gut health
2 interactions related to gut health
probiotics + prebiotics
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers (like inulin, FOS, and GOS) that some gut bacteria ferment for fuel. Pairing them with a probiotic creates what scientists call a 'synbiotic.' The pairing is plausible and generally well tolerated, but evidence that the combination clearly beats either ingredient on its own is mixed and depends on the condition and the specific strains used.
kefir + antibiotics
Antibiotics can kill the live bacteria and yeast in kefir if both are taken at the same time, and dairy calcium can bind certain antibiotics (tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones) and reduce their absorption. Spacing kefir a couple of hours away from each dose addresses both concerns. Note that the broader claim that kefir prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea is not well supported: the one randomized trial of kefir itself found no benefit.