When we fall ill, antibiotics are often seen as a cure-all. In reality though, this can be harmful to our body’s natural balance, as they may kill off beneficial bacteria along with the bad. Herein lies the benefit of probiotics – these live microorganisms can replace good bacteria levels within our gut. Unfortunately, doctors rarely prescribe them alongside antibiotics despite their proven impact.
Antibiotics can undoubtedly be a life-saver, for they can treat a host of ailments – from ear infections to pneumonia. However, there are potential side effects, for example diarrhea, as the medications can rid the gut of helpful microorganisms alongside harmful bacteria causing the infection.
Probiotics are akin to the beneficial bacteria naturally found in the gut. Taking them can help offset any disruption to the balance of bacteria caused by antibiotics. Surprisingly, though, physicians don’t routinely pair antibiotics with probiotics. What could be the reason behind this? Let’s get down to the bottom of it.
Causes of Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotics are not used correctly, causing bacteria to become resistant; bacteria can develop mutations that make them immune to the effects of antibiotics; antibiotic-resistant strains can be passed on from person to person.
Antibiotic resistance is caused in large part by their overuse and misuse. Excessive, incorrect usage of antibiotics provides bacteria with further chances to adapt and become resistant.
The use of antibiotics in food production can lead to dangerous consequences. This includes the administration of low doses of antibiotics to livestock by farmers, with the purpose of disease prevention and growth promotion. Such practices, unfortunately, can result in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that put humans at risk.
Inadequate sanitation is a major contributor to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria can be more easily transmitted and gain immunities when living conditions are not cleaned and maintained properly. Consequently, drugs may become less effective in treating them.
The process of natural selection means that bacteria which can survive an antibiotic will live on and multiply, while other less resistant bacteria’s die off. Eventually, this can result in a population which has mostly become immune to the antibiotic.
How do Probiotics Help?
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are similar to the ones found in your gut. These live microorganisms help maintain a healthy intestinal system.
Your gut is inhabited by trillions of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. The good bacteria in the digestive system help break down food, absorb essential nutrients and protect from disease. An imbalance of good and bad microorganisms can result in several health issues such as diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hypersensitivity reactions.
Probiotics are useful in restoring balance to the microbiota in your gut. This is achieved by outcompeting pathogenic bacteria for sustenance and space, producing substances that inhibit their growth, and stimulating protection from the immune system.
Probiotics have been shown to be helpful for a variety of health conditions, including:
- Probiotics are a helpful measure to avert and manage diarrhea derived from antibiotics, journeying, or infections.
- Probiotic supplements can help to reduce constipation symptoms by aiding softer, easier-to-eliminate stool.
- Probiotics can be used to alleviate the symptoms associated with IBS, including bloating, excessive gas, and loose stools.
- Probiotics have been suggested as a potential remedy for lessening allergy symptoms. Taking probiotics could lead to fewer reactions and help make the effects of allergies more tolerable.
- Probiotics offer potential benefits to those suffering from atopic dermatitis, as these may help to alleviate symptoms.
- Research suggests probiotics can be beneficial for those with plaque psoriasis. Intake may lead to an improvement in symptoms.
- Probiotics may aid in alleviating the signs of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) like heartburn and acid reflux.
- Probiotics might be able to lessen the intensity of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
- Taking probiotics could be helpful in avoiding urinary tract infections among women. It may help to reduce the chance of getting a UTI.
- It has been suggested that probiotics may help to reduce the chances of a pregnant woman giving birth prematurely.
Probiotics usually don’t cause issues for most people, but there may be some adverse reactions. If you notice any bloating, gas, or diarrhea after taking probiotics, discontinue use and speak to your doctor.
When it comes to incorporating probiotics into your diet, you have many options. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and probiotic supplements are all accessible sources. It’s essential to make sure the product has lived and active cultures when selecting the right one for you. To be certain you pick the ideal option, talk to your physician.
Before making any decisions about taking probiotics, make sure to consult your doctor. Probiotics should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or to prevent illnesses without first getting approval from your physician.
Why Don’t Doctors Prescribe Probiotics with Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be a life-saver, offering a remedy for disease ranging from ear infections to pneumonia. Unfortunately, they may come with negative repercussions, one of which is diarrhea. This can be attributed to the fact that antibiotics have the potential to eradicate the helpful bacteria in your digestive tract along with the harmful bacteria triggering the infection.
Probiotics are live bacteria that resemble the beneficial microbes naturally residing in your gut. Antibiotics can disrupt the microbial balance of your gut, and taking probiotics alongside them can help restore it; however, physicians don’t always recommend this.
There are a few reasons why doctors might not prescribe probiotics with antibiotics:
- Studies on probiotics have produced mixed results. While some have indicated they may help to reduce the occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, others do not indicate an advantage.
- Due to insurance policies in many countries, probiotics can be quite costly. Therefore, people may find it challenging to obtain these dietary supplements.
- People have reported side effects from taking probiotics, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It is important to be aware that probiotics may cause uncomfortable reactions.
If you are worried about the repercussions of antibiotics, you should bring it up with your doctor, who may suggest taking probiotics. But remember that they don’t substitute for antibiotics. For infection treatments, antibiotics remain the best option.
Here are some tips for taking probiotics:
- Pick a probiotic that is suitable for you. With the numerous types available, it is essential to select the one that fits your needs best. Consult with your doctor to decide which one works for you.
- Adhere to the instructions provided on the probiotic label for best results.
- Have patience, it could take several weeks for the probiotics to start having an effect.
- If you have doubts or queries about taking probiotics, it is best to discuss them with your doctor.
World Health Organization Guidelines on Combined Antibiotic & Probiotic Prescriptions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance concerning combined antibiotic and probiotic prescriptions. The advice is to use probiotics “with caution” for patients on antibiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that resemble the beneficial bacteria in our gut. They come in pill form and are believed to provide various health benefits, such as reducing the chances of gastrointestinal infections or diarrhea. Yet, there is still limited proof of their efficacy and potential drawbacks. Therefore, it’s wise for individuals taking probiotics – especially those who have compromised immunity or some other chronic illness – to consult a healthcare professional first.
Natural Alternatives to Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are live microorganisms that work to benefit intestinal health. These beneficial bacteria can be ingested through probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, or by taking supplements. While generally safe, there are potential side effects of using probiotics, including abdominal discomfort, flatulence, and loose stools. Additionally, their use may interact with other medications.
To include probiotics in your diet without taking supplements, you can try eating fermented foods. These food items have live bacteria that help promote good gut health, and other options include honey, miso soup, and pickled vegetables.
Some people may also opt for prebiotic supplementation. This form of fiber nurtures the beneficial microorganisms in the gut, and can be found in foods such as bananas, onions, garlic, whole grains, and legumes. Enhancing gut health can be furthered even more by pairing prebiotics with probiotics.
What Should You Do Next?
To make sure that you’re getting the most out of your probiotic supplement while taking antibiotics, take it two hours before or after the antibiotic and continue taking it for a couple of weeks following antibiotic therapy. Additionally, eating prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and Jerusalem artichokes is highly recommended as they will provide nourishment for the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Conclusion
It is essential to understand why doctors typically avoid prescribing probiotics along with antibiotics. Although a few studies have proposed some potential benefits of combining antioxidant and antibiotic therapy, more research is necessary before we can come to any solid conclusions about using these organisms as an accompaniment to pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics. Should you have any queries or concerns about taking bacterial treatments in conjunction with other medical treatments, consult your doctor.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to combine antibiotics and probiotics?
It is possible to take antibiotics and probiotics together. However, it is important to ensure they are not taken at the same time; antibiotics should be consumed on an empty stomach while probiotics should be taken with food.
2. Why are probiotics important?
The utilization of probiotics is essential for upholding a balanced microbiome in the intestines. This can enhance digestion, minimizing the likelihood of diarrhea or other gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, probiotics may aid in fortifying the immune system and tempering certain diseases.
3. What are some adverse reactions to antibiotics?
Side effects of taking antibiotics may range from diarrhea, nausea and vomiting to dizziness. An allergic reaction, evidenced by hives or swelling, could also occur. If you experience any severe symptoms while taking an antibiotic, it is recommended that you stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately.
4. How long should I continue to take probiotics after ending a course of antibiotics?
It is suggested that you take probiotics for two weeks after completing your course of antibiotics. Doing so will help replace the healthy bacteria in your gut that were eliminated by the antibiotic medication.
5. Where can I acquire probiotic supplements?
Probiotic supplements can be found at numerous health food stores, as well as online.