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.
