Probiotic VS Antibiotic

Probiotic vs AntibioticBy Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

Definition: Probiotic vs. Antibiotic

Probiotics are defined as a group of live bacteria which are known to bring health benefits to the host. The term probiotic comes from the Latin preposition, “pro” (meaning for) and Greek word “bios” (meaning life). So, it literally means “for life”.

Antibiotics refer to any substance that is produced, they are a microorganism that acts against the growth of other microorganisms. This term is derived from the Greek words “anti” (meaning against) and “bios” (meaning life). Thus, it literally means “against life”.

Mechanism of Action: Probiotic

Probiotics benefit their host by modifying the intestinal environment by producing or allowing growth of “friendly” bacteria. Thus, this promotes and restores digestive balance. Also, experts say that the increased number of beneficial bacteria in the gut aids in the body’s defence against the attack of the pathogens or “bad” bacteria.

Mechanism of Action: Antibiotic

There are two mechanisms in which antibiotics work. These are bactericidal and bacteriostatic.

Bactericidal antibiotics do their job by killing the bacteria. This occurs when these substances inhibit the formation of the bacterium’s cell walls and contents.

Meanwhile, bacteriostatic antibiotics work by interfering the processes in which bacteria multiply.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Probiotic

Probiotics are still very new in the food and diet supplement industry. Though nowadays, there are several research studies which focus on uncovering its therapeutic uses for the body. There are two main ways in which probiotics can benefit your overall health. These are through its effects on the digestive system and immune system.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Probiotic

1. Digestive Health It is already a common known fact that the

digestive tract needs balance between good and bad bacteria to function properly. This balance is disrupted by factors such as poor diet, lack of sleep, emotional stress, environmental influences, antibiotic overuse, and other medication effects.

A healthy and balanced digestive system is able to properly perform its function by eliminating the harmful substances such as bacteria, toxins, and chemicals. On the other hand, a healthy digestive tract can absorb and digest nutrients and minerals that the body needs for optimal functioning.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Probiotic

When the balance of the digestive system is interrupted, problems in the functions of this system occurs. This involves disorders in the digestion, absorption, and elimination.

Examples of these disorders are Crohn’s disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.

Probiotics play a significant role in this situation since it allows the growth and colonization of the good bacteria. Thus, this restores the balance in the environment of the digestive system.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Probiotic

2. Immune System Probiotics also play a significant

role in strengthening the immune system. It does not only restore the number of the good bacteria in the gut but it also promotes an environment which is not suitable to the growth and multiplication of harmful microoorganisms (pathogens).

Some of the disorders that can be prevented by the immune system with the use of probiotics are infections of the skin, vagina, and respiratory system.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Antibiotic

There are also two ways in which the antibiotics aid in our health. These are through the treatment and prevention of infection.

1. Treatment Antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of

several infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Another use of antibiotics is immunotherapy.

This is a type of therapy in which a disease is treated by enhancing, inducing, or suppressing the immune system. This is commonly utilized in patients who have cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders.

Therapeutic/ Medical uses: Antibiotic

2. Prevention Antibiotics are also used as a

prevention method against certain infections.

Some preventive uses of antibiotics for infection are in the cases of surgical wound, neutrophenic conditions in cancer, and dental antibiotic prophylaxis.

Side effects : Probiotic vs. Antibiotic

Since most of the probiotic products nowadays are naturally made, generally, there are little or almost no side effects that comes from the use of probiotics. However, the use of probiotics is not encouraged in people who have a compromised immune system such as those with HIV/AIDS. This is due to some studies in which it caused some fatal effects.

On the other hand, the side effects of antibiotics ranges from mild to severe. Although, there are instances in which it may also cause adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. Some of the most common antibiotic side effects are diarrhea, yeast infections (vaginal infection), and interaction with other drugs.

My Favorite Probiotic

Probacto is the best probiotic that I have ever run into. They use multiple strains and they are spore forming so they can last while not refrigerated. They do not use cheap bacteria, but expensive ones such as B. Subtilis.

Probacto also contains prebiotics to help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut.

Probacto contains digestive enzymes to assist in your digestion.

Probacto is enteric coated and made to be slow release so it will release in your gut gradually.

Conclusion

Probiotics and antibiotics have undeniably caused a lot of benefits in the medical community. Due to advanced technology, products like these are improved to be safer and more efficient. Though they are widely used nowadays, people should always keep in mind to be careful in taking these products. They should be reminded to consult a medical professional to prevent or lessen potential side effects that comes along with its use.