When you’re sick, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to help you get better. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria causing infections. They’re very effective at treating various infections and illnesses, but they can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in your body. Along with fighting off harmful bacteria, they can often unintentionally disrupt good bacteria's growth in the gut. That’s where probiotics come in rescue. These days, doctors are also prescribing probiotics while writing a dose of antibiotics. Here’s why taking probiotic supplements alongside antibiotics can be beneficial.
Understanding antibiotics and their impact
Antibiotics are specifically made to target harmful bacteria that have caused an infection. However, they don’t just kill the bad bacteria but they also affect the good bacteria in your body. Whereas good bacteria, also known as probiotics, are meant to protect you, support your digestive system, and keep your immune system robust. They live in different parts of the body, like the saliva, skin, and intestine.
When you take antibiotics, they can reduce the number of these beneficial bacteria. This disruption can lead to side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and an imbalance in your gut flora. Gut flora is the community of microorganisms living in your intestines, and it’s important for digestion, immunity, and overall health.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeast, that are similar to the microorganisms found in your gut. They are often referred to as “friendly” or “good” bacteria. Probiotics help maintain the balance of your gut flora and can improve your digestive health.
You can find probiotics in certain foods like yogurt, pickles, kimchi, buttermilk and paneer. In food idli, dosa and kanji are sources of probiotics. They are also available as dietary supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, or powders like Wonderpro Super Probiotic. Probiotic supplements contain strains of bacteria that can help replenish the good bacteria in your gut.
Probiotics are classified as:
1. Bifidobacterium. They are naturally found in the human intestine and aid in digestion.
2. Lactobacillus. This probiotic is often found in milk and other dairy products. They aid in the treatment of a variety of digestive disorders, providing relief from abdominal pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
Why take probiotics with antibiotics?
Restoring gut balance. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. By taking probiotics, you can help restore the healthy bacteria that the antibiotics may have killed.
Preventing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD). Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a common problem. It happens because antibiotics can kill off the beneficial bacteria in your intestines, leading to an imbalance. Probiotics can help prevent or reduce the severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by replenishing the good bacteria.
Support to the immune system. A healthy gut flora is essential for a strong immune system. Probiotics can help support your immune system by maintaining a balanced gut environment. This can be especially important when you’re taking antibiotics, as your immune system takes a toll in that period.
Avoid risk of yeast infections. When antibiotics disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria, it can sometimes lead to other infections, such as yeast infections. Yeast infections are common in women taking antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics kill a wide range of microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria in the vagina, resulting in yeast overgrowth. Probiotics can help avoid subsequent infections by balancing your body's bacteria.
How to Use Probiotics while on Antibiotics
If you’re considering taking probiotics with antibiotics, here are some tips to help you get the most benefit:
Timing Matters. It’s generally recommended to take probiotics a few hours after your antibiotic dose. This timing helps ensure that the probiotics can survive the digestive process and reach your intestines, where they can be most effective.
Choose the Right Probiotics. Not all probiotics are the same. Look for supplements that contain strains of bacteria proven to be beneficial, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. May seek advice from your doctor. Over-the-counter medication provides safe and effective probiotic supplements. Wonderpro Super Probiotic is a tested and certified probiotic supplement by DIPAS DRDO. It contains strains of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, and more that give full coverage of good bacteria.
Follow Dosage Instructions. Always follow the dosage instructions on the probiotic supplement label or those given by your healthcare provider. Taking too few or too many probiotics may not provide the desired benefits.
Maintain a Balanced Diet. Along with taking probiotics, try to eat a balanced diet that includes probiotic-rich foods. This can help support the growth of healthy bacteria in your gut.
Consult. When under specific medication, having health complaints, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific health needs and the antibiotics you’re taking.
Taking probiotics alongside antibiotics can be a helpful way to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt your gut flora, leading to potential side effects. By taking probiotics at the right time and choosing the right strains, you can help ensure a smoother recovery and better overall health. Choose right, stay safe and live healthy.
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