Why Should We Take Probiotics during Antibiotic Treatment?
Struggling with indigestion and yeast infections while taking antibiotics? Feeling bloated and heavy? Then you might need a probiotic. This supplement contains living organisms that restore gut flora and boost digestive health. Antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your GI tract, leading to diarrhea, bloating, and cramps. Probiotics have the opposite effects.
Let's understand better how probiotics work and why they're so good for health!
Probiotics: Real Help or Marketing Hype?
Probiotics have emerged as some of the most popular supplements on the market. Basically, they contain bacteria strains that benefit digestion, immunity, and overall health. About 80 percent of your immune system is located in the digestive tract. Even the slightest imbalance can leave you vulnerable to infections and common diseases.
The good bacteria living in your gut aids in digestion, produces enzymes, and fights pathogens. Antibiotics kill both good and harmful bacteria, which in turn, affects gut flora. Probiotics help fix the damage caused by these medications and support optimum health. They can be successfully used in the prevention and treatment of gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disorders, IBS, impaired immune function, and liver problems.
Research shows that probiotics can reduce the need for antibiotics and increase their efficiency. These supplements also help prevent diarrhea, which affects one in three people during or after antibiotic treatment. According to a study conducted on 12,000 subjects taking antibiotics, those who used probiotics had a 42 percent lower risk of developing diarrhea compared to the placebo group.
How to Choose a Quality Probiotic
Not all probiotics are created equal. Their efficiency is measured in CFUs (Colony Forming Units), which represents the number of good bacteria used in each formula. A powerful probiotic should have three to 50 billion CFUs. Ideally, you should choose one that contains no fillers, preservatives, or added sugars.
For instance, Proviotic is the purest supplement of its kind. This vegan, organic formula is free of allergens, soy, and gluten. It contains both probiotics and prebiotics that help restore digestive health and offset the side effects of antibiotic treatment. It's one of the few supplements made with live plant-based bacteria.
Health experts agree that probiotics improve digestive function and strengthen the body's defense mechanisms. These supplements are safe for people all of ages and can be used on long term. Even if you're not taking antibiotics, you can still benefit from a quality probiotic.
