{"id":5399,"date":"2023-07-07T07:02:07","date_gmt":"2023-07-07T00:02:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=5399"},"modified":"2023-07-07T07:02:07","modified_gmt":"2023-07-07T00:02:07","slug":"the-link-between-taking-antibiotics-and-gut-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=5399","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Taking Antibiotics and Gut Health"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">W<\/span>hile <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/when-you-really-need-an-antibiotic\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/when-you-really-need-an-antibiotic\/\">antibiotics<\/a> are routinely prescribed to treat bacterial diseases and even help to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6904291\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6904291\/\">prevent millions of fatalities each year<\/a>, certain risks come with their rewards. \u201cAntibiotics are designed to kill pathogenic or potentially harmful bacteria,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fearlessfig.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.fearlessfig.com\/\">Sarah Greenfield<\/a>, RD, a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health. \u201cHowever, in this process, commensal or good bacteria are also killed,\u201d including those in your gut. A healthy gut is one that\u2019s diverse and has an abundance of friendly bacteria\u2014but what happens once antibiotics throw things off balance?<\/div>\n<p>Below, we\u2019ll cover the basics of fortifying your gut while you\u2019re on antibiotics. Plus: what you can do to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-finish-antibiotic\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-finish-antibiotic\/\">promote gut restoration<\/a> even further in the weeks and months thereafter.<\/p>\n<h2>How to protect your gut while you\u2019re on antibiotics<\/h2>\n<h3>Prioritize probiotics<\/h3>\n<p>Since antibiotics wipe out both good and bad gut bacteria, it\u2019s common to experience digestive distress as you take them. \u201cStudies show that taking a probiotic supplement <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22570464\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22570464\/\">can prevent upset stomach and diarrhea<\/a> caused by antibiotic use,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/freshcommunications.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/freshcommunications.com\/\">Bianca Tamburello<\/a>, RDN, a dietitian on behalf of FRESH Communications. However, she and Greenfield both advise taking your antibiotic and probiotic at least a few hours apart so the latter has a better chance to survive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/antibiotics-gut-health\/\" current-title=\"How To Get Your Microbiome Back in Fighting Shape During (and After) a Round of Antibiotics, Which \u2018Unbalance\u2019 Your Gut\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txpea92e06e1Nd300_Small_2944380-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-01-06\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/antibiotics-gut-health\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/antibiotics-gut-health\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/antibiotics-gut-health\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Prioritizing foods with probiotics also get the green light. \u201cWhile taking an antibiotic, eating probiotic-rich fermented foods like kraut, kimchi, and yogurt can help preserve gut health,\u201d Tamburello says.<\/p>\n<h3>&#8230;And prebiotics<\/h3>\n<p>While you\u2019re at it, Greenfield also suggests consuming prebiotics, which feed friendly bacteria. \u201cIf you take probiotics and prebiotics while you take antibiotics, you can prevent some of the damage being done by the antibiotic, which can help with gut recovery time,\u201d Greenfield explains. Fortunately, there are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/prebiotic-foods\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/prebiotic-foods\/\">healthy prebiotic foods<\/a> to choose from\u2014including but not limited to garlic, onions, and asparagus.<\/p>\n<h3>Be careful with high-fiber foods<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s important to not only add things into your routine as you take antibiotics\u2014but also consume a few others on moderation. For instance, while fiber is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fiber-helps-gut-health-microbiota\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fiber-helps-gut-health-microbiota\/\">beneficial for your digestion and gut health<\/a> at large, you\u2019ll be better off saving fiber-rich foods for once you complete your Rx. \u201cIt&#8217;s recommended to avoid high-fiber foods while taking antibiotics because fiber may interfere with how quickly the antibiotic is absorbed,\u201d Tamburello says. (This may be a bit confusing as many\u2014though not all\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3705355\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3705355\/\">fibrous foods are also prebiotic<\/a>. Some high-fiber foods worth saving for your post-antibiotic regimen include beans and legumes.)<\/p>\n<h3>Make sure to chill out<\/h3>\n<p>Last but not least, lifestyle factors will also play a role in your recovery. \u201cDecreasing stress and prioritizing rest while you are on antibiotics will help your gut be more resilient,\u201d Greenfield adds.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>Decreasing stress and prioritizing rest while you are on antibiotics will help your gut be more resilient,\u201d Greenfield adds.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2>Tips to restore your gut after antibiotics<\/h2>\n<p>Once you finish your round of antibiotics, the standard tips and tricks for gut health apply. \u201cAfter an antibiotic regimen is complete, eat foods high in probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber to restore the number and diversity of good gut bacteria and feed a healthy gut,\u201d Tamburello says. \u201cProbiotics increase the number of gut bacteria and promote gut balance,\u201d while the last two \u201care especially beneficial when rebounding your gut health after a course of antibiotics.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In fact, a 2019 study found that <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31726029\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31726029\/\">low-fiber diets exacerbated microbiota collapse<\/a> and delayed recovery following antibiotic treatment, so be sure to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fiber-rich-vegetables\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/fiber-rich-vegetables\/\">rev up your fiber intake via veggies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/high-fiber-pantry-foods\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/high-fiber-pantry-foods\/\">pantry staples<\/a> alike. \u201cMost high-fiber foods have prebiotic benefits,\u201d Tamburello reiterates, so they\u2019ll typically offer two-for-one perks.<\/p>\n<p>Further, Greenfield recommends eating a colorful diet rich in whole foods to promote the health of your microbiome. \u201cSunlight exposure helps balance circadian rhythm, which helps improve gut function,\u201d she adds. \u201cSince vitamin D can decrease gut permeability, adequate levels of vitamin D are important\u2014ideally through sun exposure or supplementation.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>How long will it take to restore your gut after antibiotics?<\/h2>\n<p>Greenfield says that the answer to this question isn\u2019t so simple to answer, as the research isn\u2019t so clear-cut. Results will also vary based on which antibiotics you take, the specific bacteria strains measured, and similar considerations. That said, recent studies and reviews offer optimistic findings. Per a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32958481\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32958481\/\">2020 meta-analysis of 31 articles<\/a> on gut microbiota and antibiotic use, \u201cAfter cessation of treatment, gut bacteria recover, in most individuals, to their baseline state within a few weeks. Some studies suggested longer term effects from two to six months.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cAfter cessation of treatment, gut bacteria recover, in most individuals, to their baseline state within a few weeks. Some studies suggested longer term effects from two to six months.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>In general, Greenfield says that the state of your gut and overall health before taking antibiotics will be highly influential in how quickly you\u2019re able to restore your microbiome afterwards. \u201cIf you already had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/signs-healthy-gut\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/signs-healthy-gut\/\">good gut diversity<\/a>, the chances are the first round of antibiotics are not going to eradicate whole species of bacteria,\u201d says Greenfield. \u201cBut if you already had weakened gut function, or have taken many rounds of antibiotics, the effects can be more damaging.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Plus, additional factors that influence gut diversity\u2014i.e., everything from your regular dietary and lifestyle habits, pre-existing conditions, medications, and stress levels\u2014will inform your timeline for microbiome restoration.<\/p>\n<p>To gain clarity and ensure that your gut health is trending in the right direction, Greenfield recommends getting a stool test done with a functional health expert. \u201cI like to wait 14 days after taking antibiotics to test microbiome diversity. This gives us enough time to see what the bacteria look like after the antibiotic has been taken,\u201d she says. From there, personalized protocols can lead the way and promote a greater abundance of the friendly bacteria your gut and greater health need to thrive.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While antibiotics are routinely prescribed to treat bacterial diseases and even help to prevent millions of fatalities each year, certain risks come with their rewards. \u201cAntibiotics are designed to kill pathogenic or potentially harmful bacteria,\u201d says Sarah Greenfield, RD, a functional medicine dietitian specializing in gut health. \u201cHowever, in this process, commensal or good bacteria &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5400,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5399"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5399\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5400"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}