Principles of using probiotics during antibiotic therapy

Antibiotics are an extremely effective drug in the fight against bacterial infections, but they also have some side effects.

One of them is the destruction of beneficial intestinal microflora, which can lead to various health problems. One way to minimize these effects is to use probiotics during antibiotic therapy. In this article, we will discuss the principles of using probiotics while taking antibiotics and the benefits that can be obtained from this action.

Benefits of using probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support healthy intestinal microflora. Taking them during antibiotic therapy can provide many benefits, such as:

• Restoring microbiotic balance: Antibiotics destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics help restore this balance, which accelerates the process of regeneration of intestinal microflora.
• Reducing the risk of diarrhea and fungal infections: Antibiotics can interfere with the intestines’ natural defense against infection. Probiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and fungal infections.
• Improved overall well-being: Healthy gut microflora influences overall health. Therefore, taking probiotics can help you maintain your well-being during antibiotic treatment.

Antibiotics destroy the microbiota

Antibiotics, although effective in fighting bacterial infections, unfortunately have a destructive effect on the intestinal microflora. These drugs do not distinguish between harmful and beneficial bacteria, which can lead to dysbiosis – an imbalance in the intestinal microflora.

Intestinal dysbiosis may manifest itself in diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, and an increased risk of fungal infections. Therefore, it is important to take steps to minimize the damage caused by antibiotics.

Rules for taking probiotics

To effectively protect the intestinal microflora during antibiotic therapy, it is worth following several rules:

1. Choosing the right probiotics: Consultation with a doctor or pharmacist will help you choose the right probiotic preparation. There are many different strains of probiotic bacteria that may have different health benefits.
2. Taking time: Probiotics are best taken some time apart from antibiotics. The best time is about 2 hours after taking the antibiotic. This minimizes the risk of probiotics being destroyed by the antibiotic.
3. Dosage: Follow the recommended dose of probiotics. There is no need to take them in excess, and too large amounts may cause unwanted effects.
4. Follow-up after antibiotic treatment: Probiotics can continue to be used for several weeks after completing antibiotic treatment to help the gut microbiota fully regain balance.

Your suggestions

It is also worth consulting your doctor before starting probiotics during antibiotic therapy, especially if you have any medical conditions or are pregnant.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about the beneficial properties of probiotics and how to take care of your intestinal microflora, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Probiotics and intestinal health” – Learn more about why intestinal microflora plays such an important role in health.
• “How to choose the right probiotics for yourself” – Find out what to pay attention to when choosing probiotic preparations.
• “Dietary principles to support healthy intestinal microflora” – Discover how diet can influence the health of your intestinal microflora.

Taking probiotics during antibiotic therapy can help maintain the balance of intestinal microflora and minimize the side effects of antibiotics. However, remember to follow the rules and consult your doctor to choose the right probiotic preparations for your needs.