Surprising Benefits of Combining Probiotics and Antibiotics
Posted by Portions Master on 17th Mar 2023
Leaving the doctor's office with an antibiotic prescription can usually provide immediate relief, but it is essential to remember the role outside forces play. With the introduction of antibiotics, beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome are compromised. Yes, an antibiotic can defeat a serious infection, but we should be equally mindful regarding how to minimize damage to the gut during treatment. Supplementing your diet with probiotic supplements may be beneficial as well. Probiotics help foster a balanced microbiome and replace helpful bacteria on a cellular level that is understandably impacted by antibiotics. Therefore, understanding the consequences and potential impact of using antibiotics will help maximize their ability to heal with minimal consequences like microbial imbalance or drug resistance.
Taking probiotics along with antibiotics may help you to avoid some of the negative side effects associated with taking antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that probiotics and antibiotics actually work together, rather than being at odds like what many people think. Specifically, taking a probiotic alongside antibiotic protocol has been proven to improve the treatment outcomes for SIBO and H. Pylori infections. Probiotics have also been scientifically proven to reduce or even eliminate side effects related to antibiotics such as diarrhea. All in all, if you have been prescribed antibiotic medication, chances are good that adding a probiotic in your regimen can help to make it more effective while protecting against unpleasant side effects.
What do Antibiotics do to the Microbiome?
Research on antibiotic impacts on gut microbiota has been alarming. By nature, antibiotics have the effect of reducing microbial diversity and altering metabolic activity, both of which are essential to our gut health. Unfortunately, these activities can often result in several negative consequences such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, recurring C difficile infections, and the selection of potentially deadly, antibiotic-resistant organisms. To this end, practitioners must be particularly cautious when administering antibiotics to patients as there is a great deal at risk.
Probiotics Make Antibiotics More Effective
A recent string of evidence is increasingly showing that the combination of probiotics and antibiotics yields better results than taken alone in the case of H. pylori infections. A systematic review comprising a staggering 20,000 patients showed that taking both together resulted in an increased success rate when compared to using antibiotics alone. Similarly, another meta-analysis carried out on 6,000 patients' data found that taking both ended up with approximately 10% higher eradication rate than those having only the antibiotics. Combining antibiotics with Portions Master Advanced Probiotics provides significant benefits over a single option.
Probiotics Reduce Antibiotic Side Effects
Antibiotics are a beneficial tool for treating bacterial infections, but they come with potential side effects. It is not uncommon to experience adverse reactions such as diarrhea, yeast infections and gastrointestinal pain after a course of antibiotics. This is because antibiotics work by killing bacteria that cause the infection – both bad and good bacteria. The broad action of antibiotics means they can kill a large range of bacteria, thus reducing the number of beneficial bacteria in your system and potentially leading to dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can cause inflammation, weakened immune response, and growth of pathogenic microorganisms, all resulting in unpleasant side effects from antibiotics.
What About Probiotic Foods?
Probiotic bacteria are an essential part of maintaining a healthy gut biome. While it is possible to add probiotics to your diet through fermented foods, like kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, it can be challenging to consume enough of these to make a therapeutic difference. Probiotic supplements can be used as an alternate source for introducing beneficial bacterial strains into the gut, allowing you to customize the dose depending on your current microbiome situation. Probiotics help promote good digestion and nutrient absorption which can lead to improved immunity and overall health; making supplementation an excellent way to boost your dietary gains.
The Bottom Line
Probiotic supplements are one of the best methods for mitigating the side effects of taking antibiotics. Research has revealed that taking probiotics soon after starting a course of antibiotics is far more effective than doing so after finishing the antibiotic treatment. Probiotics work to restore your gut microbiome and can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive issues. Additionally, probiotic supplements can help ensure that beneficial bacteria in your gut remain intact throughout the entire course of antibiotic treatment. To get the most out of your probiotic supplement while taking antibiotics, make sure to take probiotics at least twice a day with food or as directed by your physician. Taking them close together with each dose of medicine will make sure you have an abundant supply of beneficial bacteria in your gut to counteract any side effects resulting from the antibiotics. This simple step can be critical in helping reduce potentially harmful antibiotic-associated symptoms.