Antibiotics and Your Gut:

How They Affect Digestion and What You Can Do

Antibiotics are powerful medications designed to fight bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome. While antibiotics target harmful bacteria, they often unintentionally eliminate beneficial bacteria, leading to an imbalance that can result in digestive issues. Here’s how antibiotics affect your gut and what you can do to support your digestive health during and after treatment.

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut

When you take antibiotics, they don’t just target harmful bacteria; they can also kill beneficial bacteria in your gut. Here’s what can happen:

Disruption of gut flora

Antibiotics can reduce the diversity of gut bacteria, which plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health¹.

Digestive symptoms

The imbalance in gut flora can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort¹.

Increased risk of infections

A disrupted gut can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), resulting in further digestive issues¹.

Common Signs Your Gut is Affected by Antibiotics

Diarrhea

Bloating and gas

Nausea or stomach cramps

Loss of appetite

What Can You Do?

Here are some practical steps to help support your gut health while taking antibiotics:

Discuss with your healthcare provider

Always talk to your doctor about your antibiotic prescriptions and any concerns regarding gut health.

Take probiotics

Probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut during and after antibiotic treatment².

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.

Eat a balanced diet

Focus on a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support gut health. These foods can nourish beneficial gut bacteria and aid digestion.

Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional to minimize disruption to your gut flora.

Antibiotics are essential for treating infections, but they can also challenge your gut health. By taking proactive steps—such as using probiotics, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying hydrated—you can help mitigate their effects. Remember, supporting your gut during and after antibiotic treatment is key to restoring balance and ensuring digestive well-being.

Products

Enterogermina® 2 Billion Mini Bottles

Ready to drink mini bottles
Manages diarrhea and gut disorders
Kids

Learn more

Shop now

Enterogermina® 2 Billion Capsules

Manages diarrhea and gut disorders
Adults
Kids

Learn more

Shop now

Ng, K. M., Aranda-Díaz, A., Tropini, C., Frankel, M. R., Van Treuren, W., O'Laughlin, C. T., Merrill, B. D., Yu, F. B., Pruss, K. M., Oliveira, R. A., Higginbottom, S. K., Mark Welch, J. L., Haiser, H. J., Turnbaugh, P. J., Sonnenburg, J. L., Xavier, R. J., & Sonnenburg, E. D. (2019). Recovery of the gut microbiota after antibiotics depends on host diet, community context, and environmental reservoirs. Cell Host & Microbe, 26(5), 650-665.e4.
Hempel, S., Newberry, S. J., Maher, A. R., Wang, Z., Miles, J. N., Shanman, R., Johnsen, B., & Shekelle, P. G. (2012). Probiotics for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 307(18), 1959-1969.

A- Lahiri K et al. Bacillus clausii As An Adjuvant Therapy In Acute Childhood Diarrhoea. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) 2015;14:74-76.

B- Giua et al (2024). A Prospective Real‑World Study of Bacillus clausii Evaluating Use, Treatment Habits and Patient Satisfaction in Italian Community Pharmacies: The PEGASO Study. Drugs - Real World Outcomes (2024) 11:137–147.

C- Ghelardi et al (2015). Survival and persistence of Bacillus clausii in the human gastrointestinal tract following oral administration as spore-based probiotic formulation. Journal of Applied Microbiology 119, 552-559.

D- Castro et al (2019). Bacillus clausii as adjunctive treatment for acute community-acquired diarrhea among Filipino children: a large-scale, multicenter, open-label study (CODDLE). Tropical Diseases, Travel Medicine and Vaccines 5:14.

Discover more

Back to School and Gut Health

School's back, and so are stomach issues! Learn how stress and germs trigger gut problems in kids, plus essential tips to protect their digestion.

Travel and Your Gut

Travel messes with your gut! Discover how jet lag, new foods, and dehydration cause bloating and digestive issues, plus simple ways to keep your stomach happy on the road.

Seasonal Changes and Gut Health

Seasonal shifts confuse your gut! Learn how weather, diet, and routine changes trigger digestive issues, and discover key steps to keep your microbiome balanced year-round.

Kids’ Gut Infections

Kids' curiosity means more germs! Learn why developing immune systems catch gut infections easily, and how hygiene, diet, and probiotics safeguard their digestion and speed recovery

Irregular Diet and Your Gut

Skipping meals or overeating? Discover how irregular diets confuse your gut, causing bloating and cramps, and learn simple steps to bring back digestive comfort and routine.

Eating Out and Gut Health

Dining out upsets your gut! Learn how hidden ingredients, large portions, and rich foods trigger digestive distress, and master simple tips for mindful, gut-friendly meals.