1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Try Probiotics After Antibiotics

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 02, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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.

Explore Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.