Here are my thoughts on probiotics, based on my own experience and the observations of others. Even under the most favorable conditions, it is not easy to implant benefecial bacteria in the intestines. With an active candida overgrowth, in my opinion, it is virtually impossible to implant lactobacteria. Why? Because candida has completely changed the entire enviornment of the intestines. The ph level of the intestines has been drastically altered by the candida overegrowth. The intestine walls, real estate needed for lactobacteria implantation, are covered with candida. And many of the compounds given off by candida are toxic to bacteria. Add in the fact that few lactobacteria make past the stomach acid and I think the odds of implantation are virtually non existent. Has anyone cured an active candida overgrowth just by taking probiotics? I don't think so. Until the candida overgrowth has been reduced through a strict candida diet, and the possible application of antifungals, I think people are just wasting their money taking probiotics. Once regularity has been established, once the candida overgrowth has been pushed back a little, then you have a chance for implantation.
That's where I am right now. I feel pretty good as long as I stay on the candida diet. But if I eat even a modest amount of carbs, BAM, I'm back suffering from candida symptoms. I'm not really cured until a have a healthy colony of lactobacteria living in my small intestine. An implanted colony of lactobacteria would allow me to eat a modest amount of carbs. And even with my candida under some control, I still don't think implantation is easy. L. Acidophilus, perhaps the most benefical lactobacteria, may be the most fragile, and the most difficult to implant. It's going to take time, patience, and some good luck. But at least I not suffering like I was three months ago. I can wait for as long as implantation takes.