Are you currently taking omeprazole and wondering if it’s safe to take probiotics alongside it? Many people use omeprazole to manage conditions like acid reflux and heartburn, while probiotics are known to promote a healthy gut. But can these two be taken together? Are there adverse effects or benefits of doing so?
If you’re looking for professional insights on this matter, keep reading. It is all covered in my article.
What is omeprazole?
Omeprazole belongs to a group of medications called “proton pump inhibitors” (PPI). PPIs are used to reduce the amount of acid made by your stomach. They do this by inhibiting proton pumps found in the lining of your stomach that help it make acid to digest food.
Omeprazole is used to treat conditions where there is too much acid in the stomach. It is widely used to treat heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Can I take probiotics with omeprazole?
There is no known interaction between omeprazole and probiotics.
So the answer is yes, you can take probiotics alongside omeprazole.
You can take them at the same time or 30-60 minutes apart.
However, it is worth noting that there are individual variations, and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen.
Does omeprazole affect gut bacteria?
Omeprazole is generally well tolerated but, through the long-term reduction of acid secretion, can increase the risk of an imbalance in gut microbiota composition (i.e., dysbiosis).
- One study examined the effects of PPIs on gut microbiomes by looking at stool samples before and after treatment with PPIs. The outcomes in PPI users are consistently associated with lower microbial diversity and changes towards a less healthy gut microbiome.
- Some studies also pointed out an increased risk of intestinal infections in long-term PPI users. Researchers hypothesize that by reducing acidity in the stomach, PPIs may allow more bacteria to overcome the barrier and enter the intestine.
Is it useful to administer probiotics together with omeprazole?
Due to the potential for PPIs such as omeprazole to impact the balance of bacteria in your gut, it might be beneficial to consider taking probiotics alongside your PPI medication. Additionally, probiotics could also have a positive impact on conditions like acid reflux, GERD, and gastritis.
What does research say?
In a 12-week study, 128 children with GERD were divided into two groups. The first group received both PPI medication and probiotics, while the second group only received PPI medication. The results showed that administering probiotics not only reduced the occurrence of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) but also significantly alleviated digestive symptoms.
Based on these findings, researchers concluded that individuals who require long-term acid-suppressing medications may benefit from combining them with probiotic supplementation to lower their risk of experiencing alterations in intestinal bacteria.
The Bottom Line
You can take probiotics with omeprazole. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in the gut, while omeprazole is a medication used to reduce stomach acid production. While omeprazole can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, taking probiotics can help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora.
It is worth noting that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, if you have concerns about taking probiotics with omeprazole, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health condition.
