From time to time, we all tend to get that dreaded virus, illness or other issues that cause us to take antibiotics. I know for myself, I do not look forward to these times. Plain and simple, antibiotics kill bacteria, which in turns helps ease viruses and infections. From the beginning of time, there have been many ways that mankind has used any type of “Antibiotics.” In ancient Egypt, many infections were treated with moldy bread, and through the ages folks have used moldy food and soil to treat many types of issues. It was not until the “wonder drug” Penicillin was created that started the antibiotic drug movement.

Though antibiotics have been proven to help rid of the infections and nasty bacteria that builds up, it also has been known to kill good bacteria, giving us a few unpleasant side effects.  It also causes bacterial resistance and many harmful side effects. Though some antibiotics can bring serious effects, many antibiotics are relatively harmless, with at times bring some side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, diarrhea and sensitivity to sunlight.  Be sure that when taking an antibiotic to understand what side effects it potentially may have.

Many researchers today have been showing that if taking antibiotic drugs, it is helpful to take probiotics to help build healthy bacteria in your system.  In a recent study shared at BBC News, researchers found that probiotics helped reduce the percentage of folks who developed C. Difficile-associated diarrhea compared to the 6% of patients that took placebos.  Professor Brendan Wren of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine stated, “The Probiotic approach is a good idea. It could provide a preemptive strike to make sure the balance in your gut is fine.”

There are many different ways to get probiotics today. Of course naturally there is great probiotic foods you can take, such as yogurt, Kefir, Miso soup and Kombucha tea that help get probiotics naturally into your system. In the way of supplementation,  you can find probiotics in many pill, powder and liquid form that costs an average of $15-$40 per month. Probiotics are not only a great idea to combat the conditions associated with antibiotics, it also is a great way to keep your system running great and helping you feel great.

So if you need to take that dreaded antibiotic for that nasty bug or infection, be sure to try some probiotics as well and see for yourself  if it helps you not get that BLAH feeling! Let us know how it works for you!
By Chris Haro