Dear Doctors: I got a tick bite, and because there's Lyme disease in our area, my doctor put me on antibiotics. It prevented Lyme disease, but I'm worried about what it did to my gut microbiome. How long does it take to recover? Can I do anything to help?
Dear Reader: Over the last few decades, we have become increasingly aware of how the trillions of microbes that live in the human gut support our physical and mental health. These diverse colonies of microorganisms play key roles in physiology, nutrition, digestion, metabolism, immune function, hormone balance, neural activity and disease prevention. This has led to much speculation about what happens to the gut microbiome when antibiotics are needed to control a bacterial infection.
Two things turn out to be true. One is that antibiotics save millions of lives each year. The other is that using them disrupts the complex ecosystems of the gut microbiome. This means not just a decrease in the numbers of microorganisms in the large intestine, but also a decline in their diversity.
The good news is that researchers have found the gut microbiome is resilient and, over the course of several months, will gradually recover. The speed and scope of that recovery is affected by several factors. The type of antibiotic used and how frequently play a role. Eating a fiber-deficient diet prior to antibiotic treatment also leads to a slower recovery. Older adults and infants and young children may also see a delayed return of their gut flora.
You can support the recovery of your gut microbiome in several ways. Although logic suggests taking probiotics, researchers have found this can actually delay recovery. It has been found that following a course of antibiotics, the limited numbers of bacteria in probiotic products can colonize the gut. This markedly slows the balanced return of the diverse and complex colonies of microbes that are unique to each person's microbiome.
A more effective approach is to feed your gut -- literally. Concentrate on a wide and varied range of prebiotic foods. These include the fresh vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, nuts and fruit that contain the fiber and micronutrients our gut flora thrive on. Include plenty of fermented foods, as well, such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, pickles, miso and sauerkraut. Be sure to choose products with live cultures.
Physical activity has been shown to greatly improve gut health. Choose a well-rounded program of aerobic activity to get your heart pumping, strength training to build muscle strength and activities to enhance and preserve flexibility and agility.
Studies show environmental factors also play a significant role in healing an injured gut. This includes being around and interacting with animals, gardening and spending time outdoors and in nature. These expose you to a wide array of the “good” microbes that help boost gut diversity. So does being among other people who share their microbes with every breath, kiss, hug and handshake.
There are no shortcuts to good gut health. Eat well, take care of yourself and be patient. Your gut will thank you.
(Send your questions to [emailprotected], or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations, 10960 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1955, Los Angeles, CA, 90024. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.)
FAQs
Two things turn out to be true. One is that antibiotics save millions of lives each year. The other is that using them disrupts the complex ecosystems of the gut microbiome. This means not just a decrease in the numbers of microorganisms in the large intestine, but also a decline in their diversity.
Do antibiotics really wipe out your gut bacteria? ›
Antibiotics, commonly prescribed to treat and prevent bacterial infections, are a cornerstone of modern medicine. But in the process of targeting the infection-causing bacteria in our bodies, antibiotics can also inadvertently wipe out the other bacteria in our bodies.
How long to rebuild gut biome after antibiotics? ›
For most people, the composition of the gut microbiome returns almost completely to baseline in one to two months. But for a few, things may not go back to the way they were for quite a long period of time. Which is when we may see the long term side effects of antibiotic use.
Can antibiotics cause long-term digestive problems? ›
In doing so, they may cause damage within the gut flora, making it vulnerable to conditions involving bellyaches, occasional diarrhea and/or constipation. Antibiotic associated dysbiosis may be long-lasting, with recovery taking up to 4 years after antibiotic exposure.
What throws off gut microbiome? ›
Diet has a huge impact on gut health and the balance of good and bad bacteria. Reducing the number of foods that are processed, high-sugar, and high-fat can lead to a healthier gut. Aim for a balanced diet that includes lots of plant-based foods, lean proteins, and fiber.
Is it OK to eat yogurt while taking antibiotics? ›
Yogurt is packed with bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help reup your bacterial balance while you're taking an antibiotic. You can also eat other foods containing prebiotics or probiotics, which are both connected with improved gut health.
How do you reverse gut damage from antibiotics? ›
How to Heal Your Gut After Antibiotics
- Eat probiotic foods. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi contain beneficial bacteria that can help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. ...
- Take probiotic supplements. ...
- Eat prebiotic foods. ...
- Avoid processed foods. ...
- Get plenty of rest and exercise.
But while it might sound like sense, there is scant solid evidence suggesting probiotics actually work if taken this way. Researchers have found that taking probiotics after antibiotics in fact delays gut health recovery.
How long does a 7 day antibiotic stay in your system? ›
How long do antibiotics stay in your system? Antibiotics typically stay in your system anywhere from a few hours to several days after you stop taking them. Many factors (including the type of antibiotic you're taking, its dosage and your age) can affect the amount of time the drug stays in your system.
How to protect your microbiome when taking antibiotics? ›
Taking probiotics during and after a course of antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore your gut microbiota to a healthy state. What's more, eating high fiber foods, fermented foods, and prebiotic foods after taking antibiotics may also help reestablish a healthy gut microbiota.
Extensive clinical research suggests the best probiotic to take with antibiotics are particular strains that can be taken alongside antibiotics, rather than separately. These particular strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell-11 and Bifidobacterium lactis Lafti B94.
What does C diff look like in poop? ›
Frequent, foul smelling, watery stools characterize mild cases of C. difficile disease. More severe symptoms, indicative of pseudomembranous colitis, include diarrhea that contains blood and mucous and abdominal cramps.
What is a 7 day gut reset? ›
A 7 day gut reset may involve eliminating processed foods, sugar, and other potential food triggers, and consuming a diet that is rich in whole foods, fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics. During a 7-day gut reset, the aim is to reduce inflammation and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
What drink is best for gut health? ›
The bottom line
Fermented drinks like kombucha and kefir may promote gut health. Green tea and ginger tea might also help ease gut symptoms.
Do antibiotics wipe you out? ›
While tiredness is not a typical side effect of taking antibiotics, a small number of people may experience fatigue. Alternatively, a person may experience fatigue as a result of the underlying medical condition that requires antibiotics. People should always complete their course of antibiotics.
How do I stop antibiotics messing up my gut? ›
Eat probiotics
Research suggests probiotics may be beneficial during or after treatment with antibiotics, which disrupt the balance of gut flora. Additionally, studies suggest probiotics can help prevent digestive issues caused by antibiotics, such as antibiotic-related diarrhea. Common probiotic foods include: yogurt.
How do you flush out gut bacteria? ›
The following natural colon cleanses can be done cheaply, and they're also quite safe if done correctly.
- Hydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is a great way to regulate digestion. ...
- Saltwater flush. ...
- High fiber diet. ...
- Juices and smoothies. ...
- Juice fast. ...
- More resistant starches. ...
- Probiotics. ...
- Herbal teas.
They are able to survive and even multiply in the presence of an antibiotic. Most infection-causing bacteria can become resistant to at least some antibiotics. Bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics are known as multi-resistant organisms (MRO). Some bacteria are also naturally resistant to certain antibiotics.
