Is Taking Probiotics with Antibiotics Safe?
There are many drugs to treat different types of diseases, including antibiotics, antifungals and much more. However, probiotics with antibiotic drugs are still a widely debated issue globally.
Many suggest using them together is safe. On the flip side, many indicate that consuming together can have dangerous side effects.
In this article, we discuss if consuming probiotics and antibiotics together is a safe option or not.
But before we jump into that discussion, we need to know what antibiotics and probiotics are.
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can be considered drugs or particular antimicrobial substances that work against any sort of bacteria.
In case of a bacterial infection or disease, antibiotics work as the primary agent of treatment.
Usually, antibiotic substances inherit the form of the prevalent bacteria or directly work against them to kill them. This allows the body to heal, and the bacteria are eradicated.
Some common examples of antibiotics are erythromycin, azithromycin, amoxycillin and much more.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are microbial organisms that are consumed primarily through food items.
They are widely used since they promote good health and have other types of benefits.
Usually, probiotics react with the gut microbiota and work accordingly. Regular research has found that the consumption of probiotics is extremely good and safe for health.
However, certain cases have shown side effects of using probiotics along with unwanted host-bacteria interaction.
Common examples of probiotics are yoghurt, cheese and much more.
Why Should You Take Probiotics and Antibiotics?
Several types of research have found that consuming probiotics and antibiotics has many health benefits.
With the increased benefits of consuming both items together, doctors are prescribing probiotics or probiotic supplements when mentioning antibiotics to balance gut functioning.
AAD, or Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea, is a common disease caused by consuming antibiotics regularly.
Studies have found that 35 in 100 people develop this disease when consuming antibiotics. A study conducted in 2012 found that using probiotics in the case of Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea can exponentially treat the condition.
A condition developing from AAD, Clostridium difficile, is a type of chronic diarrhoea and, in severe cases, can even lead to colitis.
This condition can be a fatal disease for older people and is a growing concern. A study denoted that using probiotics can significantly help against Clostridium difficile.
The proper use of probiotics keeps the gut microbiome healthy and promotes better digestion keeping the system away from unwanted diseases.
Is the Combination of Antibiotics and Probiotics Safe?
Research and doctor suggestions have said that taking certain strains of antibiotics and probiotics has shown positive results on human health. These strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94 are specific strains that work with the combination and, unlike other strains, show considerable help.
Constant research has shown that taking these strains would neither affect the working of antibiotics nor the probiotics. Hence, it is entirely safe to consume or combine antibiotics and probiotics.
Side Effects from Combining Antibiotics and Probiotics
In some instances, combining the consumption of antibiotics and probiotics has shown side effects. Although these are rare, they showed signs when tests were run.
Some of the noted side effects are
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Rashes
- Low appetite
- Constipation
- Gas
- Taste disturbance
- Increased phlegm
- Flatulence
Notion Behind Taking Antibiotics and Probiotics
Usually, it has been seen that antibiotics work overwhelmingly and kill the good bacteria present in the gut. This is one of the drawbacks of consuming excess antibiotics.
However, as mentioned earlier, probiotics and antibiotics are combined to balance the functioning of one another. In simpler words, probiotics restore the content and functioning of the good bacteria killed by antibiotics in treating a particular disease.
Doctors prescribe that while taking antibiotic medications, if one suffers from extreme gas, stomach cramping or any gut-related issues, one should consume probiotics for the quick action and prolonged health of the gut.
How to Consume Antibiotics and Probiotics?
As doctors prescribe, if you decide to consume antibiotics and probiotics, you should not take them together. There should be a minimum of a two-hour gap between the consumption of either.
Usually, probiotics need to be continued for a long time, even after the antibiotic course is completed. Moreover, probiotics need to be consumed at least twice a day, while antibiotics are usually consumed just once.
Whatever it is, always consult your doctor before taking any sort of drugs or supplements. Consuming either of them without a proper prescription or without knowing the correct dosage can be very dangerous.
Conclusion
As denoted by major studies, consuming antibiotics and probiotics together can benefit health. Moreover, with minimal side effects, taking these together under prescription is a wise option. The side effects of combined consumption are common issues and can be treated separately and easily. Thus, consult now and start on a healthier journey.
