Antibiotics are drugs that treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections and acne. Antibiotics kill all bacteria in the body, including beneficial bacteria found in your intestines. These beneficial bacteria prevent the overgrowth of disease-causing microorganisms. If you are taking antibiotics, your doctor may advise you to take probiotic supplements or eat foods rich in probiotics.
Antibiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics, also called "friendly" bacteria, are live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial bacteria found in your gut, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Probiotics are recommended during and after antibiotic therapy because they help replace beneficial bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics, according to MayoClinic.com. In order for probiotics to be effective,you should take them one or two hours after taking antibiotics.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are available in food and dietary supplements. Examples of foods containing probiotics include fermented milk, yogurt, miso, tempeh, buttermilk, acidophilus milk and soy beverages. Probiotics dietary supplements are manufactured as tablets, capsules or powders and are available over-the-counter in many drugstores. The most common probiotics species added to foods and supplements include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidus and Saccharomyces boulardii.
Probiotics Side Effects
Probiotics supplements may cause you to experience minor side effects such as gas, bloating and stomach pain, according to the National Ceneter for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you have a lowered immune system due to chronic diseases such as HIV and leukemia, you may develop serious infections after taking probiotic supplements. Always consult with your doctor before taking foods or products containing probiotics.
Antibiotics Effects
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is a condition that may occur 5 to 10 days after starting antibiotic therapy, according to MayoClinic.com. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut. Antibiotics kill beneficial bacteria which suppress the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Yogurt and other products containing yogurt can help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
