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Try Probiotics After Antibiotics

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Most of us have had to take antibiotics at one time or another—to either prevent an infection (like before surgery), or to get rid of one (such as a urinary tract infection). Therefore, you already know that antibiotics kill harmful bacteria.

But did you also know that they kill the good bacteria in your gut, as well as the bad?

That's right, some of the little bugs in your digestive system are supposed to be there, and antibiotics can wipe them out along with the bad bugs causing the infection. This can lead to diarrhea, among other symptoms.

The good news is, there's help! Taking dietary supplements known as "probiotics" can help replenish all the good little bugs that your body needs.

Updated: June 20, 2007
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