Probitotic Question

Updated on October 28, 2009
G.P. asks from Meridian, ID
18 answers

My son is currently on an antibiotic that has caused digestive issues (loose stool, and diaper sores). The doctor recommended a probiotic. My question is, how long should I keep him on this. Is this a one time thing, or is there any issue with continuing it? Also, is it safe for pregnant women to take probiotics? A friend would like to take some, but isn't sure that they are safe.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for your advice. I gave him some probiotics and did the rest of the advice from the doctor. It seemed to clear up his issue for the time being, but he stopped liking to take the pills. The worst was that the pills were purple and he just spit/drooled them out, staining his clothes. I think I will be ordering some of the samples that the doctor gave for next time - they are at least white :).

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.B.

answers from Salt Lake City on

My daughter was hospitalized for 9 weeks and she was on a slew of antibiotics. So they gave her some probiotics. She was only on it for while we were there. This was about-well almost 4 years ago and she is great now.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Denver on

Hi Gillian,

My 9 year old daughter takes a probiotic every day because she's had consistant tummy issues since she was a baby. Her pediatrician has told me that it is most definately safe and that for someone who has chronic digestive stuff, it's way safer and better than taking laxatives and anti-diarrheals all the time.

Hope he feels better soon!

M.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

O.F.

answers from Provo on

I take an Herbalife probiotic called florafiber. I know it's safe cause it's natural and plant based and I know kids and pregnant woman who take it also. You can take it for the rest of your life because it's just food. www.shopherbalife.com/O.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.S.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Probiotics for your son is just fine. I have given my 2 children probiotics when they were 2 months and 10 months due to antibiotics they were taking. I did purchase infant probiotics that I found at a health food store. I followed the directions on the back which indicated to give 1/2 teaspoon 3 times a day. It was really easy to mix it with their milk/food. After they were off the antibiotic I kept giving them the probiotics for about a week to help build up the good cultures in their body. Probiotics are a great way to help prevent diaper rashes due to really loose stools. I would highly recommend probiotics. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Provo on

I am a huge believer in using probiotics. I take acidophilus on a regular basis, including when I'm pregnant. In fact I had been positive in the past for Grp B strep when pregnant until I started taking probiotics regularly, and since then I have never had a positive grp B culture. I have a chronic immune system disorder, so avoiding every infection possible is a big deal for me-and my health has improved greatly since adding a probiotic supplement into my regular routine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.H.

answers from New York on

I give my baby Haapy Bellies cereal every day which contains probiotics. It's great for his digestion and I've noticed how much happier he is. He was gassy and fussy and now is regular and not gassy. See if the cereal is available by you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Pueblo on

I asked my pediatrician if they were safe for my baby (he was less than 1 and had RSV). She said there was not enough medical information out yet to let her make a decision. She said they were not necessarily bad, but could not say if they were bad or good yet.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.E.

answers from Missoula on

I don't know about your little sweetie, but I was taking actual probiotic capsules before I was pregnant. My Dr specifically said to stop taking them as more research needs to be done...this was 4 years ago however. Getting it naturally through foods is perfectly fine though.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Casper on

probiotics are basically good bacteria that are usually in your gut to help you digest. The only time I know of that they could give you trouble is if you have an ulcer or sore in your stomach/intestines that is leaking into your body. Some bacteria are not so friendly outside your digestive tract. Did you know you are supposed to have approximately 5 pounds of good bacteria to help you digest properly? Antibiotics wipe a good number of them out. This is safe and probably recommended for pregnant women, as well as getting a lot of prebiotic fiber, which helps them survive. Orange foods like squash are good sources for that. We usually get yogurt smoothies, I can't remember the name, but the reason we chose them was for natural sweeteners, rather than the HFCS found in most - even Activia - yogurts. I still don't get that. It's like eating candy with your meal, but anyhow, HFCS and other intense sweeteners like table sugar help create an ideal environment for that bad bacteria to grow. Other sweeteners can too, of course if you don't use them in moderation.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Gillian,

Yes, antibiotics can reck havoc on the system, killing healthy and protective bacteria as they eliminate the bad. Probiotics are the answer, not only for when on antibiotics but also as a part of the wellness regimen.

I am a doTERRA independent consultant, and I can tell you that after having been a probiotics user for many years, I am more than impressed with doTERRA's product PB Assist. Why? You only take it the beadlets for 5 days every month. They contain millions of colony-forming units that actually survive the trip from the mouth to the gut. Babies can take the beadlets. You can mix one into his baby food, and he'll be able to swallow it easily.

You can go to my website at www.mydoterra.com/sharons to order the product. Or, if you have questions for me, feel free to e-mail me. I am happy to help you. You will be amazed at how useful and beneficial all of doTERRA's products are as a natural wellness approach. I hope that all goes well.

Blessings,

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I give my 2.5 year old a probiotic every day. Culturelle packets for kids. Probiotics have to be used regularly as the good gut bacteria levels ebb and flow and need to be replaced constantly. Some people are not believers but I can honestly say that in the 9 months he's taken them, he has had 1 virus and nothing else and he is in preschool. Before he was on them, he had numerous viruses and had to take antibiotics over and over again. One other thing I did do was ask for an anti-fungal med whenever he was on antibiotics. It will prevent a build up of yeast and thrush.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Denver on

Probiotics are always safe for everyone and should be taken every day,just like a multivitamin. They boost your immune system and your digestive health. They have chewable ones for kids. They assist with the health of mommy and baby when you are pregnant, helping to avoid yeast infections and thrush in the newborn. Good luck, J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Denver on

Hi there,

They are great for you and help build up the good bacteria in your digestive system, which we all need! They are best taken about 3 hours after the antibiotic is taken, it will help replenish the good bacteria that the antibiotic killed.

You can go to a local health store where they have concentrated forms of probiotics, or you can get probiotics from yogurt or kefir. You can find Kefir at King Soopers. It's pretty much like a yogurt drink and tastes great. If you let either the yogurt or kefir sit on the counter in a glass covered for a few hours, it will actually multiply the bacteria count and it completely safe to drink.

Good luck to you!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.J.

answers from Fort Collins on

Probiotics are part of our daily routine. Probiotics put good bacteria in the body which is necessary to combat bad bacteria which causes cold/flu and other problems. About 70% of our immune system is located within our digestive tract so keeping it clean and healthy is very important. I don't see any harm in taking them during pregnancy it will build a strong immune system for mother and baby. There are a lot of probiotics available such as yogurts but make sure it is 'clean' meaning no fillers, yeast, sugars etc. these things actually weaken the immune system.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.L.

answers from Great Falls on

I took probiotics when I was pregnant and they helped my digestion TONS! I didn't get constipated like I did with my first pregnancy and I didn't have problems with diarrhea like I normally do. I tried eating yogurt daily, but that seemed to cause some constipation issues. My doctor said it was perfectly safe. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.M.

answers from Denver on

Probiotics are very safe and wonderful for the digestive system. I would keep your son on his probiotic for at least 6 months, if not just continuing it indefinitely. They really help your intestines, digestion, and they help your immune system, which will help prevent colds and the need for antibiotics. They are perfectly safe for pregnant women- in fact, I recommend that all pregnant women take them. They are also great for lactating women. Your baby will benefit. If you have an allergy to dairy, make sure you find a non-dairy one.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Denver on

Hi Gillian,
I have to use probiotics with my kids whenever they take an antibiodic. I start the probiotic as soon as you can. Sometimes you can do it a day before but not always. Then I continue it for a day or two after. I use a probiotic everytime they take an antiobiotic.

I do not know if it is safe for your friend who is pregnant I would think since it is a natural substance your body produces but I would have her check with her doctor.

Good Luck!
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.H.

answers from Salt Lake City on

Eat Yogurt daily! It is filled with probiotics, and is great for counteracting the affects of an antibiotic. Just make sure that you/your child/your pregnant friend/whoever, continue to eat the yogurt for another couple weeks or so after stopping the antibiotic.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches