Keep Your Gut Healthy After Antibiotics

This month I have had a problem with my tooth and have had to take antibiotics. Although I needed to take the medicine I am also aware that good bacteria will also be killed and my gut health could suffer. It is easy to forget this when you are in pain and just want to feel better.

Being interested in gut health I have been making sure that I eat fermented foods that are full of healthy microbes to reset my gut. Foods like kefir, kimchi and kombucha have between 20-40 different types of microbes, whereas a capsule of probiotic has less diversity of microbes.

Randomised studies show that having up to five portions a day of fermented foods over a couple of weeks can reduce inflammation and boost your immune system (Prof. Tim Spectre).

When buying fermented foods:

• Check that there are no artificial sweeteners or sugar added

• Make sure that the product hasn't been pasteurised, as bacteria will have been killed off

• Kimchi should have a shelf life of around 2 months

• Kombucha should have a bit of sediment at the bottom, which shows that it is live

• Sauerkraut should just include water, cabbage and salt, not vinegar

  
  

Other things to do to reset your gut health:

• Increase fibre by eating lots of fruit and vegetables

• Reduce ultra-processed foods

• Give your gut a rest overnight so no late night snacks

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Get a good night's sleep

• Exercise

• Get out in nature