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Probiotics and radiotherapy

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User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 11:51

Hi all,

Probably like most guys I've read the potential side effects of radiotherapy, and again like most guys focused on the ones that report long term severe bowel side effects. I've had my HD braccitherapy and due to start my 15 sessions of radiotherapy next week. 

I've read a few reports on the potential for probiotics to reduce the side effects in some patients. These are proper medical studies, published in reputable medical journals, peer reviewed, no conflict, etc etc.

I was wondering if anyone else had tried them and what was the result?

I totally understand it's only a 'might' help but for about £30 a month I thought it might be worth a punt. The oncologist said they couldn't say if they would assist (although they knew about the studies) but they shouldn't have any detrimental effect on the radiotherapy as long as they didn't cause any excess gas.

Thoughts / experiences?

Tony

Edited by member 09 Oct 2026 at 12:31  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 13:13

Hi Tony,

For what it's worth my Oncologist advised me to go on a low fibre diet which made me feel like crap, but the radiotherapist told me to change nothing, so I did, which kept me regular for the fractions, to the point I didn't bother with the enemas and so far so good with the bowels. Just avoid the farty foods! I guess the SE's will largely depend how close they need to zap to the organs at risk for your particular treatment plan.

All the best,

hawkz

Edited by member 09 Oct 2026 at 13:17  | Reason: Typos

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 15:40

You've nothing to lose. Good luck with it all.🤞

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 23:14

Each hospital has completely different instructions on radiotherapy diet.

We were told not to change anything unless/until it became necessary to do so. In practice, many people had to go on to a low fibre or fibre-free diet after a couple of weeks, but a few had the opposite problem and had to eat more fibre. One guy was told to eat more cakes, because he was losing weight, and ideally they want your weight to stay the same from the planning scan to the last radiotherapy session.

It's probably not a good idea to change your diet just before radiotherapy (unless told to do so), as you won't know what impact it might have, and might upset your bowel prep.

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User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 13:13

Hi Tony,

For what it's worth my Oncologist advised me to go on a low fibre diet which made me feel like crap, but the radiotherapist told me to change nothing, so I did, which kept me regular for the fractions, to the point I didn't bother with the enemas and so far so good with the bowels. Just avoid the farty foods! I guess the SE's will largely depend how close they need to zap to the organs at risk for your particular treatment plan.

All the best,

hawkz

Edited by member 09 Oct 2026 at 13:17  | Reason: Typos

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 14:07

Hi hawkz,

Thanks for the input, appreciated. I'm T3b and as well as spreading to the SV it's also really close to the bowel (luckily not spread into it) so if i can find anything that will possibly reduce the risk,  without causing problems i wanna give it a go. 

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 15:40

You've nothing to lose. Good luck with it all.🤞

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 19:26

Cheers mate

User
Posted 09 Oct 2026 at 23:14

Each hospital has completely different instructions on radiotherapy diet.

We were told not to change anything unless/until it became necessary to do so. In practice, many people had to go on to a low fibre or fibre-free diet after a couple of weeks, but a few had the opposite problem and had to eat more fibre. One guy was told to eat more cakes, because he was losing weight, and ideally they want your weight to stay the same from the planning scan to the last radiotherapy session.

It's probably not a good idea to change your diet just before radiotherapy (unless told to do so), as you won't know what impact it might have, and might upset your bowel prep.

 
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