Adapted from
Benefits of Probiotic Foods
, Medical Editor: W. Allan Walker, MD, Conrad Taff Professor of Nutrition, Emeritus, and Director, Division of Nutrition, Harvard Medical School; Professor of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Probiotics have become widely popular, with more people turning to probiotic products to treat or improve illnesses or to improve overall well-being.
While some people take probiotic supplements, fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics. The most common fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics, or have probiotics added to them, include yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, kimchi, sourdough bread, and some cheeses.
Known as the “good bacteria,” probiotics may help improve immune function, protect against hostile bacteria to prevent infection, and improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.
When the gut becomes unbalanced with unhealthy levels of certain bacteria, probiotics can help restore the balance. They’ve been shown to secrete protective substances, which may help prevent pathogens from taking hold and creating major disease.
Can you take probiotics with antibiotics?
When you’re sick and taking antibiotics, does it make sense to start (or to continue) taking probiotics? Or worse, could taking both at the same time be harmful?
The relationship between antibiotics and gut microbiota is complex. Antibiotics help fight infections but can also kill bacteria in your gut — both good and bad. This is especially true if you are taking high doses of antibiotics over an extended period of time.
There is some research suggesting that taking probiotics and antibiotics close together might slow the gut’s recovery. However, there is mounting evidence supporting the use of probiotics both during and after antibiotic treatment.
In fact, research has found probiotics may help reduce the risk of developing common antibiotic side effects (especially diarrhea), and may support faster restoration of a healthy gut microbiome when used appropriately.
Some individuals may benefit more than others by taking probiotics with antibiotics. For instance, the depletion of good bacteria from the use of antibiotics is a growing problem among older people, who are more susceptible to infections and may use antibiotics frequently.
Some doctors try to compensate for this possible bacteria depletion by recommending that patients increase their intake of probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir when using certain types of antibiotics. Depending on the type of antibiotic, it may be best to take probiotics after the antibiotic treatment has ended rather than while you are taking antibiotics.
Since we do not have definitive evidence that probiotics can benefit people taking antibiotics, further research is needed in the area. For now, the best approach if you are prescribed antibiotics is to discuss with your doctor the role of probiotics, including possibly increasing the amount of probiotic foods you regularly eat and drink.