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    Should I Take Probiotics While on Antibiotics?

     

    No matter how many times you take a
    bath, your body will never be 100% free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

    Don’t worry though, as not all these
    microorganisms are bad for you, especially those that live inside your
    intestines. Collectively referred to as the gut microbiome, these microbes help digest
    fiber, control the immune system, and even improve symptoms of
    depression. 

    Now, if you get an infection and
    need to take an antibacterial or antifungal agent, you might wonder,
    “Should I take probiotics while on antibiotics?” Here, we’ll talk
    about why it’s okay to take probiotics while completing your antibiotic course,
    plus some tips on how to improve your gut health.

    Can
    You Take Antibiotics and Probiotics at the Same Time?

    One downside to taking antibiotics
    is their side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion. These
    digestive issues arise because antibiotics cannot distinguish between bad and
    good bacteria. To counteract these effects, doctors often advise patients to
    take probiotics alongside antibiotics.

    Another reason you should take
    probiotics is compliance. Some patients who experience gastrointestinal
    problems become reluctant to complete the full course of prescribed
    antibiotics. Of course, the more people doing this, the greater the threat
    of antibiotic resistance

    You should note, however, that
    there’s such a thing as the right probiotic and antibiotic timing. For the best
    results, consider taking your probiotic 2 hours after your antibiotics. If
    you’re still experiencing digestive problems though, it’s best to consult your
    doctor.

    How
    to Improve Gut Microbiome

    If you’re asking, “What
    probiotics should I take while on antibiotics,” the answer is it depends
    on your preference. You can buy the brand your doctor recommends or you can
    take the probiotic you’re used to.

    There’s also no reason you should
    limit yourself to branded probiotics. Try natural probiotic and prebiotic foods
    such as yogurt, kefir water or milk, kimchi, and so on. To learn more about probiotics, their benefits, and the
    best ones to add to your diet, ask your doctor or you can just Google them.

    While taking antibiotics, it’s also
    a good idea to steer clear of refined sugary foods. These serve as fuel for the
    bad bacteria in your gut and will make the gastrointestinal side effects of
    antibiotics worse. 

    Another tip to keep in mind is don’t
    let antibiotics do all the work. There are tons of immune-boosting foods that
    can help you fight infections. When shopping, try to fill your cart with
    vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods.

    Still
    Asking, “Should I Take Probiotics While on Antibiotics?” 

    Finding out the answer to
    “Should I take probiotics while on antibiotics” doesn’t have to stop
    here. If you wish to learn more about probiotics, antibiotics, gut health, and
    related topics, you can ask health professionals or you can do your own research.

    While you’re here, why not check out
    some of our health articles? We also cover other interesting topics such as
    social media, digital marketing, tech, and lifestyle.

     

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