The human body consists of more than a 100 trillion bacteria. Quite a few bacteria are beneficial to the body. They strengthen the immune system and keep the harmful bacteria in check. The bacteria in the gut help in digestion by breaking down the complex food substances.
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When harmful bacteria go off balance, the cause diseases and illnesses and need to be kept in check by consuming antibiotics. Antibiotics, however effective in killing the harmful bacteria, often end up destroying the good beneficial bacteria too. This often results in a number of gastro- intestinal disorders, most commonly diarrhea.
Most women complain of an increased yeast infection when they are on antibiotics. This probably is a result of an increased growth of Candida albicans, an opportunistic yeast that grows out of control when a person is on antibiotics that destroy the beneficial bacteria that keep these candida in check.
When to consume probiotics?
Probiotics are consumed to counter effect the harmful effects of antibiotics. Though probiotics and antibiotics can be consumed together, avoid consuming them at the same time. A gap of atleast two hours is recommended between the dose of antibiotics and probiotics.
Which Probiotics are recommended?
While picking up a probiotic, make sure
- to check that the probiotics contains the desired strain of bacteria
- has atleast 1 billion live cells of bacteria
Though probiotics are considered safe for consumption, it is advisable to check with the doctor before you add a probiotic supplement to your diet.
Probiotic Foods
Common foods that have probiotic properties include:
- Yogurt
- Buttermilk
- Cheese
- Kefir
- Miso
-Tempeh
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
It is advised that we include probiotics in our diet to keep our intestinal microbial count in check.