Do probiotics affect antibiotics?

Ah, the microbiome. That vast world of tiny creatures that live inside our bodies and play a crucial role in how we function as humans. And what happens when we pop an antibiotic pill to get rid of those pesky bugs causing us trouble? Do probiotics come to save the day or do they just chill in our gut doing nothing special?

You’re about to find out everything you need:

The Science behind Probiotics and Antibiotics

First things first, let’s set up some basic concepts. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system[^1]. On the other hand, antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections[^2].

So far so good.

However, if antibiotics target all kinds of bacteria – which includes both bad and good guys- it begs the question: will taking them mess with our internal microbiota?

The answer is yes but also not really.

See, antibiotics break through cell walls killing any bacteria-related stuff they can find. That being said some beneficial microorganisms may get caught in their line-of-fire too [^3]. Here comes why everyone talks about using ‘friendly’ bacteia strains alongside antibiotic treatments:

Probio-what?!

Probiotic supplements, often sold as pills or yoghurt drinks ^[4]^ , aim at promoting a healthier microbial environment in different parts of our body like intestines vagina and mouth by introducing desired bacterial strains^[5]^ such as lactobacillus , bifidobacterium amongst others . They pretty much work like peacekeepers between deadly pathogens : see them people clashing ? These friendly little fellas bring balance back^[6]^

On paper it seems harmless then doesn’t it? But there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to these good for you critters :

The Billion Dollar Industry

With the natural health industry booming in recent years, it is unsurprising that probiotics have received a lot of attention- and big bucks [^7]^ . In fact, digital marketing platform eMarketer forecasts spending on so-called “natural” remedies including probiotics will approach $16 billion by 2021 in America alone![^8]^

It might seem like just another health craze today but:

Probiotics Have Been Here from Ancient Times

Probiotic use goes way back to ancient cultures where fermented foods were common- think Greeks with kefir or Mongandians fermenting raw milk^[9]^. They noticed that consuming certain types of cultured foods seemed to ease digestive discomforts, like constipation and diarrhea.

Nowadays It seems however Trendy Lady Gaga inspired drinks are enough to sell out ! Any celebrity-endorsed product tends to go viral within seconds (um thank Kim Kardashian and her weight loss lollipops) But let’s focus on our microbiota : brand name companies heavily market their products as essential – claiming benefits ranging from boosting immune function , improving mental well-being .. Heck ! One company advertises its supplement stating “our advanced formula delivers guaranteed potency through expiration date”[^10] whilst .. who sells snake-oil now right ?

But we digress.The question at this point usually boils down:

So Should You Take A Probiotic Supplement?

Unanimous answer here would be ”it depends’. It all really depends on what antibiotic you’re taking or what condition has led you there.

If your everyday life includes adequate amounts of yoghurt,kimchi,sauerkraut tempeh amongst other fermented food as well drinking plenty if water + maintaining a balanced diet maybe an extra pill of daireha nipping hasn’t been scientifically recommended yet[^11]

Essentially, If you have a healthy gut microbiome, taking antibiotics should not necessarily lead to dysbiosis or disease; therefore probiotic supplementation would probably be unnecessary [^12] Or even harmful:

Quick Reminder : Probiotics Are Living Cells

Probiotics ARE living cells ,and live organisms. Unlike yoghurt (usually) supplements are not pasteurized and must stay refrigerated in order to survive.^13^ Not like those Coleslaw Gurus keeping store them on the snack stands for a day more than they should…

Point being that ingesting too much of the same friendly bacteria might lead to some side effects too.(hello bloating?!) Therefore :

Playing with both Antibiotics and Probiotic Supplementation Contracts A Double-edged Sword?

While beneficial effects of antibiotics can come as quickly as pain relief,[14] their actual purpose is killing off unwanted pathogens after all. As we mentioned before , In addition this may cause collateral damage resulting in reduced number & diversity of microorganisms originally colonising our guts. Taking into account that each individual has its own unique microbial community it gives rise to personalised medicine hypothesis where everyone will have antibiotics specifically designed based on their microbiota composition^[15]^

Therefore researchers suggest moving towards precise medicine with tailored dosages and timeframes rather than broad variations [6]. This means rethinking conventional treatments giving way for precision therapies which enable only specific colonies injury whilst conquering the rest.

So What’s The Verdict?

In conclusion, there is some evidence suggesting potential benefits from probiotic use alongside antibiotic treatment ^[16]^ but no universal stamp of approval yet- leaving us still pondering pros cons; awaiting further research unveiling whether certain strains prove superior under varying conditions.[^17]^ With pharmaceutical companies already exploring bacteria-based products targeting infection prevention probabilities point favorable direction at least- though do your best avoiding celebrity endorsed glittery “Panacea” claims marketing tries selling you:)

Quick Reminders & Recap :

Probiotics– live bacteria and yeasts which can be good for your health, They work like peacekeepers amidst deadly pathogens

Antibiotics– medicines used to treat bacterial infections ,Their actual purpose is killing off unwanted pathogens.

Taking too much of the same friendly bacteria might lead to some side effects too.(bloating anyone?) Therefore it’s essential to maintain a balance.

The verdict still remains murky though: probiotic use alongside antibiotics is not yet recommended as a definitive treatment.

So there you have it folks! The lowdown of all things microbiota related. Who knew that organisms living INSIDE our own bodies could cause so much fuss! Understandably, looking after them should be the main objective- with or without sparkling products named after la crème de la crème celebs.

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