I've been taking probiotics for my IBS-C for two years and all I can say is thank god for them. I'd have jumped off a bridge a long time ago without them. When I take them I at least have some activity in my bowels as opposed to nothing for days. I take Natren's Healthy Trinity which ain't cheap but it beats the alternative. The Healthy Trinity stuff has a few beneficial bacteria, none of which I can spell, but you can check out their website at www.natren.com.