Taking probiotics during your course of antibiotics can help treat some of the potential side effects of antibiotics. You can start to take a probiotic as soon as two hours after taking your first antibiotic dose. Do not take the probiotic and antibiotic at the same time, as the antibiotic will affect the probiotic. Always consult your physician before taking probiotic supplements.
Probiotics
From the Latin "pro biota" meaning for life, probiotics are beneficial microbes -- bacteria, yeast or fungi -- that help your body function optimally. These beneficial bacteria aid in digestion, help you absorb nutrients from your food, keep less friendly bacteria in check and boost your immune system. There are more bacteria in your body than cells -- almost a trillion living microorganisms. Each distinct species of microbe plays a unique role; when taking probiotics to treat the effects of antibiotics you'll have to look for specific strains.
Lactobacillus GG
Up to 20 percent of people may end their antibiotic treatment early because of diarrhea. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, antibiotic-related diarrhea is usually mild and stops after you've finished your treatment. But in rare circumstances, it can lead to inflammation of your colon -- called colitis. Taking between 5 and 10 million live cells of the probiotic Lactobaciluss GG can help treat these frequent watery bowel movements. In addition to taking probiotics, stay hydrated and choose easy-to-digest foods such as applesauce, bananas, toast and rice. Do not use an antidiarrheal medication without talking to your doctor, as they can interfere with your body's ability to rid itself of toxins.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Yeast infections are often caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans -- a fungus that lives in your mouth, stomach and digestive tract. Normally candida is kept in check by beneficial bacteria; but antibiotics upset your body's natural balance of microbes, and candida can repopulate faster than many other bacteria. Adding acidophilus to your diet -- either in supplements or by eating yogurt or kefir -- will help protect you against a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, thrush, athlete's foot and skin rashes may all be caused by a candida overgrowth. Because sugar feeds candida, choose unsweetened yogurt and limit added sugars in your diet.
Probiotics and Antibiotics
Antibiotics are a very useful class of drugs -- but can only be used to treat bacterial infections. Colds, the flu, coughs and sore throats caused by viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to these drugs becoming less effective. Using probiotics, even when you are feeling well, can help strengthen your immune system. Although more research is needed, probiotics may help treat high cholesterol, Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
