Probiotics Counter Harmful Side Effects of Antibiotics

Wednesday, July 5th 2006

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When it comes to maintaining a healthy gut, the use of antibiotics is like throwing the baby out with the bath water. That's because eradicating pathogenic bacteria with courses of antibiotic drugs also kills off normal intestinal flora. Antibiotic-associated disruption of gastrointestinal tract flora can lead to diarrhoea and dehydration particularly among small children.

But if you must take antibiotic, don't forget to take your probiotics as well. Supplementing with these beneficial "friendly" bacteria is essential for a healthy gut. Recent scientific studies support favourable bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria to counter the sanitizing effects of antibiotic therapy, including side effects such as diarrhoea and yeast overgrowth.

Frequent antibiotic users are also familiar with the subsequent overgrowth of yeast (Candida albicans), which thrives in a gut lacking friendly bacteria. Probiotics are recommended for preventing and treating yeast infections.

In 2005 a European patent was awarded for the use of L.Reuteri in pharmaceutical and nutritional products that alleviate dehydration in patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting, based on strong results from published clinical studies.

Children and Antibiotics

Some 40 percent of all children prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics develop diarrhoea. A University of Nebraska, USA study of 188 children between six months and 10 years of age found supplementation with 10 billion colony-forming units per day reduced the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea by 75 percent after 10 days (Journal of Pediatrics, 1999, vol. 135). New studies have added to the store of scientific evidence for the benefits of L.Reuteri, for infants and adults with colic and infection caused by the ulcer bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Colic in Children

To help infants with colic, L.Reuteri powder can be missed with a small amount of water and placed on the breast before feeding the baby. This helps improve intestinal health in infants and especially in those affected by colic. Last year the positive results of a study investigating the effects of probiotic bacteria on the symptoms of colic in breast-feeding infants were presented at the European Society for Pediatric Research Meeting in Italy.

H. pylori and Gut Bacteria

Triple-antibiotic therapy is used to aggressively eradicate Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that causes gastric ulcers. Using probiotics between antibiotic courses helps repopulate the digestive tract with friendly bacteria and effectively inhibits colonization of H. pylori (Gut, 1997, vol. 41).

Primadophilus
100 percent Intestinal Release Difference

Primadophilus is a complete range of probiotics for all age groups:

Primadophilus Children (high potency powder) for new born babies and up to 5 years of age. Primadophilus Junior (tiny capsules) ages 6 to 12 years

Primadophilus Kids (chewable tablets) orange flavour chewables ages 2 to 12 years

Primadophilus Reuteri (capsules) for adults

Primadophilus Reuteri Power for babies to 5 years.

Reproduced unabridged from the July - Septempber 2006 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for intestinal health and balance:

Colostrum Capsules
Colostrum Capsules
Colostrum Chewable
Colostrum Powder
Primadophilus
Primadophilus Junior
Primadophilus Optima

Related health information can be found here:

Antibiotic Use
Bad Breath
Candida
Constipation
Cystitis
Diarrhoea
Food Poisoning
Fungal Infections
Gas
Tired and lacking energy?
Weak immune system?

Related articles can be found here:

Colostrum

Colostrum Benefits Sports People

The Benefits of Primadophilus Reuteri

Winning the Battle With Candida

Why take Primadophilus?

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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