Support Your Gut While On Antibiotics: Nutritionist & Pharmacist Tips

As a pharmacist and nutritionist, I see it all the time—someone gets sick, takes an antibiotic, and then ends up with gut troubles. It’s frustrating, right? Antibiotics are powerful tools that help fight off bacterial infections. But they don’t just wipe out the bad bacteria—they also kill the good ones that keep our gut healthy. So, how do we support our gut while still getting the benefits of antibiotics? Let’s talk about it.

First things first—probiotics! These are the beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut balanced. When you take an antibiotic, it’s like a bomb going off in your digestive system, killing both the harmful and helpful bacteria. That’s where probiotics come in.

Taking a quality probiotic supplement while on antibiotics can help replenish the good bacteria. Look for one that contains Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. And here’s a pro tip—take your probiotic at least two hours away from your antibiotic so they don’t cancel each other out!

Now that you’ve got probiotics in your system, you need to feed them. That’s where prebiotics come in. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that act as food for your good gut bacteria, helping them grow and thrive.

Some great prebiotic-rich foods include:

• Garlic
• Onions
• Bananas
• Asparagus
• Oats
• Apples

Adding these foods to your diet can make a huge difference in keeping your gut bacteria strong during and after an antibiotic course.

You might not hear about postbiotics as much, but they’re just as important! Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds that probiotics produce when they break down fiber. They help reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and improve digestion.

One of the best ways to increase postbiotics naturally is to eat fermented foods like:

• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Kefir
• Yogurt (with live cultures!)

These foods not only provide probiotics but also support postbiotic production, helping your gut recover faster.

When taking antibiotics, your gut lining can get irritated. To help it heal, focus on gut-friendly foods like:

• Bone broth – packed with collagen and amino acids to soothe the gut
• Ginger – helps with digestion and reduces nausea
• Turmeric – fights inflammation
• Leafy greens – full of fiber and antioxidants to support gut repair

And don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports digestion.

One of the worst things you can do for your gut while on antibiotics is to load up on sugar and processed foods. Sugar feeds the bad bacteria and yeast in your gut, which can lead to problems. Stick to whole, nourishing foods to keep your gut in balance.

Taking an antibiotic doesn’t have to mean wrecking your gut. With a little planning, you can keep your digestion happy and healthy.

If you’re unsure which probiotics or supplements are right for you, I’m happy to help! Reach out to our integrative nutrition center, and let’s support your gut together.