Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common bacteria that infects the stomach lining and can cause stomach ulcers and other digestive issues. Treatment for H. pylori often involves taking a course of strong antibiotics which, while eliminating the infection, can also damage the gut microbiome. Taking probiotics after H. pylori treatment may help restore digestive health by replenishing beneficial gut bacteria.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, usually bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed. Some of the most common probiotic strains come from two groups of bacteria – Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics help maintain the natural balance of microbes in your gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome aids digestion, strengthens immunity, and provides other benefits.
Some foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics. Probiotic supplements provide concentrated doses of specific probiotic strains in capsule, powder, or liquid form.
How do antibiotics affect gut health?
Antibiotics are used to treat H. pylori infections. However, while antibiotics kill the harmful H. pylori bacteria, they also damage the populations of beneficial bacteria that normally inhabit the gut.
This disruption to the gut microbiome can lead to some unwanted effects including:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and flatulence
In addition, eliminating too much of the good bacteria can make it easier for harmful bacteria like Clostridium difficile to overgrow, leading to infections.
Why take probiotics after H. pylori treatment?
Taking probiotics after finishing antibiotics can help restore your gut microbiome by reintroducing beneficial bacteria. Specific probiotic strains may provide advantages after H. pylori treatment such as:
- Alleviating antibiotic-associated side effects like diarrhea
- Populating the gut with good bacteria to prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria
- Producing acids that lower gut pH, making it less hospitable to harmful pathogens
- Strengthening gut barrier function
- Reducing gut inflammation
- Enhancing immune responses
In addition, some probiotics have specifically been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth and help prevent reinfection after antibiotic treatment.
What to look for in a probiotic after H. pylori treatment
When choosing a probiotic supplement to take after H. pylori therapy, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Strains studied for H. pylori – Some strains like Lactobacillus johnsonii and Saccharomyces boulardii have been researched specifically for their effects on H. pylori infections.
- Multi-strain formula – Products with multiple probiotic strains tend to be more effective as strains can have complementary effects.
- Shelf-stable – Pick refrigerated probiotics or capsules that don’t require refrigeration for convenience and potency.
- Colony forming units (CFU) – Choose probiotics with higher viable cell counts (CFU) to deliver larger doses of probiotics.
- Guaranteed potency – Storage conditions can reduce viable cells over time, so purchase from reputable brands that guarantee CFU counts.
Talk with your doctor before taking any new supplement to ensure safety and appropriate use.
Best probiotic strains for after H. pylori treatment
Studies suggest certain probiotic strains are especially helpful for restoring gut health and inhibiting H. pylori after antibiotic treatment. Some top strains to look for include:
Lactobacillus
- L. johnsonii – Shown to suppress H. pylori growth and adhesion. Helps regulate immune function.
- L. rhamnosus – Produces bacteriocins that inhibit pathogens like H. pylori. Improves gut barrier integrity.
- L. reuteri – Creates antimicrobial compounds that may combat H. pylori. Reduces gut inflammation.
- L. brevis – May enhance efficacy of H. pylori antibiotic therapy. Alleviates antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Bifidobacterium
- B. bifidum – Boosts immune response against H. pylori infection. Crowds out pathogens.
- B. lactis – Shown to inhibit growth and adhesion of H. pylori. Improves gut barrier function.
- B. longum – Produces acetate with antimicrobial effects against H. pylori. Reduces inflammation.
Other strains
- Saccharomyces boulardii – Yeast probiotic that suppresses growth of H. pylori and reduces side effects of antibiotic treatment.
- Streptococcus thermophilus – May prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Produces lactic acid to inhibit pathogens.
Top probiotic supplements after H. pylori treatment
Based on the latest research, here are some of the top-rated probiotic supplements to consider taking after H. pylori antibiotic therapy:
1. Bio-K+
- Contains Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285, L. casei, and L. rhamnosus
- 100 billion CFU per capsule
- Stable and potent formulation
- Studied for antibiotic-associated diarrhea
2. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic
- Provides 12 strains including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus
- 90 billion CFU per capsule
- Shelf-stable capsules
- Supports overall immune and gut health
3. Align Probiotic
- Contains Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 probiotic strain
- Clinically studied for digestive support
- Does not require refrigeration
- 1 billion CFU per capsule
4. Culturelle Digestive Health Probiotic
- Provides Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG probiotic
- Researched extensively for safety and efficacy
- 10 billion CFU per capsule
- Once daily dosing; vegetarian capsules
5. Dr. Mercola Complete Probiotics
- Complex formula with 10 probiotic strains
- Delivers 70 billion CFU per serving
- Supports overall digestive and immune function
- Shelf-stable for potency
When and how long should I take probiotics after H. pylori treatment?
Most experts recommend starting a probiotic supplement within 2-3 days after finishing your course of antibiotics for H. pylori. This helps restore your gut microbiome while limiting the window for potential pathogen overgrowth.
Continue taking the probiotic supplement for at least 2-4 weeks after antibiotic treatment, or as long as recommended by the product instructions or your doctor. Some people may need to take probiotics for 2-3 months following antibiotics if side effects like diarrhea are ongoing.
Look for a potent probiotic supplement and take it according to label directions to help optimize results. Consistency is important, so try to take your probiotic at the same time each day.
Should I take any other supplements with probiotics?
Some other supplements may provide added benefits when taken alongside probiotics after H. pylori treatment:
- Prebiotics – Provide “food” for probiotics to help support their growth. Examples are inulin, fructooligosaccharides, and galactooligosaccharides.
- Glutamine – Amino acid that helps maintain the intestinal barrier and reduces inflammation.
- Zinc – Mineral that supports immune function and wound healing in the gut.
- Vitamin C – Boosts immune cell activity and helps repair tissues.
- Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) – Herb that protects and heals the stomach lining.
Discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider first to avoid interactions with medications or health conditions.
What foods support gut health after H. pylori treatment?
Eating a balanced diet focused on whole, gut-friendly foods can help the gut microbiome recover after antibiotics. Some examples of nourishing foods include:
- Yogurt – Probiotic yogurt provides beneficial bacteria.
- Fermented foods – Things like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, kombucha add probiotics.
- Prebiotic foods – Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, onions, garlic, and oats promote probiotic growth.
- High-fiber foods – Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds feed beneficial bacteria.
- Bone broth – Soothes and repairs the gut lining with collagen and nutrients.
Avoid inflammatory foods like spicy foods, coffee, and processed foods to support healing after H. pylori treatment. Small, frequent meals may also be easier to digest while your gut recovers.
Are there any risks with taking probiotics?
Probiotics are generally considered very safe, with minimal risks in most people. However some things to keep in mind when taking a probiotic include:
- Start with lower CFU doses and gradually increase if you have never taken probiotics before to reduce chances of side effects like gas or bloating.
- Avoid probiotics if severely immunocompromised, as they could potentially lead to infection in rare cases.
- Use caution if have an intravenous catheter or a condition like pancreatitis or short bowel syndrome.
- Talk with your doctor first if you have any underlying health issues or take any medications that suppress the immune system.
- Monitor for symptoms like rash, itching, diarrhea, or nausea that could indicate an allergic reaction or intolerance.
When used appropriately, probiotic supplements are very low risk for most people.
How can I tell if probiotics are working?
It can take some time to notice the effects of probiotics in the gut. Signs the probiotic is working and restoring your gut microbiome may include:
- Reduced antibiotic-related side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea
- More regular, well-formed bowel movements
- Decreased urgency or abdominal discomfort
- Improved digestion and tolerance to foods
- Increased energy levels
- Better overall well-being
Give the probiotic supplement at least 2-4 weeks while monitoring symptoms to evaluate whether it is providing benefits for your gut. Keep taking it regularly for ideal results.
What if probiotics aren’t helping my gut health?
If taking probiotics after H. pylori treatment don’t seem to be helping digestive issues or antibiotic-related side effects, there are a few things you can try:
- Switch to a probiotic with different strains proven effective against H. pylori.
- Try taking a higher CFU dose if using a lower potency product.
- Take probiotics consistently to allow time for gut colonization.
- Add prebiotic supplements or foods to enhance probiotic effects.
- Consider adding supplements like glutamine or DGL to help repair gut damage.
- Adjust your diet to remove inflammatory foods and include gut-friendly whole foods.
- Give it more time as it can take weeks to months to restore gut microbiome balance.
- Talk with your doctor about other possible gut health issues.
Be patient and stick with the probiotic protocol for optimal chance of success. Let your healthcare provider know if digestive problems persist despite probiotic supplementation.
Conclusion
Taking probiotics after antibiotic treatment for H. pylori can help restore gut microbiome balance, improve digestion, alleviate side effects, and prevent reinfection. Look for well-researched multi-strain formulas with shelf-stable potency. Complement probiotic supplements with prebiotic foods and a gut-healthy diet for best results.