Re: Should I eat yoghurts when on anti-biotics?

The Friendly Bacteria

(Lactabacillus Acidophilus) Acidophilus is actually a strain of bacteria - a
beneficial one that naturally inhabits the stomach and bowel - but a "germ"
nonetheless. Despite its lineage, it can be helpful in a number of health
situations - most of them involving digestion and bowel function.

According to the Colon Health Handbook, the healthy colon should contain at
least 85 percent lactobacillus and 15 percent coliform bacteria. However, the
typical colon bacteria count is the reverse, resulting in excessive gas,
bloating, intestinal and systemic toxicity, constipation, and
malabsorption of nutrients, which leads to an overgrowth of Candida.

Hello Hugh,
 Really had a devil of a time getting information to back up the answer 
to your yogurt question.
 But low an behold after many hours of search I finally found relevant
information.  It was quite amazing to see this question posted to the
Mad Scientist Network since last month I noticed the same question being
asked on the Sci.Microbiology Newsgroup.  I searched to find the relevant
thread but unfortunately I felt the question was not answered to its' 
fullest, as a result with the use of a good search engine and much patience
I was able to locate the information your Mum mentioned.
  I hope the following answers your question.

  June Wingert
  Microbiology Reference Lab, Houston, Texas

 The Friendly Bacteria
  Lactobacillus Acidophilus may help to detoxify harmful substances. 
Factors that contribute to candidiasis are recurrent use of antibiotics, 
oral contraceptives, aspirin, corticosteroids, poor diet, sugar, yeast, 
and stress. These all cause an imbalance of the "friendly" bacteria.

When taking antibiotics, the "friendly" bacteria are destroyed 
along with harmful bacteria. Supplementing with acidophilus maintains 
a healthy intestinal flora. These "friendly" bacteria help digest food, 
produce essential vitamins and help keep bowel function normal. 
An unhealthy flora can lead to the liberation of large quantities of 
ammonia, which irritates the intestinal membranes. The ammonia can be 
absorbed into the bloodstream and cause nausea, a decrease in appetite, 
vomiting, and other toxic reactions.
Acidophilus supports and maintains the growth of the Lactobacillus bifidus in
the intestinal tract. Undigested food can stagnate or lead to constipation and
gas. The putrefactive bacteria that is produced from undigested food may 
produce excessive histamine, causing an allergic reaction and
additional toxic build-up.
Acidophilus aids synthesis of the B vitamins by creating a healthy 
intestinal flora. L. bifidus is the predominant organism in the intestinal flora
and establishes a healthy environment for the
manufacture of the B-complex vitamins and vitamin K.

Sources:

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D.,l990
Understanding