Do probiotics help after antibiotics?

Antibiotics can save your life, but they might leave you feeling like the inside of a rubber balloon. Let’s face it; antibiotics do wonders for clearing out an infection. However, with all its goodness that wipes off the bad bacteria from our systems come a few downsides – gas, bloating and diarrhea to name a few.

So what gives? Why does it feel like we are perpetually pumping ourselves full of helium after taking antibiotics? Is there anything we can do about this situation?

Enter probiotics- these little bacterial buddies have been gaining popularity in recent years as more people turn to them for help dealing with antibiotic-induced side effects. But is the hype justified or is it just another fad? In this article, let’s take a closer look at whether probiotics are all they’re cracked up to be when it comes to combating post-antibiotic issues.

First things first: What happens when you take antibiotics?

Before we delve into whether probiotics work or not, let’s quickly go over why antibiotics put us through such misery.

When you take an antibiotic drug – either orally or by injection – it gets absorbed into your bloodstream and circulates throughout your body. Once inside your system, the medicine starts attacking any harmful bacteria that may be present causing an infection. Unfortunately though, along with harmful strains of bacteria even beneficial ones present in our gut get killed which temporarily alters Gut Microbiota Community(Microbes living in our intestine).

Our digestive tract contains billions of bacteria that perform various functions keeping us healthy by acquiring nutrients and vitamins from food efficiently while also serving ties companionship/emotional support/co-existence (as proven by pet owners)[1]. These microbes may differ depending on age/health/genetics/environmental conditions making everyone unique.[2]. Life span of microbes may be as short as hours while some may dwell for years.[3] The duration of antibiotic course will determine the extent to which beneficial bacteria are killed off and depending on individual factors, it can take various times for microbial diversity to return to normal levels (24-72 Hours).

In place of dead bad bacteria a temporary niche is created where new strains of harmful microorganisms thrive[4]. This leads us onto various gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, constipation etc. So how do probiotics come into the picture? Is there any truth to their supposed benefits?

What exactly are probiotics anyway?

Put simply; probiotics are live microorganisms that we consume with the hope they will have health benefits.

They’re found in foods like yogurt (nothing flavoured!), sauerkraut (yum?) or kimchi – however often these contain low quantities insufficient for remedial purposes. (Pretending i didn’t just mention anything about bubble-teas/mocktails)

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Probiotics work by ‘colonizing’ your digestive tract temporarily – meaning they linger around your gut area until you go back to eating regular food. During this period they produce enzymes and other beneficial molecules that help our body break down food substances more efficiently thus keeping bowel movements regular and also aiding overall nutrient absorption.(Super helpful guys indeed)

But do probiotics actually help post antibiotics?

While anecdotal evidence would suggest positive results, It has been documented scientifically that taking prophylactic (?) amounts does not provide effective leverage against gas/bloating/diarrhea (Reference: journal of Gastroenterology and hepatology) so there’s really no significant evidence to support such use. However, some experts recommend taking probiotics after antibiotics as a preventative measure anyway.(It wouldn’t hurt) although it may cause extra work!)

There are certain digestive-related conditions that have shown empirical evidence backing up the efficacy of probiotic consumption following an antibiotic course – but this does not apply widely (Stay disappointed kiddos)

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For example, Clostridium difficile infection , or ‘C.diff’, is caused by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria in our colon which leads to severe diarrhea-like symptoms. In cases like these where our microbial balance is unable to safeguard us from bad guy overgrowths, taking high doses of specific strains can help recolonize good microbes before bad ones get too settled(Think 5 star hotel vs camping ground sites 🙂 ).

Another condition where benefits were seen is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Currently there isn’t any set or agreed-upon treatment strategy for IBS and different treatments provide relief with varying degrees -thus increasing burden on patient’s wallets.(Aahh healthcare expenses!;<). Research has shown though, that taking large amounts or higher quality supplements works wonders(oh yeah!!!!!) .

What strains should you look out for?

If you do decide to take probiotics during /post antibiotic therapy,(That’s dope!!!), make sure they contain specific strains that evidence shows have biological benefit(this list provided hereinbelow shall be far better and accurate than Dr.Google’s opinion).(Hint:Simple Bulleted list cause long paragraphs usually give me anxiety-farts!)

  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Bifidobacterium lactis (formerly known as B. animalis)
  • Saccharomyces boulardii
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  • Streptococcus thermophilus
  • and finally; Escherichia coli Nissle

These specific strains have been shown to be most effective during clinical studies(Basically level 11 of efficacy where effectiveness is rated between 1 and 10).

So, Should You Take Probiotics After Antibiotics?

Truthfully it depends on several factors.

If you’re taking antibiotics for a short period(<3 days), probiotics probably won’t make much difference either way.(nothing we can do, just let the winds blow & life moves by 😉 )

For longer-term treatment courses though (>5 days), there may be some upside to taking probiotics – especially if certain evidence-backed strains are taken ( Hooray!!!).

Ultimately it comes down to your individual situation so It would always be best practice CONSULTING with your healthcare provider . They will know what’s best based on your medical history/special considerations(Food/hospitals/phobia w.r.t needles)SOURCE NOT AVAILABLE!. Occasionally further testing or arranging follow-up visits could also help provide better understanding regarding resolving any chronic issues(Just like your toll booth execpt instead of coins, it’s time and hard work put in)!

Pros (WIN) Cons(Oof!)
Helps replenish good bacteria(Think Mr.Avengers Cap rescuing us from toxins). May not work for everyone.(Popping up Reality bubbles!;))
Some conditions have shown empirical benefit. Strains may differ based on individual factors which can sometimes cause difficulty sourcing the right one(aka shit starts going south/anxiety hits you where treasure lies).
Can be used as prevention/adaptive solution

  • Sarcasm intended

Sounds cool though,right?

Can increase overall financial cost / only select strains providing relief.(Some things in life really aren’t free ;’) )

Knowing when to use probiotics after antibiotics is a crapshoot – pun intended..
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Wrapping Up

So there you have it. When all’s said and done, taking probiotics post-antibiotic therapy hasn’t been adequately supported by scientific research although this doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t help you.

When shopping around for specific supplement-strains, make sure to do your research beforehand so as not wasting your money or experiencing any unnecessary hardship/discomfort throughout that process!

Lastly,don’t forget good hygiene tips such washing hands especially before eating, as this can help prevent the spread of infection occurring from antibiotics altogether.

Thanks for reading! Stay healthy and smile(it does a body more good than bacteria :D).

Got any other tips or tricks you use when fighting post-antibiotic side effects? Share with us in the comments below!

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