One of the challenges is just getting the probiotics that are likely to help. Often they are unavailable in one country but easily available in another (or if available the price is many times higher!!). Another source of single strains probiotics in the UK.

During my 2nd round of CFS, I ended up working with a Czech CFS patient to get some stuff (Piracetam) that was over the counter there and totally unavailable in the US at that time. She sent me packages and I sent her money (usually 50% more than her cost as a thank you for the effort). This model is something to keep in mind.

A reader in Spain forwarded me the list of those available in Spain — here is my quick review of the interesting ones. Two are unusual and I will research each for a future post.

• Pediococcus acidilactici (CECT 7483).
  • TAXONOMY: Terrabacteria group -> Firmicutes -> Bacilli -> Lactobacillales -> Lactobacillaceae -> Pediococcus -> Pediococcus acidilactici group
• Lactobacillus fermentum Lc40 (CECT 5716).
  • TAXONOMY: Terrabacteria group -> Firmicutes -> Bacilli -> Lactobacillales -> Lactobacillaceae -> Lactobacillus -> Lactobacillus fermentum
  • “This probiotic strain, which has been found in the probiotic foods sourdough and kimchi, produces superoxide dismutase and glutathione, both powerful antioxidants that help neutralize some of the toxic products made in the gut during digestion. L. fermentum has also been isolated as exhibiting activity against foodborne pathogens. ” [DataPunk.net]