Both probiotics and antibiotics have some effect on bacteria, as indicated by the suffix "biotic." The prefix "pro" is positive, while the prefix "anti" is negative, an indicator of their opposing actions. Probiotic is the term used to describe the good kind of bacteria that is beneficial for health, while antibiotic describes substances that destroy bacteria, both good and bad.
Probiotics
Probiotics are described by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine as "friendly bacteria." People have a certain amount of bacteria in their bodies that help them perform routine functions, such as digestion. Probiotics are similar in makeup to the healthy bacteria that live in the gut naturally, which makes the digestive process more efficient. You can find probiotics in some types of fermented foods, like yogurt and miso. You can also take probiotics as a dietary supplement. Probiotics are available over the counter and do not require a doctor's prescription.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are agents that kill or stop the reproduction of bacteria. Their actions vary based on type. Different antibiotics kill different types of bacteria, but their general purpose is to stop the side effects of the bad bacteria so the body may recover from its illness. They do not have any effect on illnesses caused by a virus. Antibiotics may be used for respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or sinusitis, but they will not cure the common cold or flu. Serious infections may require the use of multiple antibiotics or a longer course of strong antibiotics, both of which can lead to unpleasant digestive side effects.
Antibiotic Side Effects
Because antibiotics kill off the good bacteria, or flora, along with the bad, some people who use them experience digestive side effects. Among these are diarrhea, yeast infections and stomach upset. When the good flora goes, so do their benefits. Intestinal flora help ward off other infections, including those that are unrelated to the infection for which you were originally taking an antibiotic. In addition to killing off the bacteria that aid digestion, antibiotics can also increase your risk for infections associated with the yeast Candida albicans, and may allow for the proliferation of Clostridium difficile, a resistant bacteria that is often the cause of infectious diarrhea.
Using Probiotics
According to a 2009 article in the "Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness," probiotics and antibiotics should be alternated to reduce the risk of secondary illnesses. Probiotics can protect against antibiotic-induced diarrhea, or at least shorten its course. In addition, probiotics can help the body fight off secondary infections, giving the digestive flora a chance to repopulate. If you must take antibiotics for any condition, talk to your doctor to find out whether or not taking probiotics is right for you.
References
- "Internet Journal of Nutrition and Wellness"; Probiotics and Antibiotics: A Brief Overview; S. S. Biradar, S. T. Bahagvati & B. Shegunshi; February 2009
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library; Antibiotics; September 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; An Introduction to Probiotics; March 2011
