Probiotics: What should I know?
Shelley Alexander
Clinical Oncology Pharmacist | Health content writer about supplements
Imagine this! You got an antibiotic prescription from your doctor. They said to take a probiotic so you don’t have other problems later. Why do I need to take it? How is that different from a prebiotic? Read on to learn more!
What is a probiotic??
A probiotic can be a bacteria or fungus present in foods or supplements that help restore your normal gut flora.?
Your gut flora is made up of many tiny organisms that live in your digestive tract. They include “good” and “bad” bacteria and they all coexist at varying levels to keep you healthy.?
Antibiotics can sometimes disrupt that balance and produce unwanted side effects like diarrhea. This can happen because antibiotics may not only kill the “bad” bacteria but also the “good” bacteria in your body.?
This is why you may need a probiotic to replace your good bacteria. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, tempeh, kombucha, pickles, and kimchi may contain? probiotics. You may also buy probiotics as over-the-counter supplements.
What is a prebiotic?
Don’t confuse probiotics with prebiotics.?
Prebiotics include certain types of carbohydrates and other food substances.
How do I choose a probiotic?
The most popular types of probiotics include bacteria from:
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You may also find yeast formulations that contain Saccharomyces boulardii.
Since it contains living organisms, it is better to find a product that lists the CFUs (colony-forming units) at the end of the shelf life of the product rather than when it was first manufactured. Higher numbers do not necessarily mean that the effect will be greater.?
There is also another category of supplements called synbiotics which contain both probiotics and prebiotics.?
Choose a product that has the right type of bacteria to promote your gut health and take the recommended dose. The best thing to do is discuss your choice with your doctor or another healthcare professional.
Will antibiotics kill probiotics?
Antibiotics kill bacteria. Can they also kill the probiotics? The answer to this is unclear.?
There are varying recommendations on the timing of probiotics in relation to antibiotics.? According to the University of Wisconsin Integrative Medicine Department of Family Medicine, probiotics may be taken 2 hours after an antibiotic dose.? The duration of probiotic treatment could be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.??
However, there are no studies to support this at the moment. Talk to your doctor about how long to take a probiotic after completing your course of antibiotics.
Are probiotics safe?
The probiotic strains mentioned are generally considered safe in patients with normally functioning immune systems, but there is a lack of adequate studies. Side effects are usually mild, if any, and may include bloating or gas.?
Keep in mind that probiotics may interact with other medications and use is not recommended in patients with compromised immune systems. Always talk with a doctor to determine if a probiotic strain is right for you.
Bottom line?
Probiotics may be beneficial if it’s recommended by your healthcare professional. Ask your doctor about choosing a probiotic product and how to use it. You can take a probiotic as part of your diet or as a supplement.