Probiotics during Fasting

[HeatherAnne]

I've heard that its good to take a round of probiotics after fasting, but how about DURING a fast? Would it be advisable to take a probiotic during an extended 30-40 day juice fast? Thanks.

[Saria]

I drink smooth move tea before bed and it helps me keep going while fasting, sometimes too much so you might want to only take it every other night.

[RawBrue]

This is a good question...what about probiotics during fasting? also juice vs water? I'm drinking Rejuvelac while fasting, is this a good idea?

[Saria]

I stopped the smooth move because I wasn't sure if it was stripping nutrients or electrolytes. Does anyone know?

[streetsurfer]

I drink sauer kraut juice on a water fast for the pro-b's.

[Saria]

Streetsurfer, That's something I would never have thought of. Where would I find that?

[streetsurfer]

I buy Bubbies kraut (when in stock) which is raw and save the liquid as I eat the kraut. Whole Foods in the suburban Chicago area carries it. They make pickles as well. Pickle juice would probably do the same and is good for replenishing or maintaining electrolyte balance, to help prevent heat exhaustion and cramping and help with hydration for athletes.

[Saria]

Thanks! Whole Foods is where I shop so i will try the one on halstead first and go to another if they don't have it. that's if I can muster up the energy to go during the fast...would it still benefit me once I'm on to juice fasting?

[streetsurfer]

I think so yes. I use it because I can get an imbalace of good and bad bacteria due to food sensitivities and leaky gut You may not require it but its certainly beneficial. Try small amounts at first if your new to water fasting. In case it doesnt agree with you. I'm used to lemon water in the a.m. so it doesn't bother me. I strain mine to remove any cabbage pieces when water fasting. If you have fresh fields near you, they may carry it as well. They are in the city but not sure where.

[Saria]

I've never seen a Fresh Fields but I haven't looked for it either.

[streetsurfer]

My bad. It's not Fresh Fields. I should've said Garden Fresh.

My wife has just told me they carry the pickles but she could not get them to bring in the kraut. Worth checking though.

[Saria]

Yes there is a Garden Fresh here, not far from me! I can't wait to go there!

[EmpowerEnergetics]

What a great question! I'm personally in the camp that finds supplementation (unless they're herbs to facilitate a detox) unnecessary. Most of the standard probiotics like acidophilus and lactobacillus are for breaking down milk proteins and milk sugars (which we're not touching with a 10-foot pole), and there's a debate of whether these probiotic supplements make it past your gastic juice anyways. Detoxing is all about getting those toxins and nasty bacteria out of your body--the "good" bacteria in your gut will balance itself out as your diet changes. Your gut was made for bacteria breeding! That's my two cents on the matter. :)

That being said, my also-raw boyfriend does love those kombucha drinks, which are brimming full of probiotics. I personally can't even stand the smell of them@

[Mary Kay]

I've taken enteric-coated probiotic caps while fasting to get the good stuff into my intestines.

Mary Kay