Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: How to Use Probiotics

Last year I had to take an antibiotic for the first time in about 10 years. Thankfully, I was prepared with my trusty probiotics and didn’t have to worry about antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

There’s no arguing that antibiotics have done more to keep us alive than possibly any other medication, but they also impact the bacteria in the gut (our microbiome).

They kill the bad bacteria in our ears, sinuses, or lungs but they can also harm some of the good, beneficial bacteria in the gut.

For example, did you know that a short, one-week course of Clindamycin can cause gut microbiome changes that persist for up to 2 years?1

That’s right… 2 whole years!

How Probiotics can Help Mitigate Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea

This image is from page 234 in my book, Healthy Kids, Happy Moms.

Unfortunately, forty percent of children on broad-spectrum antibiotics develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The good news, however, is that dating back to the 70s, multiple studies have shown that probiotics decrease antibiotic-associated diarrhea.2

Knowing this research, you better believe I was on a probiotic while I was taking the antibiotic, and continued to take it for several months afterward.

I took our HKHM Biome Protect. It has a blend of seven probiotics to support the gut environment while you or your child take the necessary antibiotic.

Biom Protect Probiotic for Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea

Another great probiotic option when taking an antibiotic (especially for anyone just getting started with supplements), is our HKHM Plantadophilus.

It contains the robust Lactobacillus plantarum that is also in the HKHM Biome Protect. The L. plantarum has significant resistance to antibiotics, which means the antibiotics don’t easily kill this particular species!

Plantadophilus probiotic for Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea

What Are Spore-based Probiotics

When we need an antibiotic, our body is fighting off some type of bacterial infection.

From an integrative perspective, it is important not only to protect the microbiome from the effects of the antibiotic but also to support the system in overcoming the infection.

To do this, I also took our HKHM SporeBiotic IG. This is a spore-based probiotic that also contains immunoglobulin (a protein similar to colostrum that aids the microbiome and the immune cells along the GI tract).

The immunoglobulin works synergistically with the probiotic to facilitate immune resilience (the body’s ability to bounce back after an illness).

SporeBiotic IG probiotic for Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea

HKHM Biome Protect or the HKHM Plantadophilus, plus HKHM SporeBiotic IG makes a powerhouse combination. I recommend you keep these on hand so you are ready if someone in the household gets sick.

The best part is, HKHM Biome Protect and HKHM SporeBiotic IG do not need to be refridgerated and are wonderful probiotic companions to take with you while travelling!

References:


  1. Sonja Löfmark, Cecilia Jernberg, Janet K. Jansson, Charlotta Edlund, Clindamycin-induced enrichment and long-term persistence of resistant Bacteroides spp. and resistance genes, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Volume 58, Issue 6, December 2006, Pages 1160–1167, https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkl420
  2. Hayes SR, Vargas AJ. Probiotics for the Prevention of Pediatric Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. Explore (NY). 2016 Nov-Dec;12(6):463-466. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2016.08.015. Epub 2016 Aug 26. PMID: 27688016; PMCID: PMC5140692.

Share

Recent Posts

The Best Magnesium Supplement for Constipation

Most of the patients in our practice take a magnesium supplement to support everything from regular bowel movements and constipation relief to better sleep and focus. Magnesium is one of...
Read More
How to Treat the Flu

Natural Alternatives to Ibuprofen: Proteolytic Enzymes to the Rescue!

Many people don't realize that the typical over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, block an essential part of the natural inflammatory process, leaving the body needing repair. But don't worry,...
Read More
How to Treat the Flu

How to Treat the Flu, Common Colds, Pneumonia, and RSV

If you've been reading my blogs and emails for a while, you've probably read some of my tips for preventing common winter illnesses. While prevention is always the best medicine,...
Read More

What If You Could Break Your Child's Sick Cycle?

Discover 7 Steps to Heal and
Prevent Common Childhood Illnesses

Online Course

The Healthy Kids, Happy Moms Companion Course is a physician-led, parent-centered, time-tested online course that includes assessments, workbooks, recipes, and illness-specific recommendations.

Become a Patient

 Dr. Kilbane’s private practice, Infinite Health, is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently accepting new patients

What If You Could Break Your Child's Sick Cycle?

Discover 7 Steps to Heal and
Prevent Common Childhood Illnesses

Online Course

The Healthy Kids, Happy Moms Companion Course is a physician-led, parent-centered, time-tested online course that includes assessments, workbooks, recipes, and illness-specific recommendations.

Become a Patient

 Dr. Kilbane’s private practice, Infinite Health, is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently accepting new patients

Join the Practitioner Training Wait List!

Privacy Policy: We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe.

What You Get With The Eczema Jump Start Guide:

Dr. Kilbane’s approach is universal and can be used by both children and adults who have eczema. Here’s what’s included: