How Antibiotics Impact Gut Microbiota: What You Need to Know

Understanding the Gut Microbiota

Gut microbiota, also known as gut flora, is the group of microorganisms that live inside your gut. They include bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa. These microbes interact with each other and carry out various important functions in your body. 

Your gut microbiota breaks down complex food substances, helps in nutrient absorption, and synthesises essential vitamins. Good microbes in the gut fight against harmful bacteria, leaving little room for them to survive. They also stimulate your immune system to respond effectively to infections, thus improving your immunity.

These microbes in your gut can also affect your mood and stress levels by influencing your mental health through the gut-brain axis.

The greater the diversity of microbes in your gut, the better your gut health. Good microbiota diversity supports a balanced ecosystem that is beneficial for your overall well-being. 

How Antibiotics Work

We have all taken antibiotics at least once and got relief from our ailments. But do you know how antibiotics act on our bodies? Let us find out.

The term ‘anti’ means against or opposing, and ‘biotic’ means related to life. 

Oxford defines an antibiotic as a substance produced by or derived from a microorganism that destroys or inhibits the growth of other microorganisms.

Antibiotics mainly act in two ways: either they kill the bacteria (bactericidal) or stop them from reproducing and growing in number (bacteriostatic).

Antibiotics affect bacteria by:

• Destroying bacterial cell walls.
• Increasing permeability of bacterial cell membrane.
• Inhibiting bacterial protein and nucleic acid synthesis.
• Disrupting bacterial metabolism.

Based on their range of activity against bacteria, antibiotics are classified into broad and narrow spectrums. Here are the differences between these two:

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

• These antibiotics target a wide range of bacteria, both gram-positive and gram-negative.
• Used when the exact cause of an infection is not known or in mixed infections.
• Increases the chance of antibiotic resistance.
• It throws the gut microbiota off balance and causes gut-related issues like diarrhoea and bloating.

Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics

• These medicines target specific types of bacteria, either gram-positive or gram-negative.
• Used when specific disease-causing bacteria are known or identified.
• Lower chances of developing antibiotic resistance.
• Causes minimal disruption of the gut microbiota.

There is no doubt that antibiotics are incredibly useful medicines. However, the lack of specificity in their action can cause side effects and harm beneficial bacteria along with the dangerous ones. 

Continuous use of antibiotics causes antibiotic resistance, a condition where bacteria no longer respond to the antibiotics designed to kill them. This makes infections harder to treat.

Effects of Antibiotics on Gut Microbiota

Have you ever felt bloated or experienced stomach pain after taking antibiotics? This happens because antibiotics affect the functioning of your gut microbiota. Antibiotics have both short-term and long-term effects on your gut. Let us take a closer look at each of them.

Short-Term Effects

• Disruption of balance of gut microbiota.
• Reduction in microbial diversity.
• Symptoms like diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain.

Long-Term Effects

• Leads to gut dysbiosis (unhealthy and imbalanced gut microbiome). 
• Increased risk of infections.
• Weakens your immune system.
• Digestive issues like gas, diarrhoea and constipation.
• Causes mental health problems like low mood, irritability and depression.
• Increases risk of long-standing health conditions like diabetes and cancers.
• Increased risk of antibiotic resistance.

Now you know what to look for in short-term and long-term effects of antibiotics on the gut, if you are someone who has been taking antibiotic course for a long time now. But, before that, it is extremely important that you know the signs your body shows when the gut microbiome inside you starts getting disturbed.

Signs Your Gut Microbiota Is Disrupted

Have you been feeling off lately? Listen to the signals your body is giving you. If your discomfort began following a course of antibiotics, it might be your disrupted gut microbiota. Here are some common symptoms of antibiotic-induced gut imbalance:

Digestive Issues

• Diarrhoea
• Bloating
• Gas
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Constipation

Immunity-Related Issues

• Increased susceptibility to infections like cold and fever.
• Increased risk of autoimmune conditions.
• Increased chances for allergies and asthma.

Mental Health Symptoms

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness

Food Sensitivities 

• Intolerance to lactose-rich foods like dairy products.
• Intolerance to gluten like bread and pasta.
• Itching or rashes after eating eggs, nuts, cheese or wine.

You need not necessarily experience all the symptoms mentioned above. However, it is important that you identify the signs of gut microbiota disruption as soon as possible and take steps to restore balance for better health.

Holistic Strategies to Mitigate Antibiotic Damage

Antibiotics may be essential to treat certain diseases, which may even cause some side effects. But that does not mean their effect on your gut has to be permanent! Make wise choices to reverse the negative effects!

Here are some holistic tips to balance your gut microbiota.

Proactive Measures During Antibiotic Use

Here are some practical suggestions you can follow right from the day you start your antibiotics:

1. Including Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms, also known as good or friendly bacteria, that have a positive health impact when consumed. 

• Probiotics can be included alongside antibiotics to maintain gut balance by replenishing good bacteria.
• Probiotics can be included in your diet as supplements in the form of pills, tablets, powders or liquids, or fermented probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, kefir, miso, tempeh and fermented vegetables.
• Keep in mind to take your antibiotic first and leave a gap of at least 2-3 hours before you take probiotics to prevent interference between the two.

Read more about probiotics here.

2. Healthy Diet

• Include more gut-friendly foods in your diet, such as vegetables and fruits, fibre-rich foods, whole grains, and fermented foods. 
• Limit your intake of sugary and processed foods, as these provide a suitable environment in your gut for the bad bacteria to reproduce and proliferate.

Post-Antibiotic Recovery Plan

Antibiotic use can significantly reduce your gut microbe diversity and leave it imbalanced. Studies show that it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for your gut microbiota to return to normal after antibiotic use. Post-antibiotic recovery measures can help restore your gut balance faster. Here are some practical tips:

1. Including Prebiotics 

• Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that serve as food for the healthy microbes in your gut. 
• Sources of prebiotics are fibre-rich fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrot, asparagus, kale, cabbage, apples and bananas.

2. Taking Probiotics

• You can include probiotics in your diet either as foods or supplements. Some commonly used probiotic supplements for gut health are lactobacillus, bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii.

3. Repairing Your Gut Lining

Antibiotics disrupt the balance of your gut, leading to inflammation and damage to the gut lining. As time passes, this gut lining becomes more permeable, leading to a condition called leaky gut, where toxins, food materials and bacteria enter your bloodstream, causing inflammation and reactions throughout your body.

• Ayurvedic herbs with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties included in your diet can help heal your gut lining. It can be used in the form of herbal teas, tablets or powders. 
• Herbs like aloe vera, ginger, slippery elm, turmeric and liquorice root can reduce inflammation and promote overall gut health. 
• Supplements like L-glutamine and collagen peptides (both of which contain amino acids) can also help repair the damaged gut lining. 

Pro-Tip: Bone broth is rich in collagen and amino acids, making it an excellent remedy for gut nourishment and healing.

4. Gut Detox

After taking antibiotics, your gut can heal better and faster if you practise methods to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sipping herbal teas made from digestion-promoting herbs.

Including anti-inflammatory foods and herbs like green leafy vegetables, turmeric and ginger in your diet and staying away from processed and high-sugar foods can help your gut heal faster. 

Practising stress management techniques like yoga, meditation and mindfulness can enhance your body’s ability to heal. Also, ensure that you get good sleep.

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild symptoms of gut microbiota imbalance caused by antibiotics can be effectively managed using probiotics, dietary changes and stress management,  there are certain symptoms that can be serious and require medical attention.

Consult your healthcare provider if you notice these symptoms:

• Diarrhoea lasting for more than a few days
• Stools mixed with blood, pus or mucus
• Rapid unexplained weight loss
• Severe pain and cramps in your abdomen
• Sudden onset of food allergies
• Severe mood swings, depression or anxiety
• Extreme lethargy
• Fever with chills
• Dizziness

A multidisciplinary treatment approach combining Ayurveda, which focuses on your overall well-being, functional medicine that provides a science-backed approach to tackle the root cause of your health concern and conventional treatments offered by gastroenterologists to handle infections and complications can help you manage gut microbiota imbalances.

Summing It Up

Antibiotics are wonderful and effective life-saving medicines, yet because of their lack of specificity, they cause disruption in the gut. Balancing antibiotic use with gut care is essential to prevent undesirable effects and damage to your gut. 

At Nirva, we specialise in holistic care to restore the balance of your gut. Connect with our dedicated team of experts for personalised advice and effective tips to manage your symptoms.