Naturopath’s Guide To Antibiotics

A naturopath’s guide to antibiotics

Antibiotics are a powerful and essential tool when needed, but they don’t come without some consequences. While they effectively target harmful bacteria, they also disrupt the delicate balance of your microbiome, potentially leading to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and fungal overgrowth.

In the instance of necessary antibiotic use, it’s a treatment that requires mindful support to help your body recover and maintain resilience. Here’s how to minimise the unfavourable effects and give your gut, immunity, and overall well-being the extra care it needs during and after a course of antibiotics.

001. REPOPULATE WITH COMMENSAL BACTERIA.

Antibiotics cause changes in diversity and quality of bacteria in the gut. Repopulating with commensal strains helps to restore microbial balance. Concurrent use of probiotics and antibiotics should have a dose separated by at least 2 hours.

002. REDUCE OPPORTUNISTIC FUNGAL BACTERIA WITH SB.

If you’re prone to post-antibiotic fungal infections, it can be helpful to take SB (Saccharomyces boulardii), a non-pathogenic yeast shown to compete with opportunistic bacteria and reduce post-antibiotic candidiasis.

003. INCREASE FOODS THAT SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM & SOOTHE THE GUT LINING.

Up your bone broth, aloe vera and slippery elm intake to soothe the gut lining. Also increase your intake of garlic, ginger, lemon, turmeric, oysters, shiitake mushrooms and blueberries to support your immune system.

004. TAKE THE FULL DOSE.

While it can be unfavourable to take antibiotics, when it is necessary - don’t cut the prescription short. It’s important to take the whole dose to prevent the survival of stronger strains of bacteria leaeding to rebound infections or antibiotic-resistant strains.