When you’re in the midst of Bali Belly, you’ll try almost anything to feel better faster. You may have heard about taking probiotics to prevent getting sick, but can they also help treat an active case of diarrhea? This evidence-based guide explores the role of probiotics for treating diarrhea.
How Diarrhea Disrupts Your Gut Microbiome
Think of your gut microbiome as a complex, balanced garden. An infection from Traveler’s Diarrhea is like a flash flood that washes through, indiscriminately removing both the ‘weeds’ (harmful bacteria) and the ‘good plants’ (beneficial bacteria).
This leaves the garden in a state of imbalance, which is why symptoms like bloating and discomfort can linger even after the worst is over. The goal of using probiotics while sick is to help “re-seed” this garden with good bacteria.
The Evidence: Can Probiotics Shorten the Duration of Diarrhea?
This is where we need to distinguish between prevention and treatment. While some travelers take probiotics to prevent getting sick—a topic we cover in our guide to using probiotics for travel prevention—the evidence is arguably stronger for their role in treating an active case.
What the Research Shows
Yes, this is supported by significant scientific research. Several major meta-analyses, which combine the results of many individual studies, have concluded that taking specific probiotic strains can help shorten the duration of traveler’s diarrhea by, on average, about one day.
They work by helping to restore balance to the gut, competing with bad bacteria for resources, and supporting the body’s own immune response.
The Most-Studied Strains for Treatment
The evidence is strongest for two particular strains when it comes to treatment:
- Saccharomyces boulardii: This is a beneficial yeast and is the most well-researched probiotic for treating acute and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A key advantage is that as a yeast, it is not harmed by antibiotics.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG): This is one of the world’s most-researched probiotic bacteria, known for its ability to adhere to the intestinal wall and promote a healthy immune response within the gut.
Practical Advice for Using Probiotics While Sick
If you decide to use probiotics for Bali Belly treatment, here’s how to do it right.
Choose the Right Strain
When you’re at a pharmacy in Bali, don’t just buy a generic probiotic blend. Look specifically for a product that clearly lists Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on the label. These are the strains with the most clinical evidence for this specific purpose.
It’s a Helper, Not the Hero
It is crucial to remember that probiotics are a supportive tool, not the primary treatment. They do not replace the fundamental need for hydration. Your number one priority must still be replacing lost fluids, and the most effective way to do this is with Oral Rehydration Salts. You can learn exactly why this is so critical in our guide to using Oralit for Bali Belly.
A Special Case: Taking Probiotics with Antibiotics
This is a high-value tip for travelers. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics for a confirmed bacterial case of Bali Belly, taking probiotics (especially Saccharomyces boulardii) is highly recommended.
It can help prevent a common side effect known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea by protecting your gut microbiome from the antibiotic’s disruptive effects. It’s best to take the probiotic a few hours after each antibiotic dose.
While not a magic cure, adding a quality, evidence-based probiotic to your recovery plan is a safe strategy that may help you get back on your feet a little faster. For a complete overview of all treatment options, visit our Ultimate Guide to Bali Belly.
Build Your Complete Recovery Plan
Probiotics can be a helpful tool, but a full recovery often requires a professional diagnosis and a multi-faceted treatment plan. Our doctors can provide the comprehensive care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Using Probiotics for Treatment
Which probiotic strain is better for treatment: Saccharomyces boulardii or Lactobacillus?
Both have good evidence, but Saccharomyces boulardii is often more highly recommended for treating active diarrhea. A key advantage is that, as a yeast, it is not affected by antibiotics, making it very effective when taken alongside them.
How quickly will I feel the effects of the probiotic?
The effect is not immediate. Probiotics work by gradually helping to restore balance to your gut. Any benefit, such as a reduction in the duration of diarrhea, would be noticed over the course of 1-3 days, not within hours.
Should I continue taking them after my symptoms stop?
Yes, it’s a good idea to continue taking the probiotics for at least a week after you feel better. This helps to ensure your gut microbiome has fully recovered and re-established a healthy balance.
Can I get enough probiotics from food like yogurt or kefir when I’m sick?
No. When you have active diarrhea, it is best to avoid dairy products like yogurt and kefir as they can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms. A concentrated supplement capsule is the best way to get a therapeutic dose without irritating your stomach.
Can I take probiotics and Loperamide (Imodium) at the same time?
Yes, there is no negative interaction between the two. However, remember to use Loperamide only for short-term, emergency situations, as it does not cure the infection.
Are there any side effects from taking probiotics while sick?
Probiotics are very safe for most people. Some might experience mild gas or bloating initially, but this is uncommon.
If the doctor gives me antibiotics, will they just kill the probiotics I’m taking?
If you are taking a bacteria-based probiotic (like Lactobacillus), the antibiotic can kill it. That’s why it’s recommended to take them a few hours apart. If you are taking Saccharomyces boulardii (a yeast), antibiotics will not affect it at all.
Where can I buy these specific probiotic strains in Bali?
Major pharmacies (“Apotik”) like Guardian or Kimia Farma are the most likely places to find high-quality probiotic supplements that list their specific strains.
Are more CFUs (Colony-Forming Units) always better when I’m sick?
Not necessarily. The most important factor is using the correct, clinically-studied strain. A product with 10 billion CFUs of Saccharomyces boulardii is likely more effective for diarrhea than a product with 100 billion CFUs of a generic, unstudied blend.
If I’m taking probiotics, do I still need to follow the recovery diet?
Yes, absolutely. The recovery diet (like BRAT) is designed to give your digestive system a rest. Probiotics are a supportive tool, not a replacement for proper diet and hydration during recovery.
