Anyone take probiotics DURING pelvic radiation?
Has anyone used probiotics and/or prebiotics, during radiation, to keep the gut micobiome with good bacteria?
Looking to minimize radiation diarrhea
I eat a healthful diet, but with radiation I will not be eating my cruciferous vegetables, seed/nuts etc.
If you can share the brand you take, that would be great!
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect

I did not and perhaps others may have used them, but radiation does not distinguish between good and bad gut flora.
More helpful would be a non bloating, non fermentable fiber supplement (Healthy Fiber on Amazon) which will replace those veggies. Just be sure to drink double the amount of water with any fiber supplement you choose. Best,
Phil
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI take a probiotic daily (PB 8 brand) and did so through my RT. I can’t say it made a difference, but I had very few side effects during and after RT (now at 6 months past). My bowel movements are a little more urgent these days, but far from the point of causing me a problem. As heavyphil said, stay hydrated (I drank at least 64 oz of water per day, and still do). Nap when you’re fatigued, or at least slow down. Keep up with exercise. Listen to your body, adjust accordingly, and keep your care team informed of any changes or anything bothersome.
I continued to eat nuts (mostly walnuts and pistachios) but I cut out beans and legumes during treatment (gas control). And, like you, no cruciferous veggies. Allowed myself a morning cup of coffee, and drank 1-2 cups of green tea daily. Daily cup of tomato juice as well.
Best wishes for successful treatment with minimal side effects.
Mel
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI did not use probiotics and/or prebiotics during my 28 proton radiation treatments.
But, the key to minimizing radiation-induced intestinal, bladder, and rectal issues is for them not to overshoot your prostate and hit nearby otherwise healthy tissues and organs.
(As for diet, I did just the opposite - I not only increased fish and fruits, but also increased salads, vegetables, and grains/nuts.)
@heavyphil I will check out. Thanks
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@brianjarvis I don't know if I can keep to my regular diet (I would like to) with photon radiation.
Fingers crossed no overshooting - lol
@melvinw I appreciate you sharing your experience and the brand name of the probiotic. Glad you got through it all okay
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction