Hopefully by the time you are reading this, we have said, “So long, farewell” to the masses of viruses and flu that have enveloped the Triangle this winter season. Now comes more fun: allergy season and the dreaded sinus infections, where we reunite with our buddy, amoxicillin.
If you are like many folks, a trip to the doctor resulting in antibiotics is the first time the word “probiotics” was ever mentioned to you. In fact, it’s likely you’ve heard more about eating yogurt than actually supplementing with a capsule. That’s because yogurt does contain a small amount of certain probiotic strains, the most commonly known being (lactobacillus) acidophilus.
But these little powerhouses do so much more for you! Probiotics are actually microscopic living organisms that fight to keep your body in balance. Probiotics are termed “good bacteria” and work hard to metabolize the nutrients you eat, reduce harmful bacteria in your small intestine and colon, and help you build up immunity from germ attacks. Poor eating habits, stress, infection, and antibiotics in our food and in medications can wreak havoc in the GI tract, destroying these good bacteria and allowing undesirable bacteria to multiply. When this happens, problems begin to arise such as excessive gas, the all-annoying bloating, constipation, intestinal toxicity and poor absorption of nutrients. Two of the most abundant and best known probiotics in the intestines are bifidobacterium and lactobacillus acidophilus. These probiotics attach to the intestinal walls and multiply, helping keep our bodies healthy. They help make vitamins (B’s and K) and enzymes (lactase, which helps digest milk), help prevent cholesterol from entering the blood stream, and bring balance to the digestive and immune systems.
As the term implies, antibiotics can wipe out intestinal bacteria indiscriminately, resulting in diarrhea and a compromised immune system. Many specialists have found it best to co-administer high potency probiotics with antibiotics. The secret is not to take them at the same exact time. Separating the two by 3-6 hours is best. Since most antibiotics are water soluble, they absorb in the upper G.I. tract. Probiotics work mainly in the lower G.I. tract, so giving antibiotics time to absorb and get out of the way is the key. Continue your probiotics well after the antibiotics are finished, for at least one month.
As the term implies, antibiotics can wipe out intestinal bacteria indiscriminately, resulting in diarrhea and a compromised immune system. Many specialists have found it best to co-administer high potency probiotics with antibiotics. The secret is not to take them at the same exact time. Separating the two by 3-6 hours is best. Since most antibiotics are water soluble, they absorb in the upper G.I. tract. Probiotics work mainly in the lower G.I. tract, so giving antibiotics time to absorb and get out of the way is the key. Continue your probiotics well after the antibiotics are finished, for at least one month.
When there’s a family history of allergy or eczema, babies receiving probiotics in their first six months of life (and mothers who took probiotics during the last trimester of pregnancy) may be less prone to develop skin problems. Children with autism may also benefit from probiotics, possibly because the beneficial bacteria decrease leakage of large molecules from the gut, a process that can trigger immune reactions that affect brain function.
For adults, doctors often recommend a probiotic containing anywhere from 4 billion to 50 billion organisms, depending upon the reason for supplementation. Find a brand with multiple strains and with a delayed release (i.e. enteric coated or biotract), so that they reach your intestines without being broken down by acids in your stomach. Look for a probiotic potency guarantee, which assures you that the probiotics are viable through the expiration. Be sure to protect your supplements from heat, moisture, and air. Though they are shelf stable, refrigerating your probiotics after opening may help lengthen their lifespan.
As always, consult with a physician before beginning any new program.
