How to Prevent Antibiotic Damage in Your Gut
Antibiotics are truly remarkable drugs. They've saved countless lives by effectively knocking out bacterial infections. But like any powerful tool, they come with potential drawbacks. One such effect is their impact on the delicate ecosystem of our gut.
Today we’ll be answering:
How do antibiotics affect the gut?
What is a bacterial overgrowth?
How does a bacterial overgrowth cause leaky gut?
How do you minimize antibiotic side effects?
The impact of antibiotics on the gut
The gut microbiome is made up of both good and bad bacteria. In a healthy microbiome, there is a 4:1 ratio of good to bad bacteria. In this state, the gut’s immune system is resilient, so pathogens and viruses are unable to flourish.
Antibiotics work in various ways to either kill bacteria or stop them from multiplying. Some antibiotics disrupt the bacteria's cell wall, while others interfere with their ability to reproduce or produce proteins essential for survival. By hindering these vital processes, antibiotics allow the body's immune system to overcome the infection. However, antibiotics don’t distinguish between good and bad bacteria. This means that they tend to wipe out good bacteria and lower that microbial ratio to levels that compromise your gut’s immunity.
In this weakened state, the gut becomes highly susceptible to pathogens and the overgrowth of bad bacteria. In addition to taking antibiotics, consuming sugar, processed foods, and chemical additives all foster this compromised environment where bad bacteria flourishes.
How a bacterial overgrowth causes leaky gut
The gut becomes an environment where parasites, viruses, and bad bacteria can flourish.
These pathogens destroy cells in the lining of the small intestine and penetrate to deeper layers of the lining.
The body tries to flush the pathogens out of the small intestine lining.
When this pathogenic assault continues for a prolonged period, the intestinal lining weakens and becomes even more susceptible to pathogen penetration.
This causes a state of hyper-permeability, which is often called leaky gut.
Leaky gut has a direct effect on the immune system. When the intestinal lining becomes permeable, viruses and pathogens can penetrate so deeply that they enter the bloodstream, triggering local and systemic immune responses. There is even growing evidence suggesting that intestinal barrier dysfunction is a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders. Symptoms of leaky gut extend far beyond digestive issues and can cause everything from headaches to fatigue to joint issues. It’s shocking how overlooked the gut-immune connection is, considering that 70% of the body's immune cells are present in the gut.
8 ways to minimize antibiotic side effects
All that’s to say, if you’re taking antibiotics or have taken them in the past, you should support your gut health to prevent potential issues further downstream. The good news is that there are preventative measures you can take to ensure antibiotics don’t lead to leaky gut. Here are our top recommendations for supporting a healthy microbiome:
Probiotic: Along with your antibiotic, take a probiotic supplement to help replenish the good bacteria population. Look for ones with strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) and Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii).
Yogurt: This creamy treat delivers live and active bacterial cultures, like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, directly to your gut, bolstering the good guys and restoring balance.
Kombucha: This fizzy drink delivers a diverse boost of gut-friendly bacteria and yeast. It will nourish your microbiome and support digestion. However, make sure you’re buying ones without added sugars. We love the brand Synergy!
Pickled Foods: Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles are naturally fermenting with beneficial bacteria. These will replenish gut flora and aid in nutrient absorption.
Apples: Apples offer a double punch of prebiotics and pectin, a fiber that feeds good bacteria and helps flush out toxins, keeping your gut happy and healthy.
Bananas: Bananas are loaded with prebiotics, especially resistant starch, which nourishes your gut bacteria and promotes digestive regularity.
Oats: From oatmeal to granola, oats are full of prebiotic beta-glucans, known to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce inflammation in the gut.
Chicory Root: This unassuming root packs a mighty punch of prebiotic inulin, a favorite food for your good gut bacteria. It enhances nutrient absorption and helps maintain a healthy gut barrier.
Other ways to support your gut
Bone broth: Drinking bone broth on an empty stomach is a great way to heal the gut lining. Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that forms the building blocks of our bones, skin, and yes, our gut lining. The collagen breaks down into gelatin, which acts like a soothing balm, patching up microscopic tears in the gut lining and promoting its integrity and resilience.
L-Glutamine supplement: Glutamine is an amino acid that is the primary fuel source for the cells lining the gut. It helps maintain the mucosal barrier, preventing unwanted substances from leaking into the bloodstream and triggering inflammation.
Limit sugar and processed foods: Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, serve as a readily available energy source for gut bacteria. Excessive sugar consumption can be detrimental, promoting the overgrowth of opportunistic and potentially pathogenic bacterial strains.
Buy organic produce: Conventional agriculture uses harmful synthetic pesticides. Research suggests even low levels may disrupt the gut microbiome and increase intestinal permeability. Organic farming prohibits these pesticides, minimizing gut bacteria exposure and their potential for altering microbial balance.
Need more gut support?
If your gut health has taken a turn for the worst and are looking for extra, individualized support, schedule a discovery call with Wholistic Renewal’s functional medicine team. We will deep-dive into your medical history and explore the state of your gut and immune system through functional lab tests. Together, we can understand your body’s needs and support you on your healing journey.
Fed up with unanswered questions about your health?
At Wholistic Renewal, we dig deep to uncover the root causes of your concerns. Our programs combine comprehensive functional lab testing with personalized protocols and dedicated support from a nutritional practitioner. Through one-on-one guidance and education, you can finally find the answers you've been searching for and renew your health.
*The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related questions or concerns you may have. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
