Is a therapeutic probiotic, like Bio-Kult, required on the GAPS diet?  Yes, it is. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride says, on page 253 of the GAPS book, “…probiotic supplementation is absolutely vital for treating any of the GAPS conditions.”

The GAPS diet is all about eliminating foods that irritate the gut lining, eating healing foods and getting good bacteria into your digestive tract. It’s critical to begin to re-populate your digestive system with the “good guys” so they begin to combat the “bad guys.” My gut never showed major signs of healing until I started Bio-Kult.

But it’s so expensive, you might say. Well, let’s take a look at my experience to see how expensive it was for me. Maybe your experience might turn out to be similar.

My Experience Taking Bio-Kult

My first order of Bio-Kult arrived at the beginning of December 2011. I mistakenly thought that since I had been taking a different probiotic for many months I would not have to take it slow as recommended by many more experienced GAPSters on the GAPS Yahoo Group. Because I was so excited to kick off some more healing, I opened the cap, dumped what I thought was a small amount into the palm of my hand and licked it off.

Unfortunately, a very short time later my digestive symptoms started with a vengeance. I barely made it to work that day, and my bowels rumbled and grumbled the entire morning. Despite the fact that I had heard rumors about the strength of Bio-Kult, I was still extremely surprised at how powerful it was.

Radish Seed

The next day I took a much, much smaller amount, about the size of a radish seed, with few or no symptoms and increased the amount slowly over time until I experienced only minor symptoms. Then I kept taking that amount until there were no symptoms. Eventually, I increased the dose a small amount at a time, always monitoring my symptoms and backing off, if needed.

So why do I say Bio-Kult may initially be more affordable? Because you start to take it in such small amounts and increase your dose over time.

Let’s do the Math

My initial outlay was $41.95, shipping included, for 120 capsules. (That would be a 4-month supply if taking one capsule per day, which would cost about $0.35 a day or approximately $10.50 per month.) Because I started so slowly, I eventually increased my dose up to about ½ a capsule a day in 4 months. That is only 22 caps and cost me a grand total of $7.70 which is less than $2.00 per month. Very affordable! When I finally finished my first box, seven months later, my total initial outlay turned out to be only $5.99 per month.  Another way to lower the cost per day is to buy in bulk, but the drawback to doing that is you have to have the money up front.  (As of today’s date, August 8, 2012, the Amazon price for 120 caps of Bio-Kult has gone down by about $5.00 which changes the 4-month supply, if taking one cap per day, to only $8.35!)

Now that I am taking a capsule per day, my second box is going to cost more per month, but it is definitely worth it because I feel so much better. Also, Dr. Campbell-McBride recommends continuing to increase your dose until you are taking several caps per day.  I’m not sure I can afford taking that much, but I will start to increase my dose until I’m taking two or three capsules per day.  Once I start to wean myself off the GAPS diet, I will adjust my dose as I see fit for my needs.

Individual Results May Vary

You’ve heard this one before.  We are all different and will have different results.  In fact, an acquaintance of mine has given a whole Bio-Kult capsule to both of her two young GAPS sons with no symptoms. I am not a doctor, so I cannot say why she had different results than I did. This is my personal experience and I am extremely pleased, not only by the results but also with the initial cost. Hopefully, this information will give you encouragement to also give Bio-Kult a try and increase the benefits of your GAPS diet.

Do you take a therapeutic probiotic? What kind do you take? Do you have some health issues you would like to clear up? Are you interested in the GAPS diet? I look forward to hearing from you.

I am not a doctor and encourage you to discuss this healing protocol with your health care practitioner. Some of my links are affiliate links and help support this blog.  Your privacy is important to me, and I do not sell email addresses.

Shared on Monday Mania, Fat Tuesday and Fight Back Friday.