The Epic Battle: Antibiotics Vs Probiotics

[jessthirtytwo]

So, I was started on antibiotics for a bacterial infection yesterday. I was unhappy to learn that I needed to go on antibiotics because, as we all know, they kill the good bacteria that us celiacs have worked so hard to build up in our intestines. I usually take one Culturelle a day, but with the antibiotic I have decided to take two probiotic pills a day. Right now I am taking them at the same time as I take the two antibiotic pills (12 hours apart). I was wondering if there is anyone has some different ideas for what else I can be doing to help save my intestinal bacteria (like taking the probiotics at a different time than the antibiotics, taking more probiotics...)? I have to be on the antibiotics for two weeks... poor intestinal bacteria : (

[love2travel]

So, I was started on antibiotics for a bacterial infection yesterday. I was unhappy to learn that I needed to go on antibiotics because, as we all know, they kill the good bacteria that us celiacs have worked so hard to build up in our intestines. I usually take one Culturelle a day, but with the antibiotic I have decided to take two probiotic pills a day. Right now I am taking them at the same time as I take the two antibiotic pills (12 hours apart). I was wondering if there is anyone has some different ideas for what else I can be doing to help save my intestinal bacteria (like taking the probiotics at a different time than the antibiotics, taking more probiotics...)? I have to be on the antibiotics for two weeks... poor intestinal bacteria : (

Yes, this happened to me as well. My doctor was reluctant to put me on antibiotics as I have celiac but he had to. He told me to make sure to double my probiotics intake a few days before, during and after the antibiotics. Good doctor!

[beachbirdie]

So, I was started on antibiotics for a bacterial infection yesterday. I was unhappy to learn that I needed to go on antibiotics because, as we all know, they kill the good bacteria that us celiacs have worked so hard to build up in our intestines. I usually take one Culturelle a day, but with the antibiotic I have decided to take two probiotic pills a day. Right now I am taking them at the same time as I take the two antibiotic pills (12 hours apart). I was wondering if there is anyone has some different ideas for what else I can be doing to help save my intestinal bacteria (like taking the probiotics at a different time than the antibiotics, taking more probiotics...)? I have to be on the antibiotics for two weeks... poor intestinal bacteria : (

My pharmacist told me to take my probiotics three to four hours apart from antibiotics.

[mushroom]

My pharmacist told me to take my probiotics three to four hours apart from antibiotics.

Yep, that's what I heard too. Give the anti's time to do some serious work, and then send in the good guys with the white hats and horses to the rescue.

[IrishHeart]

Have to second (or third) this advice with a resounding yes!

Take them a few hours apart, but definitely double up the good guys for at least 2 weeks after you're done with the meds.

You are one smart cookie! Antibiotics, while useful and necessary sometimes, make an unbalanced mess down there.

[Bubba's Mom]

I just faced this same problem. I worked so hard trying to build up my healthy bacteria that I hated taking the meds. Be sure to take the probiotics well after the anti-biotics, and eat a banana before taking them. The banana feeds the good bacteria, helping it take hold.

[jessthirtytwo]

Thank you everyone for your input, you have helped so much! I am going to take the probiotics 2 hours after the antibiotics (I am taking the anti's at 12:30 pm/am and staying up until 2:30 am is late enough for me haha), and we will see if that helps. And I will definitely try the banana too, great idea!

[benXX]

The pro-biotics sold are only a tiny part of the gut-flora you need.

Most good gut-bacteria come from raw food (vegetables and fruit).

[IrishHeart]

A good multi-strain probiotic (like ones from Custom Probiotics) will repopulate the gut more quickly and efficiently than food can when a gut is still impaired by malabsorption.

It is my understanding that it is best to take them first thing in the morning or at bedtime on an EMPTY stomach.