Do I need to take probiotics after antibiotics?

[Cloud44]

Ive been on antibiotics recently and I feel they have done the job but I’ve had a bit of a dodgy stomach / feeling nauseous and feeling tired since taking them. I’ve heard this can be a side effect of taking them? Do I need to take probiotics or should it wear off? Is there anything I can eat instead which may do the trick?

I think probiotics do help a bit. Antibiotics wreck your microbiome for up to a year, apparently. They definitely give me the shits. PBs are probably not perfect but better than nothing.

Probiotics would be a good idea. Boots do a max strength version which are very good. And some good Probiotic yogurts maybe.

I take probiotics at the same time as when I'm taking the antibiotics. The probiotics come in a box of 10, so usually carry on for a while after the AB course has finished.

I take these ones and so far so good:

Optibac Probiotics for Those on Antibiotics

I buy them from Amazon.

I read something recently (I can’t remember where or I’d link it sorry) that said probiotic tablets are fairly ineffective. It suggested instead eating more fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and drinking kefir.

I’m going to give it a try as I’ve been on probiotic tablets myself and not felt much benefit.

Is it normal to have an upset stomach for a few days after taking antibiotics if probiotics weren’t taken at the same time?

Unfortunately upset stomach is one of the most common side effects of taking antibiotics

No idea why my pp was hidden. I’m taking some while currently on antibiotics. I’ve still got a poorly stomach but I can’t see them doing any harm. I’m also exhausted!

Was looking into this for my mum recently. Seems there's little evidence probiotics have any effect unless you're an IBS sufferer.

I try to eat some natural Greek yoghurt after taking antibiotics. I hate antibiotics, they give me diarrhoea.

I am on antibiotics and am taking a bio-kult probiotic, the strain S. Boulardii. I did some research a while back as I’m often on them and this was the strain that was proven to be the most effective. I bought mine on Amazon.

I’m the same. I do have IBS but the first day after taking them I nearly got caught short
with no warning!

Kefir or live yogurt may help, but as said it should be used while taking the antibiotics.

I started drinking kefir then forgot to buy it one week and really noticed the difference so it's pretty good for gut bacteria even without being on meds.

Not much point taking probiotics at the same time as the "good bacteria" you're adding will be killed by the antibiotics. Once you're done with antibiotics you'd be wise to take some type of probiotic to rebuild your gut bacteria.

Thank you everyone. How long after finishing the ABs should the stomach / nausea settle down if probiotics aren’t taken? I think before they haven’t made me feel great so I’m unsure about taking them when my stomach is already unsettled. And is there anything I can do to try and avoid catching the next cold if the ABs have weakened the immune system?

The research is very inconclusive. There's a theory that you can actually damage your biome even further if the probiotic isn't one your gut normally has. It seems that eating foods with prebiotics and probiotics is a lot safer for your gut.

Yes @LovelaceBiggWither thags what I’m a little concerned about, so I’m thinking of eating lots of yoghurt and things instead to see if that helps?!

A couple of years ago I had an awful bout of UTIs and kidney infections following having Covid. I must have had about 10 courses of antibiotics in an 8 month period. My GP advised me to take probiotics for a while as I had an upset stomach and kept getting thrush. Since then I always take probiotics when I take antibiotics.

I take antibiotics quite a bit as I'm asthmatic and take immune suppressants and am subsequently prone to chest infections and I also have the joys of regular UTIs. In the last 9 months I've taken 6 courses of antibiotics for 3 UTIs and two chest infections (one UTI took 2 courses to shift). The probiotics have definitely helped me avoid an overly upset stomach each time.

yes definitely, i avoid antibiotics for this reason. Focus on fermented food - kimchee, kefir, kombucha, and lots of veg, wholegrains etc, and try Yakult?

Are activia yoghurts any good?

ColonelRhubarbBikini · Yesterday 21:45

I read something recently (I can’t remember where or I’d link it sorry) that said probiotic tablets are fairly ineffective. It suggested instead eating more fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and drinking kefir.

Yes, that's what I was told (by the doctor) after I developed an ulcer, after taking antibiotics, about 15 years ago. Don't eat them until at least an hour after you've taken the tablet. Foods normally eaten raw, fruit and salads are also good for repopulating your microbiome.

I think it’s a good idea. I was on antibiotics for 13 consecutive weeks and the hospital made me take daily probiotics pills during the treatment. My stomach seemed fine throughout and afterwards😊

Make sure you're getting enough fibre in your diet. That's what really helps to restore your internal bacteria.

Thank you everyone. How long does everyone else find it normally takes for the stomach to settle after ABs?