I am one of those who finds it helpful to eat yogurt and to take the VSL3-DS in controlling bouts of pouchitis.  In fact, if I eat it faithfully, it seems to help me not to get pouchitis. I eat yogurt at least once a day and take at least one packet of VSL3-DS a day.  Just so you know, the VSL3-DS is quite expensive, even if insurance pays part of it.

Way back when I had ulcerative colitis I followed the Selective Carbohydrate Diet for about 9 months.  At that time I bought a Yogourmet yogurt maker and used Yogourmet Freeze Dried Yogurt Starter to make it.  Recently I had been eating Stonyfield Organic Yogurt with my VSL3-DS mixed into it.  Then I decided to make yogurt using the Stonyfield as the starter; this yogurt disappointed me as it just wasn't as good as the store-bought version.  I had a brainstorm and decided to try the VSL3-DS as my starter.  I use organic milk, and usually use 2 % milk, but am planning to try 1% and then skim milk to see how the taste and texture are with them.  The VSL3-DS makes a delicious and creamy yogurt.  My plan is to take one packet of the VSL3-DS in the morning in homemade applesauce or mixed with my grape juice, and eat the yogurt in the evening as part of my supper.  That way I will be getting the same microbes twice a day, but for much less money than two packets a day.

Just thought I'd share this idea as it is helping me quite a bit.  If anyone wants info about where to get this yogurt maker, just let me know on the message board and I will post it for you.

Laurann