When probiotics are useful?
Drugs unbalance the intestine more than previously assumed. The most important questions and answers.
Assoz. Prof. Vanessa Stadlbauer-Köllner is a specialist in internal medicine at the clinical department of gastroenterology and hepatology at MedUni Graz.
How strong is the influence of drugs on the gut microbiome?
New studies show that around a quarter of all medications have an influence on the growth and function of intestinal microorganisms. Drugs – along with diet – are one of the most important factors influencing the gut microbiome.
Gastroenterologist Vanessa Stadlbauer-Köllner.
What are the benefits of probiotic preparations in parallel with antibiotic therapy?
In 2017, a study analysis showed that the risk of infection with the dreaded bacterium Clostridium difficile can be reduced by 60 percent – and thus the occurrence of diarrhea associated with antibiotic administration. For this to happen, however, it is best to start taking the medication from the start of therapy, but no later than two days afterward. It is important to take the medication two to three hours after the antibiotics are administered. Otherwise, the antibiotic will cancel out the effect of the probiotic because the probiotic germs will also be killed.
After taking antibiotics, it is too late for probiotics, a study from Israel has shown: Then the regeneration of the intestinal microbiome is not accelerated, but possibly even delayed. When choosing a preparation, one should ask whether there are studies that prove the effect.
What other medications play a role?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – prescribed for heartburn, but also as “stomach protectors” – appear to directly and indirectly upset the microbiome when taken long-term. They reduce stomach acid. However, this kills invading bacteria. By changing the pH, the stomach then no longer represents a barrier for many pathogens, and they can multiply more easily.
“Good” microorganisms are pushed back. Potentially pathogenic germs can penetrate deeper sections of the intestine. Intestinal infections can be the result. This is another reason why these preparations should only be taken for a limited period of time.
Can the intestinal flora be positively influenced by diet?
The more diverse it is – especially in vegetables and fruits, the more diverse is the microbiome in the intestine. For some probiotic yogurts, there is data that they can reduce antibiotic diarrhea. However, lactic acid bacteria are also present, for example, in kefir, sauerkraut or fermented vegetables.
What probiotics to take after antibiotics?
You can try our probiotic colon drink to restore microbiome in your gut. Colon drink has 900 trillion good bacteria and 27 strains of it. Take 4-5 table spoons after each meal. 1 litre bottle will be enough for 1 week. We recommend to consume 4 bottles per month.
