When you take an antibiotic for an infection or for certain other conditions, a probiotic becomes a good idea.
What is a probiotic? It is a product that contains billions of bacteria, packed into a single tablet, capsule, chewable tablet, or one of several other dosage forms.
Why use probiotics? Some people might cringe at the idea of consuming something with bacteria in it. However, some bacteria are actually beneficial to the health of the human body. In fact, some of these “good” bacteria are essential. Without them, illness and even death are a possibility. This is because some of these good bacteria digest food and protect the body against other microbes that can be harmful.
Some of these bacteria naturally reside in the human body’s digestive system, particularly in the large intestine. One of the most common of these species goes by the scientific name Lactobacillus acidophilus. Others include Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus, and the yeast Saccharomyces florentinus.
Probiotics can be used to treat several medical conditions. The use I hear about the most is for the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. When people take antibiotics, one of the most common side effects is diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs because the good bacteria that normally reside in the human digestive system are destroyed by the antibiotic. Without the good bacteria, other microorganisms may increase in number in the digestive system. The result can be fluid imbalances and illness, as well as inadequate digestion of food. All these things can lead to diarrhea. Diarrhea is more serious than one might think. In extreme cases it can lead to dehydration. Serious enough dehydration is life-threatening. Thus, treating it is wise, and preventing it is perhaps even wiser.
There are a variety of probiotics available, and most are non-prescription. One of the products is Saccharomyces boulardii. (Florastor, etc) It is one of the most effective if you are dealing with antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Studies have shown that this actually replenishes the good bacteria that were lost due to the presence of an antibiotic.
It is recommended that you 2 capsules twice a day starting no more than 3 days after starting the antibiotic, and continue taking it for 3 days after you are finished with the antibiotic.
Some other probiotics contain a good bacteria called Lactobacillus GG. (Culturelle, etc) This can help with antibiotic-induced diarrhea but it is more often promoted for overall good digestive system health, independent of whether or not you have antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Usually adults take 1 capsule (10 billion bacteria per capsule) per day.
Probiotics may be very useful for one other reason: Prevention of a Clostridium Difficile, of “C Diff” infection. C Diff can lead to serious diarrhea, fever, inflammation of the large intestine, dehydration, If not treated, this can become life-threatening. It can occur if good bacteria are wiped out by an antibiotic. Use of probiotics, then, can make a C Diff infection less likely.
Probiotics can be used by patients of all ages. Some versions can be used by infants. If you see a probiotic in a a powder form or dissolvable tablet, this is the version for infants and children. If you are a parent with a child on antibiotics, it is recommended that you ask your child’s pediatrician if a probiotic would be a good idea for your child. Quite often the answer is yes but not always.
Probiotics have several other uses, but usually they are either for antibiotic-induced diarrhea or overall digestive system health. Leave a comment if you want me to talk about other uses in more detail.
Hopefully this blog has been helpful. If you need antibiotics, consider using a probiotic, also. It just might prevent additional health problems, especially diarrhea, from flaring up.