I can't comment on the Floraster as I have no experience with it.

[JackieCalifornia]

thanks for this --

[wonko]

PS-A copy of the guidelines is linked from ILADS:

http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html

The same document is available on many sites so if this gets bleeped just search for Burrascano guidelines.  As far as I know, the 2008 version is the latest.

For those who may not know, Burrascano is an ILADS LLMD.  

[wonko]

I'm so glad you're working to get some clarification here, because I'm confused about what type of probiotics are best and how to protect the gut while avoiding yeast overgrowth.

Here is some text from the Burrascano guidelines (2008 version), which are freely available online so I do not think I'm breaking any MedHelp rules by posting them:

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1. PROBIOTICS (required when on antibiotics)
Kefir: This is a yogurt-like drink that is said to more permanently replenish beneficial flora. It is only necessary
to drink 2 to 4 ounces a day.
Acidophilus: the best kinds are frozen or refrigerated to ensure potency. Usual dose is two with each meal.
Plan to mix together several different brands to broaden the spectrum. Acidophilus can be gotten from most
vitamin stores but some generic brands are of unknown freshness and potency. An alternative that does not
need refrigeration and can be taken only once a day is a high potency, patented product called “Pro Bio” from
Pharmanex. The ultimate mix of pre- and probiotics with soil based organisms is a product called “Prescript-
Assist Pro” from Researched Nutritionals. This too does not need refrigeration.
In addition, have 4 ounces of sugar-free yogurt on occasion.

MANAGING YEAST OVERGROWTH
Many patients with weakened defenses, such as from chronic illnesses, including Lyme Disease, develop an
overgrowth of yeast. This begins in the mouth and then spreads to the intestinal tract. Therefore the primary
line of defense is careful oral hygiene, replenishing the beneficial bacteria by daily intake of yogurt, Kefir, and/or
acidophilus, and by following a strict low carbohydrate diet.

INTESTINAL TRACT: An overgrowth of yeast here will ferment dietary sugars and starches, forming acids, gas,
alcohols and a variety of organic chemicals. Symptoms include gas, bloat, heartburn and/or pain in the
stomach area, and because of the organic chemicals, there can be headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness,
wooziness and post-meal fatigue. To clear intestinal yeast, first the tongue and mouth must be cleansed so
yeast does not reenter the system with every swallow. Next, since yeast germs feed on sugars and starches,
follow the low carbohydrate diet outlined below. Finally, to replenish the normal, beneficial microbes, eat PLAIN
yogurt daily, drink Kefir, 4 ounces daily, and/or take acidophilus, 2 capsules three times daily after meals.

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So he doesn't seem to promote seeding the gut with good yeast.  

I've only taken acidophilus probiotics so far.  However, there's something I'm not doing right because I have had GI issues including constipation.

I'm currently working on adjusting my diet to eliminate sugar and reduce grains, and I'm hoping that will help overall!  I don't think I can eliminate ALL starches as recommended in the guidelines...

Thanks again for bringing this up, hopefully we'll all learn something to help us manage our stomachs a bit better.