how much probiotics help after strong course of antibiotic?
 

Is it even necessary? I ask dad's doctor since he had just finish a strong course for his pneumonia. He had it dripped through his IV for 15 days. according to this doctor, it isn't necessary. What do you guys think?

At the most basic level, broad spectrum antibiotics can kill off your intestinal flora, leading to diarrhea and impaired digestion. On a secondary level, gut flora and the immune system work together. And of course molds, yeasts and fungus are immune to anti biotics, and will flourish in the absence of your natural gut bacteria. they can be notoriously bad for your health, and may be hard to eradicate, long after you stop taking antibiotics. Good gut flora actually makes food more digestible. The by products of bad gut flora are often toxic on many levels.

There is more to it than this, but that would be a start. This is becoming more well known to mainstream medicine, but the reality is that people can walk around experiencing less than optimal health for years, and never be diagnosed or treated for their problems.

I question alot of medical practices these days, of whether it is truly necesary. I have been through alot of treatments for my 3 bouts of Hodgkins disease (cancer), and 3 bouts of related heart failure (stemmed from one of the chemotherapy drugs). Several years, I used half of my vacation days going to yet one more specialist doctor's appointments that I felt were just covering thier own asses, and only deemed doable because of my good health insurance. I have been poked, prodded, and tested to my limits, and at least on the Cancer end of things, I never felt sick, or had any lumps/bumps other than what showed up on an xray.

It sounds to me like they are trying the latest remedys on your Dad because his insurance will cover it, and your Dad is willing. It may be doing some good, but at what cost financially, and to future health.
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Having been on Cipro and Flagyl (for Crohn's) for 6 months I can tell you that probiotics are a must. I was taking 1 in the AM and 1 in the PM. The antibiotics decimated the good stuff in my gut so much so that I got a C.diff infection. You don't want that.

Good Luck

I can see no reason to not try supplementing/reinstating the bacteria in his intestinal tract. In addition to probiotics, I would add in some prebiotics to help promote a return to normal.

Never heard of prebiotics Must look that up later

I'm following this.
I get gi distress after taking antibiotics and I mentioned this to my doc. I asked about the Phillips stuff and OTC probiotics. He wasn't impressed, but didn't offer any better alternatives.
What do you take that works?

I'm going through his right now, just had 2 surgeries spaced just/far enough apart that I was off antibiotics for 2 days (2 different types, 7-10 days each). My gut is a mess :(

I've been taking whatever probiotic my doctor wife brought home for a few days now, but I cannot tell if it's doing anything. Even if it's "helping", the Cipro is do more damage still.

Florastor

If you get loose stools after antibiotics, take the probiotics. End of story

Great to know, thanks

Kombucha Tea, 8oz daily for week.

16oz week thereafter.