Antibiotics, a groundbreaking discovery in Western medicine are saving countless lives to this day because of the ability to deal with certain deadly infections.

Unfortunately, antibiotics can cause issues in reducing the microbiome in our body found in the the skin, the mucosa, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, urogenital tract, and the mammary glands. Our human body is host to trillions of bacteria that are extremely beneficial to our health and are essential for us to function in a healthy way. Antibiotics are unable to distinguish between “good” and “bad” bacteria when an infection is treated. This in turn can affect our microbiome and cause an imbalance in our microbiome flora.

Microbiome Imbalance

After a course of antibiotics, some individuals may experience symptoms such as: difficulty thinking, joint pain, fatigue, bad breath, bloating, skin rashes, constipation, diarrhea, yeast infection, nausea, upset stomach, recurring infections, such as urinary tract or sinus infections.

However, there are some things that one can do to rebuild a healthy microbiome flora by introducing foods and supplements into your daily eating.

PROBIOTICS– live bacteria and yeast found in some foods and supplements

You can find probiotics in foods such as yogurt (sugar free), kefir, apple cider vinegar, sauerkraut, kombucha, miso, and kimchi. You can also take probiotics in a supplement form.

PREBIOTICS– a type of fiber that feeds the good bacteria

Prebiotics naturally exist in different dietary food products such as: asparagus, sugar beet, garlic, chicory, onion, leek, Jerusalem artichoke, wheat, honey, banana, barley, tomato, rye, soybean, human’s and cow’s milk, peas, beans, seaweed and microalgae. You can also buy dietary supplements in natural health stores to support prebiotic health.

Bone broth – Bone broth an excellent source of collagen, can help to strengthen your gut lining. Collagen is also found in in supplement form.

So the next time you find yourself finishing a round of antibiotics, think about incorporating probiotics/prebiotics in your dietary regime.

As always, Smell, Taste, Enjoy. Be Mindful of the Food You Eat.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857316/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31296969/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32048977/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6463098/