Diarrhea is an unpleasant, but common side effect of many antibiotic prescriptions. It is also a deadly symptom in developing countries. To combat diarrhea, medical experts, such as the University of Maryland Medical Center and MayoClinic.com suggest adding yogurt to your diet. However, with so many options on the market, it's difficult to know which yogurt is your best choice.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a healthy mix of bacteria that help maintain your intestines. When you take antibiotics, they wipe out the healthy bacteria as well as the infection. To help restore proper function, look for yogurt with lactobacillus GG, acidophilus or bifidobacteria as an added ingredient. Makers of yogurts with probiotics clearly label them as such, making them easier to find in the dairy case.
Antibiotic-Induced Diarrhea
A 2007 study published in the "British Journal of General Practice" investigated whether probiotic-supplemented yogurt could prevent diarrhea caused by antibiotics. The study included 369 patients who received no yogurt, regular yogurt or probiotic-supplemented yogurt. The results did not support the theory that probiotic-supplemented yogurt prevented diarrhea. The group that received probiotic yogurt developed diarrhea at statistically the same rate as the others.
Rotavirus-Induced Diarrhea
A 2007 study published in the journal "BMC Microbiology" evaluated the use of six probiotics to prevent and ameliorate cases of diarrhea caused by rotavirus. Of the six probiotics evaluated, Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG, had the most impact in minimizing diarrhea. While the probiotic did not prevent diarrhea, it had the best result in shortening the duration and minimizing the severity of the intestinal illness. Look for yogurt with this strain specifically noted on the container.
Conclusions
While yogurt is not clearly a preventative, the best option if you're suffering from diarrhea is a probiotic-supplemented yogurt with Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG. If you cannot find a yogurt with this supplement, buy commercial yogurt and the supplement separately and combine them for best results.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diarrhea
- "British Journal of General Practice"; Does Eating Yogurt Prevent Antibiotic-associated Diarrhoea? a Placebo-controlled Randomised Controlled Trial in General Practice; Conway, et al.; December 2007
- "BMC Microbiology"; Effective Prophylaxis Against Rotavirus Diarrhea Using a Combination of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Gg and Antibodies; Pant, et al.; September 2007
- MayoClinic.com; Diarrhea: Alternative Medicine; June 2010
