As for vegetarian probiotic capsules, you just have to check the label to see what the capsule itself is made from. I know that most Natural Factor and New Chapter products are made with cellulose capsules. PB8 and Jarrow are often vegetarian, but I rarely see PB8 refrigerated.

Good to know about the sauerkraut. I am going to purchase some from my co-op as I know they sell the raw sauerkraut in the refrigerated section. I also know someone who makes his own, so I want to see if I actually like it first. Plus I hear it is quite um…aromatic ;-) And I am not sure how my roommates will feel about it!

IBS is interesting. I tend o have much more of a problem when it comes gas pains than anything else (currently). There are times where I still have spasm problems, but usually I can keep that in check with stress relief. It is not “gone” though. The gas pain issue is something I deal with daily, and sadly seems most prominent when I eat raw vegetables. I have noticed a little bit of a difference when I eat MUCH smaller portions, but this means I basically have to eat my lunch in 3 stages. Basically I’d have to eat like a cow. Fairly regularly, but small portions. I am not against this idea in general, but some times I just cannot graze ;-)People at work already make fun of me for eating large quantities, or all the time.

I also have tried some homeopathic gas remedies with some success. They take the edge off but it isn’t perfect. Also they aren’t vegan, so if I could find something without a lactose base I’d prefer it.

Cruciferous vegetables that have been fermented tend to be very digestible, so the sauerkraut should be okay. That’s the beauty of fermentation. I’ve been fermenting like crazy here and I never have problems digesting anything that hasn’t ended up like a science experiment gone wrong. :)

I used to have IBS…all through high school and college. It disappeared when I went vegan, but in the last year I’ve started having problems again. Wheat has obviously become a problem for me, as well as stress and lack of activity, but I’m definitely trying to do a LOT of probiotics, and seeing a difference when I actually remember. :) I try to have fermented foods with every meal. I’m also exercising a lot, drinking more water, and all that usual stuff…I have bad days and better days, but generally my belly just always feels angry.