How to Support the Body On & After Antibiotics

We can feel blessed for modern medicine AND still be proactive in helping the body recover if we need to use it. I hope this post helps you feel more prepared!

why bother supporting the body?

Let’s just caveat this discussion with saying that antibiotics ARE necessary in many cases, can save lives and we are blessed to have access when needed (unlike many people in the developing world), but antibiotics not only kill the ‘bad’ bacteria, but the good, deplete our vitamin and mineral stores, promote biofilm production (where microorganisms adhere to the bowel wall and form a structured, protective community to survive in harsh conditions) which can lead to antibiotic resistance and yeast infections.

Did you know that 70% of children receive an antibiotic during the first 2 years of life?

Early antibiotic exposure is associated with an increased risk of childhood onset asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, celiac disease, obesity, and ADHD. Children exposed to antibiotics had a greater probability of experiencing combinations of conditions, particularly when given multiple prescriptions (PMC7796951).

One course of antibiotics increases the chance of depression by 25% over the next 12 months. Two courses increases your risk of depression, anxiety and panic attack by 60% (PMC26580313, PMC35819136, PMC31791704.)

So, how can we mitigate damage?

What to do ON antibiotics

take sporebiotics

Because most antibiotics are non selective (kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria), replenishing the good bacteria is essential. Spore-based probiotics are a good choice because they are more resistant to antibiotics than other probiotics. Their spore-forming nature ensures survival through the stomach and intestines (spore-based probiotics are acid tolerant), even during antibiotic use. They germinate and become active only in the gut, where they help balance the microbiome.

Timing matters

Take probiotics 2–3 hours after each antibiotic dose to reduce interference.

• Sporebiotics: Look for Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus clausii.

• Probiotics: While less resilient, certain strains have been shown to survive antibiotic use + support recovery. Look for Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum.

biofilm support

Bacterial biofilms can make it difficult for antibiotics to work by providing a protective shield for bacteria.

Biofilm-associated infections are responsible for 65-80% of human. microbial infections that lead to serious illness and death. (PMC10117668)

Take a comprehensive microbial biofilm to disrupt biofilm matrix and help inhibit formation of new biofilm.

herbal support

• Herbs can enhance antibiotic effectiveness: helping to overcome bacterial resistance and improve efficacy.

• Herbs can reduce side effects by protecting the gut lining, reducing inflammation, and mitigate antibiotic-associated side effects like diarrhea or nausea.

• Herbs with prebiotic properties can nourish beneficial gut bacteria and promote microbiome recovery and they can support immune function, helping the body fight infections more effectively.

• Synergistic Herbs include: Garlic, Oregano, Berberine and Thyme.

stay hydrated

Antibiotics can stress the kidneys and digestive system. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich fluids (coconut water or a clean electrolyte mix) to flush toxins and stay hydrated.

avoid processed foods and sugar

Consuming excess sugar while taking antibiotics can weaken the immune response and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the antibiotics. It can also delay the body's healing process. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria and yeast, potentially causing imbalances like Candida overgrowth. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.

what to do AFTER antibiotics

rebuild gut health

Antibiotics can also damage the intestinal lining, leading to increased gut permeability aka "leaky gut". Continue taking probiotics for at least 2–4 weeks after completing antibiotics.

• Focus on prebiotic foods & herbs: inulin (Dandelion and Chicory Root), resistant starch (from cooked and cooled rice, potatoes), garlic, onions, bananas, and asparagus.

• Support Liver Detoxification: the liver processes and eliminates the byproducts of antibiotics. Drink detoxifying teas (e.g., dandelion root, milk thistle).

• Eat cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, kale, cauliflower).

restore nutrients

Antibiotics can deplete nutrients like B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, Folate (B9), B12), vitamin K, vitamin D and minerals such as Magnesium, calcium, iron and potassium. Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods and consider supplementation if needed.

support immune system

Antibiotics weaken the immune system by disrupting gut health (70-80% of immune cells present in the gut). Nutrients for Immune Support include:

• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, peppers, and kiwi

• Vitamin D: sunlight exposure or supplement

• Zinc: nuts, seeds, seafood, and legumes.

• Immune-Boosting Herbs Elderberry, astragalus, echinacea

heal the gut lining

Collagen and amino acids like glutamine, support gut repair. Drink bone broth, take a quality hydrolysed collagen supplement and consider L-Glutamine to promotes gut healing. Aloe Vera Juice may help soothe the gut lining. Consider Gut-Protective Herbs eg. Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root and Licorice Root.

additional supplements to consider

• Digestive Enzymes: can help with postmeal discomforts like bloating and diarrhoea

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: reduce inflammation and support gut health.

lifestyle

Don’t neglect your sleep and a good stress management regime.