​If you have been prescribed an antibiotic recently, you may have noticed that it caused some unwanted side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, yeast infection or even fatigue.  This occurs because, while the antibiotic is killing the bad bacteria that make you sick, it is also killing the good bacteria that line your gut and keep you healthy.  These good bacteria, or gut flora, play many roles in keeping you healthy.  They line your intestines and prevent an overgrowth of bad, diarrhea causing bacteria by crowding them out; they prevent yeast infections by helping maintain a healthy vaginal pH; they improve immune function by activating immune cells in the lining of the intestine.  So what should you do if you need to take an antibiotic?  At Wynn’s Pharmacy, we recommend a probiotic be taken during and after a course of antibiotics.  While yogurt, buttermilk and kefir all contain probiotics, we recommend a capsule for replacing good bacteria while on an antibiotic for a couple reasons: first, because many antibiotics are not absorbed well when taken with calcium containing foods and second, because many capsules offer a higher cell count (more good bacteria) than food sources.  Our most popular probiotic is Asprega by ScimeraMD.  This option contains 35 billion cells and 17 different strains of good bacteria to support your immune and gut health.  Asprega also contains prebiotic inulin, which helps the good bacteria flourish.  Next time you need an antibiotic, stop by Wynn’s Pharmacy and we will help you find a probiotic to meet your needs as well.