How far apart should antibiotics and probiotics be taken?

As Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “it’s not a tumor!” But sometimes it is. In those times of bacterial infection the first thing we do is turn to our trusty antibiotics, right? But after those heavy hitting drugs have done their job you may be wondering, “what about my little probiotics?” Fear not friend, for us humble creators of written content can answer that question for you in this handy dandy article!

Antibiotics Vs Probiotics

First things first let’s break down just what these two products are and why they matter:

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are typically prescribed as they react to germs by killing them off. Normally when our body gets infected with bacteria or any nasty viral disease, our immune system has various molecules called antibodies that help fight them. However; this isn’t enough every-time and thus antibiotics come in handy.

Probiotics

On the other hand, probiotics packed with ‘good’ microorganisms aim to provide complete balance in your gut microbiome – which ferment indigestible carbohydrates into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).

Both groups then call on us humans to act accordingly.

How Should They Be Taken?

Just like Jack Sparrow always stays one step ahead from his enemies so too should antibacterial medicine and some healthy bacteria derived dietary supplements…since consuming both simultaneously could lead to the death of beneficial live cultures!

So following due protocol:-

1) It is extremely important that antibiotics cannot be taken at the same time as probiotic capsules/supplements.
2) Taking good old probiotic supplement directly post antibiotic dosing means investing all hope into a disintegrating mess since dose by dose each strain competing and fighting against anti-microbial activity will find themselves depleted quickly without ample restocking.

How Far Apart Should They Be Taken?

With the trickiness that is this matter under consideration, what we need to know at first is how antibiotics go about their business:

  • Antibiotics focus on eradicating and killing off not just the bad bacteria but also all others within their range.
  • Keeping track of recommended wait-out period amongst different classes for antibiotics seems quintessential thus ensuring enough time has passed for beneficial microflora to re-colonize.

Antibiotic waiting periods can be as follows (depending on your physician):-

1) 24 hours after taking penicillin or amoxicillin
2) 3 days after taking azithromycin
3) 7 days after having consumed metronidazole

These tips will prove helpful should you wish to take both of them safely:

  • Cyclic dosing preferably with a gap of 4 hours represents a buffer zone keeping antibiotics far away from probiotics thereby allowing good gut flora more chances to retain balance.

So there you have it folks! Although they are entirely different entities, following these basic rules ensures that antibacterial medication and nourishing probiotics do not necessarily cancel one another out!

Remember folks everything in moderation!

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