Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to fight bacterial infections in the body and while they are often helpful, their broad-spectrum activity means they can commonly disturb both the quality and the abundance of good bacteria in the gut.
Good health has strong links to a gut microbiome that is both diverse and plentiful. The gut microbiome is a living, dynamic environment made up of over 100 trillion micro-organisms1 that can easily be disturbed by stress, illness or in situations when it is overly exposed to antibiotics.
While antibiotics have undoubtedly been a literal lifesaver over the past 80 years since their discovery, we are only now beginning to understand how their use can be disruptive to the delicate ecosystem that is our gut bacteria.
When our gut bacteria, or microbiome, is out of balance, it can disturb important functions in the body including the health and function of the digestive and intestinal systems, as well as interfere with immune health, which relies on a healthy microbiome for the function of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Probiotic species such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the main species of gut bacteria in the microbiome that have these positive effects on human health. Both species are acid-producing bacteria that decrease the pH of the gut, helping to prevent the growth of gram-negative bad bacteria. The lactobacillus genus of microbes is responsible for breaking down dietary fibres and phytonutrients as well as feeding other bacteria in the gut, while bifidobacterium help the body perform essential functions, such as good digestion.
Both the lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species have a symbiotic relationship helping to manage good overall gut flora. Unfortunately, both species are susceptible to antibiotics so it’s important to help keep both species in balance.
Using probiotics to support beneficial gut flora both during and after the use of antibiotics can be helpful in maintaining this friendly flora.
Herbs of Gold have a range of probiotic products containing both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species, including Herbs of Gold Probiotic 60 Billion, Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB and Herbs of Gold Children Probiotic 15 Billion.
Herbs of Gold Probiotic 60 Billion is a broad-spectrum combination of 12 different probiotics containing both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains, to support friendly intestinal flora and digestive system health.
The broad-spectrum action of Herbs of Gold Probiotic 60 Billion makes it useful for supporting beneficial gut flora both during and after antibiotic use. The high-strength formula helps to restore beneficial gut flora while reducing abdominal pain and relieving digestive discomfort which can be common symptoms when a disturbance of the microbiome occurs.
Herbs of Gold Probiotic + SB also contains both lactobacillus and bifidobacterium probiotic strains in conjunction with the probiotic yeast, saccharomyces boulardii (SB). SB helps to relieve diarrhoea commonly associated with antibiotic use.
For children looking for a little extra support for friendly gut flora during antibiotic use, Herbs of Gold Children’s Probiotic 15 Billion is a high-strength formula containing 16 different strains and suitable for use in children aged 2 to 12 years.
[1] Rinninella, E., Raoul, P., Cintoni, M., Franceschi, F., Miggiano, G., Gasbarrini, A., & Mele, M. C. (2019). What is the healthy gut microbiota composition? A changing ecosystem across age, environment, diet, and [….]. Microorganisms, 7(1), 14.
