Antibiotics & Bacterial Flora

Few people are aware of just how destructive antibiotics can be to the healthy levels of bacterial flora inside the body. 1 Here’s what you need to know about it.

Bacterial Flora are Vital to Tissues and Organs

The skin, intestines, urogenital system and respiratory system all depend on healthy levels of bacterial flora in order to function effectively. 2

Antibiotics Alter Microbial Populations

This makes the body more susceptible to other illnesses, including viruses and various digestive conditions. 3,4

It’s Difficult for the Body to Rebalance Bacterial Flora

This is especially true for those good bacteria wiped out by antibiotics. While not impossible, it takes time, and this leaves the gut vulnerable to digestive complications in the meantime. 5

How to Recognise Antibiotic-Related Gut Disorders

While antibiotics may also have stomach-related side effects, our area of interest is mainly the intestines.

Diarrhoea

Antibiotics may significantly reduce the colonies of good bacteria in your gut, leaving your gastrointestinal system weak. 6

Flatulence & Cramping

Long periods of antibiotic usage may cause severe inflammation of the colon, resulting in bloating and abdominal pain. 7

Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom of an imbalance in the intestinal bacteria; people with vulnerable digestive tummies are also prone to vomiting. 8

Antibiotic Effects: Tips & Remedies

The negative effects of antibiotics often catch people off guard. These tips can help you restore the balance to your body once the symptoms mentioned above have set in.

Maintain a high-fibre diet and also eat fermented foods

These foods will have a nourishing effect on the affected gut, helping it to rebalance itself faster. 9

Water, water and more water

If diarrhoea has occurred as a result of antibiotics, you may be at risk for dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider oral rehydration therapy should the diarrhoea worsen. 10

Put a small piece of ginger...

...between your cheek and lower gum. This will help to keep nausea at bay, and you may be able to get through your day in a normal manner. 11

How to Prevent Antibiotics from Affecting the Gut

It is simple to reduce the effects of antibiotics on the gut. But many people only think of it when it's too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Antibiotics can really complicate things from the inside out. You probably have a few questions for us. Check out our FAQ.

  • Antibiotics fight off bacterial infections, but in doing so they may damage the gut microbiota that also plays a role in your immune system. This could leave you vulnerable to some harmful bacteria and viruses in the future. 13

  • Yes, very much so. They particularly affect the microbial populations in the gut, also known as the intestinal flora, creating an opportunity for digestive disorders to negatively affect your health. 14

  • Besides killing harmful, or pathogenic, bacteria, antibiotics also reduce the good bacteria of the intestinal flora, while probiotics work to restore them. 3

  • Taking a probiotic during antibiotic treatment can reduce the risk of diarrhoea as a side effect of an antibiotic in the flora. Taking a probiotic after a course of antibiotics will help restore any good bacteria that was lost during treatment. 3, 15

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Entrogermina's range of products works with the body to deliver effective solutions to various digestive conditions - the key to internal balance.

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Bacillus clausii is a type of spore-forming good bacteria that works to rebalance the flora in your intestine. When consumed regularly, it can help to manage different conditions associated with gut disorders.

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