One of the questions about Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula that I get very frequently when I speak at health conferences and in emails is:

"I take medications.  Can I still take Super Shield?"

The answer most times is yes--with very few exceptions, probiotics and medications DO mix. 

As a matter of fact, in many cases, it's very wise to take probiotics while on medications!

You see, one of the many problems with medications is that they can kill the beneficial bacteria in your gut, creating an imbalance of flora (called dysbiosis), so you can end up even sicker after you've taken your prescribed drugs. 

Plus medications leave an acid waste residue in your gut, which further disrupts your flora balance and can pull your pH into the unhealthy acid range.

Here is a quick guide that explains the issues between certain drugs and probiotics, and how you can help overcome the problems.

Antibiotics

Problem: 

In addition to the harmful, infection-causing bacteria that you want them to kill, they also kill the friendly bacteria in your gut like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.  This makes you prone to digestive disorders of all types, leaky gut syndrome and greatly impairs your immune system function. 

What to do: 

Be sure to take Super Shield at least one to two hours AFTER taking your antibiotics. 

Antacids and acid blockers (H2 blockers or PPIs)

Problem: 

They block or neutralize acid in your stomach and small intestine and can greatly impair digestion.  Also, with less acid, your small intestine is more susceptible to bacterial invasion from the large intestine (called SIBO--small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) and can result in gas, severe bloating and pain.

What to do: 

Consider increasing dosage of Super Shield from 1 to 2 capsules per day as tolerated. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

Problem: 

These too can block the production of stomach acid which can hamper or slow digestion.  This can lead to poor nutrient absorption, wastes that don't move through the intestines like they should and harmful bacteria overgrowth.

What to do: 

Same as for antacids (above).

Laxatives

Problem: 

They speed the emptying of your intestinal contents, which includes many friendly bacteria.  This gives the dangerous bacteria the advantage and they can overcome the good.

What to do: 

In addition to taking Super Shield, drink at least 8-10 glasses of filtered water a day and incorporate more fiber into your diet to help naturally overcome constipation. 

Muscle relaxers

Problem: 

They decrease peristalsis, which is the contractions that move your food through the digestive tract.  This results in constipation, slow emptying of the intestines, and also allows bacteria in your large intestine to move up into the small intestine -- causing SIBO and IBS symptoms.

What to do: 

Same as for laxatives (above).

Immune suppressors

Problem: 

They shut down the immune system for people who have had organ transplants, or have AIDS, autoimmune diseases or other immune disorders.  Since probiotics help to strengthen the immune system, they may counteract the effectiveness of the prescription drugs.

What to do:

If you're taking immune suppressors, talk to your doctor about taking probiotic supplements.

Make yourself less of a "medication magnet"

It's a sad truth that drugs that people take for sickness often times actually make you sicker.

But you can help fight back against the harmful effects of medications.  Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula can help keep your intestinal flora balance in an optimal range, regardless of what medications you take.

But it doesn't stop there!

Because while probiotics are very effective, it's also crucial to help make yourself less of a "medication magnet" to begin with!

And that comes from having a healthy diet and ensuring good digestion.

NOTHING can undo the damaging effects of an unhealthy diet and poor digestion--certainly not medications and not even probiotics!

That's where an eating program like Great Taste No Pain can make all the difference for you.

The Great Taste No Pain program stresses delicious, nutritious real foods--foods that provide the nutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that are crucial to great health!

It also shows you how to pair foods together for more efficient digestion (by avoiding the protein-starch combination in your meals) which is absolutely vital to have any degree of health.

Think about it--having better digestion can help eliminate the need for digestive medications, especially acid reducers and laxatives!

Plus a good diet and strong digestion can help keep your pH in the healthier alkaline range and keep inflammation low, which many times can help reduce the need for pain relievers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxers!

Now that’s powerful!

Don't be a regular at the pharmacy

Although medications are unavoidable in some cases, they are not always the best answer or even necessary.  You can do a LOT to help avoid visiting your friendly neighborhood pharmacy on a regular basis.

And even if you must take medications, you can certainly help counteract their harmful effects!

See what a difference you can make today.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia

The information in our articles are NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice.