IPC means Internal Probiotic Culture

If you have a question about probiotics, digestive enzymes or fiber, please email a question and we may post the question and answer right here.

QUESTION: I started using Theralac about five weeks ago with the recommended regimen. Right away, I started developing severe gas bloating in the lower intestine. My symptoms are extreme when I take my regular vitamin supplements (mostly Life Extension brand) and/or high roughage vegetables. I skipped the last "one-a week" Theralac capsule last week, but my gassy condition is as bad as ever.

Is this a common side effect? What can I do to get back to normal?

ANSWER: Your gas problem is the result of gas producing bacteria living in your colon. The Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria probiotics in Theralac do not produce significant gas. However, when some people first start on a high potency probiotic like Theralac intestinal gas increases for a short time as the gas producing bacteria get pushed deeper into the colon, in fact, probiotics can push gas producing bacteria from the small intestine into the colon which may add to the problem. This is a version of what doctors call the Herxheimer reaction and it’s telling you the probiotics are working and, given more time, will eliminate most of the gas producers. The vitamins and veggie fiber exacerbate the condition since they feed the gas producers. My suggestion to you is to stay on Theralac, one capsule every other day, and eat light meals and drink at least 6 glasses of water daily. Also, eliminate sugar and go light on the high roughage veggies until things come under control. If this does not correct the gas problem you should consider doing a colon cleanse to drive out all these bad gas producing bacteria, there are several good cleanse kits for sale in health stores. After such a cleanse get right back on Theralac to keep them from coming back.

QUESTION: Can you please tell me if Theralac is gluten free? How about corn products - free of those? Thank you.

ANSWER: Theralac is gluten free, the probiotics in Theralac are not grown or produced with wheat or gluten in their formula. The carrier we use in not corn maltodextrin but an inert food grade cellulose product.

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