Antibiotics are sometimes essential for treating bacterial infections. They effectively kill the harmful bacteria that make us ill. However, antibiotics do not discriminate: many of the good, beneficial bacteria in our intestines are also unintentionally destroyed. This can cause unpleasant side effects such as diarrhoea, flatulence or bloating. More and more people are therefore choosing to use probiotics during or after a course of antibiotics. But why does this actually help? And when is it wise to start?
In this article, you will read:
- What antibiotics do to your gut flora
- How probiotics can help
- When is the best time to take probiotics
- Which probiotics work best
What do antibiotics do to your gut flora?
Our intestines contain trillions of bacteria that together form a complex ecosystem: the microbiome. Intestinal bacteria help digest food, absorb nutrients, produce certain vitamins (such as vitamin K and some B vitamins), and support the immune system by warding off pathogens and keeping inflammatory responses in balance.
When you take a course of antibiotics, harmful bacteria are effectively combated. However, antibiotics are often broad-spectrum and do not distinguish between “good” and “bad” bacteria. Many beneficial bacteria are also destroyed or greatly reduced. This disrupts the balance in the intestinal flora, creating space for less beneficial microorganisms to multiply. This can lead to dysbiosis: a disruption of the natural balance.
The consequences of this are often noticeable in the form of digestive complaints. A large review study shows that approximately 30% of people who use antibiotics suffer from diarrhoea. It can also cause gastrointestinal cramps, bloating and flatulence. In addition, a prolonged disruption of the microbiome can affect your resistance, as a large part of the immune system is controlled in the gut. Fortunately, several studies show that probiotics can contribute to the restoration of the microbiome and the reduction of these complaints.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeasts, that have a health-promoting effect. They support the natural balance of the microbiome in the intestines and help replenish beneficial bacteria. Studies have investigated probiotics for their potential role in digestion, intestinal wall function and the immune system.
How can probiotics help?
Probiotics work in several ways:
- Restoring balance: Probiotics replenish the beneficial bacterial strains that have been reduced by antibiotics.
- Competing with harmful bacteria: They inhibit the growth of pathogens by simply claiming space and nutrients in the gut.
- Supporting the intestinal wall: Probiotics can strengthen the barrier function of the intestine, allowing fewer harmful substances to pass through the intestinal wall.
- Strengthening the immune system: They can dampen inflammatory reactions in the intestine and thus contribute to a faster recovery.
Which probiotics work best?
Not all probiotics are the same. The effect depends greatly on the bacterial strains used and the dosage. The following strains have been particularly well researched in relation to antibiotic-associated diarrhoea:
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Lactobacillus casei
These strains have been shown in several scientific studies to be effective in preventing and reducing diarrhoea during antibiotic use.
When choosing a probiotic, pay close attention to the strains it contains and choose a product with sufficient scientific evidence and a high dosage (usually expressed in CFU: colony forming units).
Extra support with prebiotics
In addition to probiotics, prebiotics can also be a valuable supplement. Prebiotics are dietary fibres that serve as a food source for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. By consuming sufficient prebiotics, you help the probiotic strains to establish themselves and multiply more effectively. This can provide additional support for the recovery of the intestinal flora, especially after a course of antibiotics. Some supplements combine probiotics and prebiotics; this is called a synbiotic.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are sometimes indispensable, but they can unintentionally disrupt the delicate balance in our intestinal flora. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhoea and digestive problems. Probiotics can offer valuable support by replenishing beneficial bacteria, restoring the microbiome and thus helping to prevent or reduce symptoms. By starting at the right time and choosing scientifically researched strains in an appropriate dosage, you increase the chance of an effective result. In combination with prebiotics, probiotics can support the recovery process even further. This helps your intestinal flora to recover optimally and keeps you better balanced, even during and after a course of antibiotics.
