Protecting your gut bacteria during antibiotic use
When you need to take antibiotics for an infection or health condition, it can reduce the amount of beneficial bacteria you have in your gut microbiome.
Some types of antibiotics can also cause side effects such as diarrhea or stomach pain.
To prevent this, it’s wise to take a probiotic alongside antibiotic use.
However, many probiotics will simply be killed off by the antibiotics too, so it is important to take the right strain.
Saccharomyces boulardii (SB) is a yeast-based probiotic that is resistant to the effects of antibiotics, so it is safe to take while you are on medication.
Taking some psyllium husk or partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) alongside the SB will strengthen its effect and can reduce any diarrhea occurring as a side effect.
It’s important to take the SB for 3 months after beginning antibiotics.
Here are some pre and probiotic foods to include in your diet during and after antibiotic use:
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Yoghurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Konjac root noodles such as the Slendier brand
Hayden Keys
Graduating from Western Sydney University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy, Hayden is a proud member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. With over a decade of clinical experience, Hayden established the Happy & Healthy Wellbeing Centre in Miranda in 2009. Read more...
