Taking antibiotics to treat infections is important, but these powerful drugs can also cause some unwanted side effects – including diarrhea. This happens because antibiotics don’t discriminate between harmful bacteria and the helpful microorganisms, or probiotics, that live in our gut and help maintain our overall health. But there’s good news! Research shows that taking probiotic supplements or consuming fermented foods (such as sauerkraut) in between your antibiotic doses may help to restore the good bugs in your system and ease antibiotic-related diarrhea.
Probiotics to the Rescue!
Nutritional scientist Sydney J. Newberry and her colleagues at RAND, a nonprofit research organization, have been studying the effects of probiotics on people who take antibiotics. In their research, they found a strong link between probiotic use and a significantly lower risk of developing diarrhea when taking antibiotics. In fact, taking probiotics reduced the risk by a whopping 42%!
One reason for this might be that probiotics help to restore balance in the gut, counteracting the negative effects of antibiotics on our body’s internal ecosystem. Instead of letting your gut health spiral out of control, taking probiotics can provide you with the support needed to maintain a healthy bacteria level, ultimately reducing your risk of experiencing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
When and How to Take Probiotics
It’s important to note that probiotics should be taken a few hours after your antibiotics, so the medicine doesn’t kill the helpful organisms in the supplements. This ensures that the probiotics have the best chance of surviving and thriving in your gut.
There are multiple ways to incorporate probiotics into your routine. You can take a daily probiotic supplement or eat foods rich in these healthy bacteria. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and tempeh are all excellent sources of probiotics. Consuming a variety of these options whenever you’re on a course of antibiotics can help ensure that you’re giving your gut an ample supply of helpful bacteria to counteract the negative effects of the drugs.
Try incorporating these probiotic-rich foods into your daily meals, or look for supplements that contain several different strains of bacteria for best results. You may need to experiment to find the right balance for your body, as everyone’s gut microbiome is unique.
The Importance of Prebiotics
While probiotics are a crucial part of maintaining a healthy gut, it’s also essential to consume prebiotics, which serve as food for the beneficial bacteria. Prebiotics can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as supplements. Some top prebiotic sources include bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, and oats.
By incorporating prebiotics into your diet, you’re providing the fuel your body needs to help your gut bacteria thrive. This not only helps prevent diarrhea when taking antibiotics but also promotes better digestive health overall.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’re taking antibiotics and concerned about the possibility of diarrhea or other digestive side effects, it’s important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider. They can recommend specific probiotic supplements or dietary changes based on your individual needs and medical history. Additionally, they can provide guidance on the proper timing and dosage of probiotics during your antibiotic treatment.
Remember, your doctor is there to help ensure the best possible outcome from your antibiotics, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek their advice.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics offer a powerful, natural way to ease diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. By incorporating probiotic supplements or probiotic-rich foods into your routine during and after antibiotic treatment, you can help restore balance to your gut flora and promote optimal digestive health. Don’t forget to include prebiotics, too, as they nourish the good bacteria and help them thrive.
But remember, always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen, and make sure to follow their guidance on the proper use of probiotics during your antibiotic therapy. Together, you can work to maintain a healthy gut and minimize the unpleasant side effects of antibiotic treatment.
