What Is the Connection between Probiotics and Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to destroy harmful bacteria, and probiotics are supplements that contains live bacteria that help to maintain the proper balance of bacteria in the intestines. Probiotics and antibiotics can be combined in treatment plans, and are becoming more popular with physicians and patients. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria, but they also destroy the good bacteria that naturally inhabit the human body. Live microbial organisms found in probiotics help to maintain the delicate balance of bacterial microbes in the intestines, while the antibiotics are eradicating the harmful bacteria. When taken together, probiotics and antibiotics can help to reduce the effects of antibiotics on the stomach, such as an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea.

The microorganisms in probiotic supplements are recommended for use on a daily, consistent basis because of various health benefits, but results of conclusive scientific studies have not been published. There are also various different strains of the live microbes in probiotics, and there has not been a consensus on the correct dosage of the supplement. Many physicians and natural health specialists recommend a dosage of 10,000 colony forming units for adults and 5,000 colon forming units for children. The benefits of probiotics include decreasing the symptoms of lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, skin problems, and respiratory issues.

Antibiotics are prescription medications that rid the body of harmful bacteria, but they are useless against viral and fungal infections. This type of medication is commonly used to treat ear infections, strep throat, and the common cold. Probiotics and antibiotics taken together may be beneficial to people with depressed immune systems from a bacterial infection because probiotics have been shown to strengthen the immune system by preventing toxins and pathogens from invading the person’s body. The combination of antibiotics and probiotics will also help to increase the immune response of the person because probiotics increase the body’s ability to reabsorb nutrients and more easily absorb proteins and vitamins from food and supplements.

An increase in the amount of yeast in the body can be caused by antibiotics. Treatment plans containing probiotics and antibiotics will help to balance the bacteria levels in a woman’s body and prevent yeast infections, which are common in women who take antibiotics on a regular basis. Yeast infections are caused by the bacteria known as candida albicans, which is a type of harmful bacteria that is found naturally in the vagina. Antibiotics will disrupt the natural balance of the bacteria, and the body will begin to multiple candida albicans beyond normal amounts, causing a yeast infection to occur. Probiotics can help to regulate the natural balance and prevent harmful bacteria from creating additional health problems during a round of antibiotics.