Probiotics for severe constipation with diarrhea, H. Pylori, fatigue, headaches, and foggy brain.

Q. Should I try your specialized HMF Probiotics? Here are my problems: I normally only have a bowel movement (BM) once a week or less, then a bout of diarrhea. I have painful pressure feeling in my upper abdomen periodically. Test for H. Pylori came back positive I went on antibiotics and an acid reducer. I've continued to have that pain.

In addition to those problems, I've struggled with extreme fatigue, sleepiness, fogginess and headaches for years. I was overwhelmed by all the choices on your website and hope you can provide some guidance on what would be good for me to try.

A. Due to the complexity of your health concerns, you need a more in-depth nutrition consult. Here are some ideas for products to get your started toward better GI health.

I recommend you start with HMF Intensive caps since it contains no FOS (FOS is an ingredient that you can use in the future with great success once you have recolonized your flora a bit better). HMF Intensive will help start colonizing your intestinal tract.

Since you tend to have some diarrhea, I would recommend starting with 1 capsule a day with a meal for 5 days to help your intestines slowly build up the probiotic. If you do not have diarrhea during those 5 days, then increase to 1 capsule with a meal, twice daily. These boxes only have 30 capsules, so I suggest buying 2 boxes so you have a good supply.

After you have been on these for about 25 days, if your friend has some HMF Powder you could try, this would be a good idea to see how you handle the FOS in this product. If you could get about 2 tsp's from her to try for a couple of days would be good. Start with 1/4 tsp with a meal twice a day, the go to 1/2 tsp twice a day. If you have no GI symptoms (gas, bloating, cramps) then you could probably go with this product moving forward on your next order. If you do have any symptoms, this can be a sign that you have some negative bacteria causing the dysbiosis you are having.

Since you have tested positive for H. pylori, and continue to have intestinal issues, it could be that you still have it. It is very difficult to get rid of, even with antibiotics, it can still come back. I would also recommend getting on GastroMend by DFH. It is formulated to help protection against H. pylori, and help with healing the damage to the intestines caused by this organism. I would recommend taking 2 capsules, twice daily on an empty stomach. You may want to take this for 3-4 months to help improve the dysbiosis.

H. pylori often comes about due to low output of stomach acid during digestion. Your stomach acid is the body's first line of defense against this harmful organism. I, personally, do not like people to use acid blockers unless there is no other alternative. It may be helpful to eat smaller meals, and do not overeat or drink at a meal so you will have more efficient digestion of your food. Sometimes it is helpful to also take digestive enzymes (with possibly Betaine HCL) to make digestion better. To start with, a good one for many components of food is this: Similase by IT - try 1-2 caps with meals. You might start with the smaller size to see how this works for you.

Your dysbiosis and hormone situation can definitely be playing into how you are feeling. I would also recommend getting tested for food sensitivities/allergies, as dysbiosis damages the intestines and makes people more prone to developing food sensitivities. Many of the symptoms you list can be associated to food sensitivities.

If you are interested in exploring this further, we do have a reputable lab we work with that offers IgG4 30 Food Antibody test for $130. It is a test you can do at home using a lancet to prick your finger for a drop of blood, then sent the sample to the lab for analysis. Contact us to purchase this test. By eliminated foods that are causing you to have reactions, can greatly help in intestinal healing.

Natural Suppository for Strep B Vaginal Bacteria

Q. My gynecologist indicated that I had strep B (vaginal bacteria). She didn't prescribe any antibiotics, as she believes it can leave naturally. Do you have a protocol to suggest or any products which could help me?

A. We do have a suppository that is indicated for strep B. It is called Suppositories #1 by Wise Woman Herbals. It contains herbs that are specific to killing these bacterial infections. Insert one 3-4 inches into the vaginal canal at bedtime with an applicator if you have one or use a clean finger (some women use medical gloves). Unfortunately, these do not come with applicators. You may wish to wear a pantyliner to catch any leakage during sleep.

Optional, yet stated on label: "The morning following application, douche with warm water or WWH herbal Douche."

You might start with the 10 count to see if that does the trick. I would also recommend HMF Intensive Probiotic while taking this. Take one a day with meals. After finishing the 10 days of the suppositories, I would recommend using 1 probiotic as a suppository at bedtime for a few nights to help replenish the good bacteria in the vaginal canal.

As long as you do not have a bad infection, this should do the trick.

What's the best time to take HMF Replete, and will yogurt reduce its effect?

Q. I am on antibiotics and am currently taking HMF Replete by Genestra, when is the best time to take the probiotic? Does yogurt reduce the effect of the probiotic?

A. The best time to take your probiotics such as HMF Replete is a few hours after taking your antibiotics. For example, if you take them twice per day 10am and 10pm, take your HMF at 5pm. If you are taking antibiotics 3 times daily i.e. 9am, 4pm, 11pm, take your HMF at 7pm.

Yogurt does not reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics, but it will kill off any cultures in the yogurt.

I am taking HMF Replete and it is making me feel awfully dizzy, should I discontinue taking it?

Q. I am taking HMF Replete and it is making me feel awfully dizzy, should I discontinue taking it?

A. It seems that you are experiencing some detoxification and yeast die-off effects from those products, which are a good sign. These negative effects could be very unpleasant, but the symptoms usually disappear within few days. If they are really intolerable, you could try to decrease the dose and gradually go back to the recommended dosage.

We strongly recommend that you keep on using the HMF Replete, especially if you have serious Candida and intestinal problems.

Should I store the HMF Replete in the refrigerator?

Q. Should I store the HMF Replete in the refrigerator?

A. Since October 2004, the manufacturer of the HMF products has increased the product stability, allowing the probiotics to last up to 6 months at room temperature holding their GUARANTEED minimum potency on label. Therefore, you do not need to refrigerate the product if you use it within the next 6 months.

However, if possible and convenient, we recommend you store your probiotics in the freezer or refrigerator, especially if you plan to preserve freshness of your product for months or years.

HMF powders/capsules, what does Human source mean? Where is the acidophilus dervied from?

Q. HMF powders/capsules, what does Human source mean? Where is the acidophilus dervied from?

A. Using laboratory procedures many years ago, hundreds of different bacterial strains were isolated from a healthy human intestinal wall sample. They were separated out, and each one was reproduced to make huge batches for testing via scientific trials. (Lab procedures only require one cell sample to reproduce large quantities for testing and production over the years).

Research indicated that only four of the hundreds of available cultures were the beneficial strains with health promoting properties. These were the ones which held up strong during 10 years of testing, thus they were used as the probiotic strains in all the HMF products.

Similarly, the HMF Candigen suppository strains were isolated from a sample of healthy vaginal cells and are identical to the beneficial cultures found in the vagina. Thus they adhere quite well resulting in a restoration and balance of healthy flora and a stronger vaginal immune system.

These human strains are far superior to dairy or animal strains since the body recognizes these probiotics as “self” and allows better implantation.

Is HMF Super Powder OK for my 2 yr old? My infant takes HMF Natogen.

Q. Is HMF Super Powder OK for my 2 yr old? My infant takes HMF Natogen.

A. It is perfectly safe for your 2 year old to use HMF Super Powder probiotic. The HMF Natogen is designed for infants under 1 year of age. After 1 year, you can use the HMF Super Powder for your infant.

What is the base of all HMF probiotics, and what is the source of FOS?

Q. What is in the base of all HMF probiotics and what is the source of FOS (i.e. HMF Replete, HMF Powder, HMF Neuro, HMF capsules)?

A. The base of the HMF probiotics contains FOS derived from Chicory Root and a Vegetable syrup base. There is NO glucose in the product. The beneficial bacteria is grown on a medium which contain glucose derived from vegetable syrup as a food source. The bacteria is then extracted/ separated from its growth medium. Apricot powder is added for flavor and is vegetarian, vegan and Kosher, as well as free from nuts, gluten, egg, fish, dairy, lactose, wheat, yeast, sugar, salt, crustaceans, starch, and gelatin.

• Sulphite are less than 10mg/kg
• Energy—340-400 kcal/100g
• Carbohydrates—85-95%
• Fat—0-1%
• Protein—1-3%
• Minerals—2-4%
• Acid Value 400-600 meq/kg, pH 2.9-3.9
• The apricot powder is spray dried with Maltodextrin.

Why does HMF probiotics contain only 4 strains, yet replenishes the GI so well?

Q. Since there are so many hundreds of types of bacteria in our GI, then why does HMF Super Powder probiotics contain only 4 strains? And how does it actually succeed in replenishing the GI so well?

A. The answer is that after 15+ years of research, scientists discovered that not all the bacteria in our GI are beneficial, and that many were neutral or had had very mild positive effects. Some were more helpful in men or women, some better in children.

However, 4 strains in particular showed to have immense positive effects time and time again, and in all people. These positive effects were anti-inflammatory, anti-Candida, pro-immune system, and relieved acute intestinal upset in adults and children, women and men. So in order to make the most effective product, they decided to include only the 4 strains which showed to be the “super star” probiotics with a flawless record for its beneficial effects.

What is the difference between the HMF Super Powder and the HMF Intensive?

Q. What is the difference between the HMF Super Powder and the HMF Intensive?

A. While HMF Super Powder contain a little FOS, the HMF Intensive caps do not. FOS is a pre-biotic which feeds the beneficial bacteria, but some people with severe GI problems and Candida cannot tolerate FOS for the first week or two of supplementation and treatment. For these clients I usually recommend HMF Intensive for the first 10 days (3 caps per day), and then HLC High Potency powder or caps for the following 1-3 months.

The HMF Super Powder and HMF Intensive Synergy powder contain significantly more FOS than any of the capsule products.

If you get symptoms of excessive gas and bloating after taking a product containing FOS, you know that 1) your really need to continue taking probiotics since it means you have too many unfavorable organisms in the GI and not enough beneficial bacteria, and 2) the FOS is causing the gas/bloating, but the symptoms will subside within 2-10 days depending on severity of imbalance.

Can a 4 year old take HMF Natogen & if not what would you suggest?

Q. Is the HMF Natogen good for a 4 year old to take? If not, do you suggest one that would be good for that age?

A. I suggest using HMF Super Powder for your 4-year old. It is perfectly safe for a toddler. As a matter of fact, my 5-year old niece has been taking it for years.

If your child currently experiences a lot of gas or bloating, he/she would benefit from first taking HMF Intensive probiotics for a week or two, and then continuing with HMF Super Powder.

Is HMF Neuro 100% casein free and not grown from dairy?

Q. Is HMF Neuro 100% casein free, and not grown on dairy? Also, I heard L-Glutamine can become an excitotoxin if not converted to GABA, a process which most people on the autism spectrum could have trouble with, so I am concerned about giving Mindlinx to my son [who is] on the spectrum.

A. Yes, HMF Neuro (and all HLC probiotics) are not derived from dairy, thus are 100% free of casein. Second, every study about the level of amino acids on autistic children shows that they are deficient in glutamine. In addition, the vast majority of autistic children have GI tract issues and glutamine is the most important nutrient for the upper part of the GI tract. This surely indicates that glutamine could be a very important supplement for people who are autistic.

The three amino acids glutamic acid (GA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glutamine (GAM) are closely related and all involved in proper brain function. GA is an excitatory neurotransmitter, GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and GAM controls that GA and GABA are in balance. GAM can be converted to both GA and GABA. If adequate vitamin B6 is not present the conversion from GAM to GABA is inhibited and GA could be upregulated. Other factors, which I am not aware of, could potentially upregulate the conversion from GAm to GA, and GAM, therefore, might not be a beneficial supplement for autistic children. However, I would still like to mention that all studies on amino acids levels show that autistic children are deficient in glutamine.

If you have any concerns, you can start your child on HMF Intensive which does not contain any glutamine and use this product for a month or two for intensive gut repair, then switch to HMF Neuro.

Will taking HMF Neuro allow me to safely consume gluten and casein which I am sensitive to?

Q. Will taking HMF Neuro allow me to safely consume gluten and casein which I am sensitive to?

A. HMF Neuro will help you better tolerate and breakdown gluten, casein (all dairy), soy and eggs. Yet, much will depend on your level of sensitivity to these allergens.

If your sensitivity is mild, you may find that taking HMF Neuro will allow you to consume some casein and gluten with little to no side effects. Yet, if your sensitivity is severe such as with Celiacs Disease, you may find that your body better tolerates accidental consumption or trace amounts of gluten. Those with Autism and ADHD have benefited since these allergens can have profound effects on brain chemistry.

The ingredients within the formula including glutamine and special strains of probiotics, will help strengthen the GI tract so that you are better able to tolerate these food sensitivities when you come into contact with them. By strengthening the villi in the stomach lining and helping break down gluten and casein, you are less likely to have a reaction to these foods when found in trace amounts.

Does HMF Natogen contain FOS or sugar as I heard glucose may feed bacteria?

Q. Does the HMF Natogen contain FOS or any sugar? Doesn't glucose feed the harmful organisms like candida? Do FOS feed bad microbials?

A. The HMF Natogen by Genestra does not contain any FOS. Neither does the HMF Intensive capsules by Genestra. None of the HMF products contain glucose.

Although FOS can sometimes feed bad microbials resulting in some gas for the first few days, they in large part feed the good bacteria and significantly promote their growth. Their effect on beneficial flora is so huge that the few bad organisms they feed is negated.

Is HMF Natogen lactose-based?

Q. Is HMF Natogen lactose-based?

A. All the HMF probiotics including HMF Natogen, are dairy free and do NOT contain a lactose base. Instead, they are derived from human cells in a non-dairy base of FOS and vegetable glucose. The HMF products were designed to target those who have dairy sensitivities, thus HMF Natogen is safe for your 8 month old child who has milk allergy. In addition, these human strains of probiotics adhere significantly better in the GI than dairy or animal strains since the body recognizes them as human/self.

Probiotics help diminish the symptoms from food allergies, so taking them for the long term is a good idea. You should see improvements in his symptoms within 1-4 weeks, but he should continue to be on probiotics through his infancy to improve his immune system.

Is HMF Natogen safe for an infant?

Q. Is HMF Natogen safe for an infant?

A. HMF Natogen is very safe for your infant and will most definitely help re-establish her natural flora, improve her digestion, and reduce her gas. Yes, it is true that when a breast feeding mother takes antibiotics, both she and her infant's flora are wiped out since the antibiotics are carried through the breast milk.

Studies show that colicky infants benefit from taking infant probiotics for 6 months or more to successfully re-establish the natural flora. It is possible that you will notice the improvement within days, but continue to give her the HMF Natogen for a few months to ensure good implantation of the probiotic.

Is the HMF Natogen good for a 4 year old to take? If not, do you suggest one that would be good for that age?

Q. Is the HMF Natogen good for a 4 year old to take? If not, do you suggest one that would be good for that age?

A. I suggest using HMF Super Powder for your 4-year old. It is perfectly safe for a toddler. As a matter of fact, my 5-year old niece has been taking it for years.

If your child currently experiences a lot of gas or bloating, he/she would benefit from first taking HMF Intensive probiotics for a week or two, and then continuing with HMF Super Powder.

Can I take HMF Forte Probiotic formula capsules and still breastfeed?

Q. Can I take HMF Forte Probiotic formula capsules and still breastfeed?

A. HMF probiotics are completely safe during pregnancy and breast feeding. In fact, they are highly beneficial to your child during breast feeding as these healthy strains will be passed over from your breast milk to your child and help him/her establish a strong flora which has been proven to improve immune system strength, reduce risk of allergies, skin conditions, and auto-immune problems.

Genestra also has available an infant probiotic named HMF Natogen which can be fed directly to your infant.

Do you have information on the side effects of HMF Forte Probiotic caps?

Q. Do you have information on the side effects of HMF Forte Probiotic caps?

A. Probiotics in general are considered extremely safe for consumption with no known harmful side effects or toxicity. Even taking an entire bottle in one sitting would not cause any serious condition (perhaps just great bowel movements the next day).

In the 5 years I have worked with all HMF probiotics, no one has complained of any side effects from the capsules. Yet, some people experience temporary side effects while taking the HMF Replete or HMF Powder which are more advanced products containing larger amounts of FOS. These side effects include gas, headaches, or general malaise, they last no more than 1-2 weeks, and are only present in 1-5% of people who take HMF probiotics.

10% of people experience some gas while first taking HMF Replete powder due to the high FOS content. FOS can cause some gas if your GI contains a large number of pathogenic bacteria and not enough good bacteria, so basically, the more gas you have, the more you really needed to take the probiotics. As the gas subsides (sometimes in just 1-2 days), it means the probiotics are implanting successfully.

The symptoms of headaches or malaise are experienced by about 2% of people and are a sign that your body is detoxifying itself. These are not harmful side effects, but possibly annoying ones, and clearly they indicate some treatment success. If you do experience any side effects with HMF Forte, you can reduce your dose, but I really have not heard any complaints from the capsules.

I took HMF Forte a month ago and feel fine. When & how should I resume usage?

Q. I finished taking HMF Forte one month ago and feel fine. Do you recommend taking them at any particular time frames or in intervals?

A. Since you have no symptoms, I recommend you take HMF Forte on a maintenance level 1 to 2 capsules per day to keep the immune system and gastrointestinal (GI) track strong. The immune system is largely dependent on the health of the intestines, so keeping them healthy and eliminating toxins well is quite important. I am unsure of the reason why you started taking them. Perhaps you were on antibiotics?

Here are my recommendations. If you have no GI symptoms currently, take one capsule per day. And, whenever you eat something that has made your stomach upset, take 4 capsules at once to “put out the fire”.

Before you travel overseas, take 2 caps twice daily for 7 days, and continue throughout your trip to prevent or treat “traveler’s tummy”. Also, if you ever need to take antibiotics again, you’ll need to supplement with HMF probiotics for at least 1-3 months to replenish the good flora.

These probiotics keep for over 2 years in the freezer, so it’s best to keep some on hand since they are so therapeutic for a variety of conditions.

Do you recommend the HMF Duo to prevent cruise-related bugs?

Q. Do you recommend the HMF Duo to prevent cruise-related bugs?

A. I highly recommend the HMF Duo for your cruise! I took some on my recent trip to Peru where I got a pretty bad stomach bug last time. This time, I did significantly better despite the fact that I even drank the tap water. I could tell the difference it made since my stomach would get gurgly after the meal, but rather than getting really sick for days, the gurgly feeling would go away in a few hours.

Take 1 HMF Duo with every meal.

Can I use the HMF Candigen vaginal supositories during my period?

Q. Can I use the HMF Candigen vaginal supositories during my period?

A. Yes, you can use HMF Candigen suppositories during your period. Ideally, use one at night since laying down will help it stay in longer. If your flow is heavy, it may be a little bit of a challenge, but even if it stays only a couple hours it will be helpful. If you have some oral probiotics such as HMF Forte or HMF Powder, use that as well since the oral intake and suppositories work really well together.