Can We Talk About… Probiotics? (And Other UNsexy Personal Stuff)

This is not really a sexy topic, but it comes up a lot in our discussions around the web – both here in the comments on my blog, and on my Facebook Page and in our Low Carb Group.

I’m talking about… Probiotics.

In the most perfect timing for this topic, this week is the 3 year anniversary of my “horrific hysterectomy.” 😛

Let’s start there, because that’s when I first learned about probiotics, or even heard that word for the first time. And because my downstairs is a big deal. To me, I mean. I’m sure yours is just as big a deal to you.

I’ve never been a big pill taker. I’ve never even been successful at getting in the habit of taking vitamins. I prefer to eat my vitamins – you know, in food. 🙂

Did you know an avocado has more potassium than a banana? Or that avocado and salmon top the list as “super foods” that provide healthy fats (brain food), potassium AND magnesium? You can learn more about good low carb sources of magnesium, potassium, etc in my Super Foods post.

Anyway, so they stole my uterus. And my cervix mind you, which I did not realize they were taking, or had taken, until weeks after the fact. It was that day I was in the office for a follow-up visit with my legs in stirrups, dressed in a pretty paper gown, when Doc said, “The back of your vagina looks great.” 😯

First, I was medicated (I had a horrible recovery, a lot of complications). Second, I had no idea they removed my cervix and sewed up a “cuff” – you know, so I wouldn’t lose things in there. My response? I sat straight up and said, “Wow, that’s the best compliment I’ve had all day!!” – which made my doctor turn three shades of purple and had the attending nurse in fits. 😛

In the weeks and months following, I learned another new word: FLORA.

Flora is the naturally occurring (indigenous, native) plant life occurring in a particular region or time. In your downstairs (vagina) it means “the aggregate of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms normally occurring on or in the body.”

Flora is such a pretty word for your “downstairs balance”. 🙂

What’s NOT so pretty… is when your Flora balance is OFF. That’s definitely unpleasant. For you, and anyone near you. 😛 Unfortunately, it’s an issue most women experience at some time or another, and especially post-hysterectomy.

The antibiotics or whatever medication they give you to correct it isn’t pleasant either. Especially in the summer, because you cannot drink alcohol with that prescription. And what fun is a hot summer day without a cold beer?! Well, bad flora, no beer, HEAT… nevermind. That’s just a bad day all the way around. 😐

Hello RepHresh Pro-B Supplements!

These supplements are not cheap. They’ll cost you about a dollar a day. They are WORTH IT. If you have had a hysterectomy, or have “frequent flora fuss” these little babies will be your new best friend. Take them, love them, be happy again. 🙂

Ooh! I just discovered they’re cheaper on Amazon!
RepHresh Pro-B Probiotic Feminine Supplement

I don’t know how they work. I call it MAGIC. They make RepHresh brand inserts too that work great, and give you “a jump start solution” along with the capsules.

On that note, there are two more things you should know…

First, you probably already know that coconut oil has a million uses. You can put it in your hair, put it in your coffee, rub it on your skin, make fudge with it, etc. This is the one I use (I order it from Amazon): Viva Labs Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Nevermind the “virgin” part for this next tip…

Seriously, you want UNrefined organic coconut oil. Otherwise you might as well just use plain old lard.

Anyway, it also makes a great personal lubricant. So keep a little container in your bathroom, or in your nightstand even, some in your shower, and some by your coffee pot. And if you make my low carb fudge squares, you should know… that they double as lip gloss and edible lubricant. 🙂 haha 🙂 (I’m serious! lol)

Nobody has to know. Just go touch up your hair, put on a little sexy lip gloss, and “a little dab’ll do ya” of coconut oil you-know-where. Bingo! (Trust me!)

Second – I have a love affair with Walgreens. I think Walgreens is awesome. It’s usually on the corner (“of happy & healthy”) so it’s easy to get in and out of, and it’s small enough to grab pretty much anything you need in a matter of minutes.

I love the Walgreens Balance Rewards card too – I rack up points and cash them in for $$ off at the register when I shop. Free money is nice!

Every time I go in Walgreens I have a secret smile on my face. 🙂 Back when Ricky and I were dating we spent a lot of time in “Walgreens around the World”. He used to joke about chasing me through Walgreens, lol – I can be in and out and spend a hundred bucks in a matter of minutes! 🙂 Everywhere we went, there was a stop at Walgreens along the way. We bought everything from sunglasses to snacks – to beach towels & rum tumblers at the Walgreens near Okaloosa Island beach.

Anyway, at my local Walgreens one day, just a quick trip for who knows what, we walked through the fragrance aisle to get wherever we were going – and something caught his eye. He said, “here, try this” and I said, “cool, you try that” and we squirted ourselves with the fragrance samples…

I don’t know what it was. The ambient lighting of Walgreens, the combination of the two fragrances, the magic of the moment… but I felt my heart jump, my whole body respond, and in two seconds flat we were practically making out right there by the anti-aging creams. *whew* I flush just thinking about that moment! 🙂 haha, Wow. Walgreens… it’s a great place. *sigh*

Ahh, memories – that make me feel sick. 😛 Which brings us back around to…

Probiotics For Gut & Tummy Issues

Years ago, my early 30’s maybe, I went through a phase of horrible acid reflux. It was so bad that I ended up with thrush in my mouth, which was just as miserable as the reflux. Ugh! I seriously couldn’t even drink lukewarm water without having an acid attack. It was horrible.

Get Nature Made Acidophilus Probiotics, 60 Count

That’s when I discovered the power of Acidophilus. I can’t remember who told me about it, maybe my mother. I started taking two Acidophilus capsules after every meal – so six a day. And BAM, my acid reflux & thrush was cured! It started clearing up by day two, and totally fixed the problem – for good!

As you know, for the last two weeks I’ve been incredibly sick (practically dying) from viral gastroenteritis aka Norovirus. UGH. (ugh ugh ugh – double ugh!)

Several of you suggested I try a digestive probiotic…

THANK YOU!

I finally got some on Friday, along with a refill of phenergan, and after my previous experience with “flora-biotics” and acidopholus… I felt HOPEFUL – for the first time since I was violently attacked by the noroHELLvirus.

My guts appreciate you. 🙂

After only 3 days of taking the Culturelle Digestive Health Capsules I feel 100x better. I cannot believe the FAST difference that made!

I think at some point with this virus I ended up with “IBS” or just plain old irritation and inflammation of my entire digestive tract. I had a hard time shaking the “sick” no matter how bland I ate – including hiccups and burps at the THOUGHT of food.

I truly wish I had known about this miracle product a week ago, because that’s the best $20 I think I’ve ever spent. Seriously.

To quote The Monkees… I’m a Believer. 🙂 Probiotics WORK!

LOL, I told you it wasn’t a sexy topic. I love that we can talk about anything though, as we go through life – together – working through our health goals, health issues, and our health journey in general. Love & Hugs to you! 🙂 *cheers*

Best,
Lynn Terry,
aka @LowCarbTraveler

p.s. Make coffee, make fudge, make love, make a trip to your local Walgreens – make it a great day! 🙂