In today’s age, we are fortunate enough to be able to simply treat a lot of diseases with antibiotics that were previously life-threatening. Doctors have over-prescribed antibiotics in recent years.
The issue with taking antibiotics is while they work to wipe out the bad bacteria, they usually wipe out the beneficial bacteria as well. That means that good bacterial colonies in our gut can suffer some extreme damage with a course of antibiotics.
That is why it is extremely important to take steps to support and restore a healthy gut both during and after consuming antibiotics. Look at the following steps:
What to do during:
Don’t quit
It is vitally important to finish the prescription even if you feel much better after a few days. If you do not finish the prescription of antibiotics, you allow bacteria to adapt and evolve which can make it become drug resistant. Make sure to follow the instructions from the pharmacist.
Support your immune system
Stay hydrated, get enough rest and sleep as your body is going into repair mode. It needs the support. It is important to eat and drink lots of fluids. Drinking freshly made fruit and vegetable juices/smoothies will provide a lot of great nutrients to support your immune system.
What to do after:
Eat fermented foods
Help restore healthy bacteria by eating naturally fermented food and drinks. This introduces live bacterial cultures to your digestive system.
Take Probiotic supplements
Even though you may be consuming fermented foods, sometimes that is not enough to help restore your good bacteria. Taking a probiotic supplement like Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Saccharomyces boulardii will help speed up the process of restoring your digestive system.
Consume probiotics
Probiotic bacteria in the colon break down fermented Indigestible fibres. These Probiotics are found in food such as pears, green bananas, plantains, asparagus, onion and leeks.
By following the above few steps, your body should start feeling healthy and back to normal. However, if you still not feeling great then you need to speak to your healthcare provider.
For information on what we have to offer, visit our gap cover insurance page.
References:
Ask a Nutritionist