Keeping the Balance: Antibiotics and Probiotics

There are reasons to use probiotics supplements when using antibiotics.  There are reasons, too, for making probiotics a part of your daily ritual.  If you are looking to buy probiotics, some links can be found below to a couple of products we trust.  Follow the link to information for your review, in order to make a good buying decision.

If Taking Antibiotics, Don’t Forget the Probiotics

We are all carrying around extra passengers with us in our intestines in the form of friendly bacteria.  A few hundred different specie, in fact. As humans have evolved, those bacteria have evolved, as well, to create a mutually beneficial co-existence.

These little critters help our bodies absorb vital minerals and nutrients, and boost our immune system health. They compete with pathogens (bad bacteria) for space and resources, Some of the by-products of the ‘good’ bacteria actually help keep the population of bad bacteria under control. If you’re stressed or run down, the environment in your gut (your intestine – where it all happens) changes, creating conditions that favor pathogenic bacteria to take control, upsetting the balance.

Antibiotic medication takes out the beneficial bacteria in your gut as well as bad strains of bacteria (pathogens that cause illness). You can sometimes tell when the balance has tipped in favor of the bad bacteria, as they produce of toxic gases that can cause abdominal bloating, discomfort and flatulence. Those toxins can inflame the gut wall too, making the absorption of nutrients from food more difficult. Sometimes, if they’re active enough it brings on feelings of nausea too, as your liver struggles to handle the high level of toxic byproducts.

If you are taking antibiotics, there are some important items you can keep in mind to re-populate your intestines with good bacteria -which should improve your sense of well being.

ANTIBIOTICS and PROBIOTICS

1. Begin taking probiotics supplements, and continue for a few weeks after you have finished the course of antibiotics. Buy a brand name that has a variety of different strains of probiotics as well as other beneficial ingredients.
2. Take your probiotics at night, with a hi-fiber food like fruit or legumes, as more of the bacteria will survive the journey to your intestines by hitching a ride on the fiber.  Some of the bacteria won’t make it past the very acidic environment in your stomach.
3. If you are dairy tolerant, a small cup of plain yogurt every day is a great natural probiotics source.  Yogurt and other fermented foods have been used by many cultures for centuries to promote the health of the colon / immune system.  Ensure the yogurt is fresh and try different brands for the best effect.

The probiotic bacteria will soon start to displace the bad bacteria and help quell any bowel disturbances that have occurred.  Antibiotics and probiotics are part of an alternative health regimen you won’t usually receive from your primary care physician.a regimen

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Additional Information:

Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics – Harvard

Lactobacillus acidophilus