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Should I Take Probiotics When Taking Antibiotics?

by | July 21, 2021

Should I Take Probiotics When Taking Antibiotics?

Taking probiotics with antibiotics can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and help balance your gut microbiome. With that being said, it’s important to allow the normal, diverse microbiome to repopulate the gut after taking antibiotics, and some research shows that taking probiotics can delay this re-colonization. Furthermore, some individuals appear to be more “resistant” to probiotic colonization than others, which highlights that there is no “one size fits all” approach. This is why it’s important to speak to your doctor and determine if taking probiotics and antibiotics together is the best approach for you, as well as discuss when testing is appropriate.

What probiotics are recommended to counter the potentially harmful effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiome?

– Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and S boulardii have been shown to help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

When should you be taking probiotics with antibiotics?

– Probiotics should be taken at least 3 hrs after taking antibiotics so as not to cancel the effect of probiotics.

What else can I do to support the growth of normal gut bacteria?

– Don’t forget your prebiotics! These are food for bacteria in your gut. Some examples of prebiotic-rich foods are garlic, onion, bananas, chicory root, asparagus, oats, apples, etc.

Talk to your doctor to determine if you should take probiotics and antibiotics together. If you are immunocompromised, it is especially important to talk to your doctor as you may be at risk of a rare, but possible infection if taking supplemental probiotics. In rare cases and susceptible individuals, bacteria or yeast from taking probiotics can translocate from the gut into the bloodstream and cause an infection.

If you need additional support, call our office or make an appointment today. We would be glad to help you on your way to optimal health at our office in New York City. The team here is also licensed to help in New Jersey, Connecticut, and California. 

Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3105609/

https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(18)31108-5

Disclaimer

Nothing stated or posted in this article is intended or should be taken to be the practice of medical or counseling care. The information made available in this article, including, but not limited to, interviews, text, graphics, images, links to other articles, websites, and other material contained in this article, is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. The information in this article is NOT (and should not be used as) a substitute for professional psychiatry, psychology, medical, nursing, or professional healthcare advice or services, nor is it designed to suggest any specific diagnosis or treatment. Please always seek medical advice from your physician or a qualified health care provider regarding any medical questions, conditions or treatment, before making any changes to your health care regimen, medications or lifestyle habits. None of the information in this article is a representation or warranty that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you, or that any particular healthcare provider is appropriate for you. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help from a health care provider due to something you have read or seen in this article. Your reading/use of this article does not create in any way a physician-patient relationship, any sort of confidential, fiduciary or professional relationship, or any other special relationship that would give rise to any duties. This article does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, healthcare providers, procedures, or treatments, and if you rely on any of the information provided by this article, you do so solely at your own risk.

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About the Author

Dr. Bojana

Dr. Bojana

Dr. Bojana (Boy•ana) Jankovic Weatherly is an award winning physician, double board certified in internal and integrative medicine. After completing internal medicine residency, she did a fellowship in integrative medicine, trained in functional medicine, nutrition and mindfulness. Her approach is rooted in evidence-based medicine that is personalized to each individual she works with.

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