Free delivery on orders over £50!

SEARCH

ACCOUNT

How to take care of bacterial flora after antibiotic therapy – supplementation and diet

For over 80 years, antibiotics have been saving human lives. They are invaluable in medicine and daily assist medical professionals in treating people worldwide. However, in addition to benefits, antibiotic therapy brings problems with the body’s intestinal flora.

Contents

  1. How do antibiotics affect our bacterial flora?
  2. Probiotics and their mechanism of action vs. antibiotic therapy
  3. How to choose a supplement after antibiotic therapy?
  4. How to take probiotics after antibiotic therapy?
  5. How to support intestinal microflora health – diet after antibiotic therapy
  6. What products support the rebuilding of intestinal microflora?
  7. In summary, during antibiotic therapy, probiotic supplements and proper nutrition are essential for intestinal microflora regeneration

Often, after an antibiotic, we encounter diarrhea and intestinal problems. Fortunately, we know how to deal with this. Learn how to care for your bacterial flora after antibiotic therapy to fully enjoy your recovery.

How do antibiotics affect our bacterial flora?

Intestinal flora plays a very important role in the human body. It influences metabolic and immunological processes. It also takes care of our immunity, thanks to bacteria that prevent colonization by pathogens. However, it often happens that due to illness, our health condition requires antibiotic therapy, which negatively affects the intestinal flora microbiome.

Antibiotics, as antimicrobial drugs, are designed to destroy pathogen invasion in our body, which is associated with microbiome dysfunctions. Such a condition can

result in antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), gastritis, fungal infection, or itching.

“Every antibiotic can cause diarrhea, but the greatest risk is posed by those with a broad spectrum of antibacterial action, especially active against anaerobic bacteria (e.g., aminopenicillins, aminopenicillins with clavulanic acid, clindamycin, some cephalosporins)”.

Studies show that as many as 40% of children are at risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

As antibiotic therapy is widely used, scientists quickly began to look for solutions that counteract intestinal microflora disorders. Probiotics – due to their impact on the human microbiome – quickly became a subject of scientific research.

Probiotics and their mechanism of action vs. antibiotic therapy

Antibiotics, although extremely effective in treating many bacterial diseases, are one of the primary factors disrupting the microflora. They destroy not only pathogenic pathogens but also very sensitive commensal bacteria residing in our body

However, as early as 2007, clinical studies showed that the administration of probiotic preparations reduced the incidence of diarrhea by up to 50%.

Probiotics have a beneficial effect on health, as their action is similar to that of bacteria naturally occurring in our body. They perform many functions that are very important for our health:

  1. Protective function:
  • act as an intestinal barrier,
  • modification of receptors for pathogens,
  • production of bacteriostatic/bactericidal compounds,
  • lowering pH (which adversely affects microorganisms),
  • create competition for nutrients,
  • affect intestinal peristalsis,
  • affect the integrity of the gastrointestinal mucosa,
  • produce short-chain fatty acids,
  • produce a mucous membrane sealing substance.
  1. Digestive function:
  • synthesis of B vitamins,
  • increasing the pool of digestive enzymes.
  1. Immunological function:
  • stimulation of the immune system,
  • modification of cellular/hormonal response.

How to choose a supplement after antibiotic therapy?

The intestinal microflora is the basis for the functioning of the entire body, as a significant part of immune cells (up to 70%) is located within the digestive system, especially in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). Therefore, maintaining microbiome balance after antibiotic therapy is crucial.

There are many dietary supplements on the market. So how do you choose the right probiotic that will support our microflora?

Let’s refer to the definition recognized by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, which states that probiotics are:

“live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

It clearly follows that a suitable probiotic is primarily one in which probiotic bacteria are contained in adequate amounts. According to specialists, the selection of appropriate bacterial strains is also crucial.

Among the well-researched bacterial strains used after antibiotic therapy, we can include:

  • Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-745),
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), Lactobacillus acidophilus W37, Lactobacillus salivarius W24 (DSM 22775), Lactobacillus plantarum W62 (LMG P-21021), Lactobacillus paracasei W72 (CNCM I 1572);
  • Bifidobacterium lactis W18 (DSM 23733), Bifidobacterium Bifidum W23 (DSM 23731), Bifidobacterium longum W51 (DSM 23233);
  • Enterococcus faecium W54.

From the mentioned strains, probiotic mixtures can be created, specifically indicated for use during antibiotic therapy. The selection of an appropriate probiotic depends primarily on the type of antibiotic used.

Some strains show high effectiveness in cases of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (this applies to preparations with Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-745) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103)), or during fungal infections in women, most often caused by Candida albicans yeasts (preparations with Lactobacillus acidophilus W37).

How to take probiotics after antibiotic therapy?

In addition to protecting the intestinal microflora, probiotics also help rebuild it, support our recovery, and protect against complications. However, to achieve this, certain recommendations must be followed:

  • We take probiotics already during antibiotic therapy to prevent damage to the microbiome and the occurrence of, for example, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
  • Probiotic preparations should be taken according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Usually, the optimal time interval is 2-3 hours after the antibiotic. Exceptions are preparations that can be taken simultaneously with the antibiotic, e.g., containing the strain Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-745);
  • We do not discontinue the use of preparations with the end of antibiotic therapy. Probiotic intake should last at least 1 to 3 months after completing treatment. Thanks to this, our intestinal microflora has a chance to rebuild itself to fully support our health and immunity.

How to support intestinal microflora health – diet after antibiotic therapy

Recovery after illness is very important for our health and well-being. Even when we feel much better after antibiotic treatment, it is worth taking care of a proper diet that will help our body return to balance. These are not just recommendations – this is an investment in the future of our health.

Proper nutrition will restore our strength and help our intestinal microflora equip itself with a full range of rebuilding substances.

What products support the rebuilding of intestinal microflora?

The role of probiotic products is increasingly valued in the scientific world. There are many studies confirming the beneficial effects of certain products on the state of intestinal microflora.

“Products of plant and animal origin that are carriers of probiotics include: fermented milk, cheeses, yogurts, butter, bread, chocolate,

cereals, ice cream, muesli, juices, fermented sausages, soy products, and sourdough pastries.”

Also invaluable during recovery are products rich in:

  1. Prebiotics – have a beneficial effect on the human body, as they positively affect the bacteria found in the microbiome. These are fibers that have the ability to reach the intestinal microflora (resistant to stomach acids). They usually come from the family of complex sugars, e.g., oligosaccharides or polysaccharides. Some of them undergo fermentation – others are insoluble. Examples of prebiotics include pectin or lignin. Prebiotics contain, for example, onions, garlic, bananas, or asparagus.
  2. Fermented products – are rich in both prebiotics and lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifido-bacterium. These include, for example, pickled cucumbers, sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi.
  3. Products rich in dietary fiber – support intestinal peristalsis. Fiber can be found in cereal products, flaxseed, fruits (dried fruits), and vegetables.
  4. Protein – supports the immune system. Rich in protein are, for example, eggs, lean meat, cereal products, and legumes.
  5. Omega 3 fatty acids – support the rebuilding of the intestinal microflora. They can be found in fatty fish, flax products, or nuts.
  6. Antioxidants – prevent “oxidative stress” and help regenerate the mucous membrane. Berries, green tea, and leafy green vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants.

In summary, during antibiotic therapy, probiotic supplements and proper nutrition are essential for intestinal microflora regeneration

Our health depends on the balance of our intestinal microflora. Therefore, when antibiotic treatment becomes necessary, let’s ensure proper microbiome regeneration. Numerous studies show the positive effect of probiotics on human health. These will provide us with immunity. Food rich in probiotics and prebiotics and other substances supporting microflora regeneration is also an indispensable element of recovery – so it is worth using them if we want to take comprehensive care of ourselves.

Check also


BestBiotic

Featured Supplement

BestBiotic
£31.8
View Product →

Your cart

Quantity: 0 Items: 0

No Product in the Cart!

£0.00
£0.00
£0.00
£0.00

Shipping charges will apply on checkout.

Continue Shopping
Checkout

You May Also Like

Customer information