Taking Probiotics with Antibiotics: Best Approaches

When you're under the weather and your doctor prescribes antibiotics, they're doing so to help you fight off the nasty invaders wreaking havoc in your body. However, these powerful drugs can sometimes throw a wrench into the delicate balance of your gut, killing off the good bacteria along with the bad. That's where probiotics come in! In this article, we'll explore the fascinating relationship between taking probiotics with antibiotics, how to choose the right probiotics, and how to take them alongside your antibiotic treatment.

Understanding the Relationship Between Antibiotics and Probiotics

Antibiotics are like a double-edged sword – they're great at battling harmful bacteria, but they can also wipe out the helpful bacteria in your gut. This can lead to all sorts of unpleasant side effects, such as digestive issues and weakened immunity[1]. Enter probiotics! These friendly little critters can help replenish the good bacteria in your gut, allowing your body to bounce back from the effects of antibiotics. To maximize their effectiveness, it's important to get the timing just right when taking antibiotics and probiotics together[2].

Timing is Everything: When to Take Probiotics with Antibiotics

To make sure your gut gets the most out of both treatments, it's crucial to stagger their doses. As a rule of thumb, wait at least two hours after taking antibiotics before popping a probiotic[3]. This will give the antibiotics time to do their job without wiping out the beneficial bacteria you're trying to introduce. While it's important to know how to effectively take probiotics alongside antibiotics, it's also essential to understand the role of prebiotics in supporting gut health. For more information on this, check out our article on the best time to take prebiotics to optimize their benefits.

The Importance of Strain Diversity in Probiotics

There's a whole world of bacteria out there, and not all probiotics are created equal. To really give your gut biome the boost it needs, it's important to choose a probiotic supplement with a diverse mix of bacterial strains[4].

A Smorgasbord of Bacteria: Types of Probiotics for Antibiotics

A well-rounded probiotic should include strains from both the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, which are the most common and well-studied types of bacteria found in probiotics[5]. Keep an eye out for other beneficial strains, such as Streptococcus thermophilus[5], a key strain in the MicroBiome Restore formula.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Probiotic

When you're on the hunt for the perfect probiotic, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. Be sure to look for a supplement that:

• Contains a diverse mix of bacterial strains[4].
• Has a high number of colony-forming units (CFUs) per dose[4].
• Is shelf-stable or refrigerated, depending on your needs[4].

Customizing Your Probiotic: Considerations for Specific Health Conditions

Some folks might need to tailor their probiotic choices based on specific health concerns. For example, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you might benefit from a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium infantis[5]. As always, it's best to chat with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

How to Take Probiotics with Antibiotics

Now that you've got the lowdown on choosing a probiotic, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of taking them alongside antibiotics.

Timing and Dosing: Getting the Most out of Your Probiotics

As we mentioned earlier, it's best to wait at least two hours after taking antibiotics before taking a probiotic[3]. This will help ensure that the good bacteria have a fighting chance to survive and thrive in your gut. Stick to the recommended dosing on your probiotic's label, and don't forget to follow your doctor's instructions for taking your antibiotics[2].

Potential Side Effects: What to Watch Out For

While probiotics are generally considered safe, they can sometimes cause minor side effects such as gas, bloating, or upset stomach[1]. These symptoms should subside as your body adjusts to the new bacteria. However, if you experience severe or persistent side effects, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider.

Conclusion: The Dynamic Duo of Probiotics and Antibiotics

Taking probiotics with antibiotics can be a game-changer when it comes to maintaining a healthy gut biome during and after antibiotic treatment. By choosing a diverse, high-quality probiotic and following the proper timing and dosing recommendations, you can help your body bounce back faster and keep your gut in tip-top shape. If you're currently taking antibiotics and struggling with digestive issues, MicroBiome Restore could be the solution you're looking for. This powerful supplement contains 26 different strains of probiotic bacteria, including Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and a prebiotic blend made from Jerusalem artichoke, Acacia, Fig fruit, sea vegetables, and Maitake mushroom. Unlike other supplements, MicroBiome Restore's prebiotic capsule is fermented for optimal effectiveness and contains absolutely no cellulose! Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your gut, which can lead to a variety of digestive issues, but by supplementing with the right probiotics and prebiotics, you may be able to minimize these side effects and promote overall gut health. With the diverse array of strains in MicroBiome Restore, you can feel confident that you're getting a broad spectrum of beneficial bacteria. So if you're tired of feeling uncomfortable while taking antibiotics, or are about to be prescribed antibiotics, try giving your gut some TLC with the help of a trusty probiotic. After all, a happy gut means a healthier, happier you!

Sources

[1] McFarland, L. V. (2008). Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: epidemiology, trends and treatment. Future Microbiology, 3(5), 563-578. doi:10.2217/17460913.3.5.563 Link [2] King, S., Glanville, J., Sanders, M. E., Fitzgerald, A., & Varley, D. (2019). Effectiveness of probiotics on the duration of illness in healthy children and adults who develop common acute respiratory infectious conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 122(1), 1-10. doi:10.1017/S0007114519000075 Link [3] Ouwehand, A. C., Forssten, S., Hibberd, A. A., & Lyra, A. (2016). Probiotic approach to prevent antibiotic resistance. Annals of Medicine, 48(4), 246-255. doi:10.3109/07853890.2016.1161078 Link [4] Sanders, M. E., Merenstein, D. J., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., & Rastall, R. A. (2019). Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease: from biology to the clinic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 16(10), 605-616. doi:10.1038/s41575-019-0173-3 Link [5] Hill, C., Guarner, F., Reid, G., Gibson, G. R., Merenstein, D. J., Pot, B., ... & Sanders, M. E. (2014). Expert consensus document: The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 11(8), 506-514. doi:10.1038/nrgastro.2014.66 Link