You could go the yoghurt route instead. Vaalia is one brand that actually contains enough live cultures to have an affect in the bowel, not sure about other brands. And if you want to boost the effects of your probiotic you can use a prebiotic like colostrum powders or inulin (eg benefibre which you can add to food or drinks). Not necessarily cheap but effective & if it helps your body regain balance quicker then it might reduce the longer term spend.