The Times Australia
The Times World News

.

What should you eat after you've been on antibiotics? And can probiotics and prebiotics get your gut back to normal?

  • Written by Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Newcastle

Antibiotics treat infections[1] caused by bacteria. But they can also destroy the good bacteria in your gut. For some people, this results in an upset stomach and diarrhoea.

One UK review of the research[2] looked at changes in gut bacteria after antibiotics commonly prescribed for respiratory and urinary tract infections found that after treatment, the numbers and diversity in bacteria types rapidly declines.

It also found some types of “bad” microorganisms increased while some “good” ones decreased.

For most people, once antibiotic treatment was stopped, the gut bacteria recover[3] to some degree. But other studies suggest[4] some antibiotics can have long-lasting effects on the balance of microorganisms.

It’s important to use antibiotics only when needed, and definitely not for viral infections, because antibiotics can’t kill viruses such as the common cold or COVID-19.

So what should you eat after a course of antibiotics? You might have heard of probiotics and prebiotics, but what are they, and what evidence is there to show they’re beneficial?

Probioitcs contain ‘good gut bacteria’

Probiotics[5] are foods, typically yoghurts and yoghurt drinks, that contain “good gut bacteria”: live microorganisms that can recolonise the gut or improve your gut health.

To be called a probiotic, they must be[6] able to resist stomach acid and digestive processes, and then be able adhere to the gut walls and grow, while not causing any issues for the gut wall. They must also be tested for safety and efficacy in controlled trials.

Read more: Plain, Greek, low-fat? How to choose a healthy yoghurt[7]

To be called a probiotic, the dose of microorganisms needs to be sufficient to help restore the “good” bacteria, by elbowing out the “bad bacteria”.

Most yoghurts contain “good bacteria” but not all can survive the acidity of the stomach acid or the bacteria won’t grow in the bowel, so there is no probiotic benefit.

For probiotics to exert these beneficial effects, they not only have to make it to the large bowel, but once there they need the right fuel to help them grow well. That’s where prebiotics come into play – but more on them shortly.

What does the science say about probiotics?

Probiotics are widely promoted as being good for your overall health. The science on that has been mixed[8], but it does suggest people who are likely to get diarrhoea after antibiotics may benefit from consuming them.

One review of the evidence[9] found probiotics may be useful for those at high risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, such as the elderly and people in hospital.

Woman in supermarket looks at the packaging of a yoghurt container. Most yoghurts contain good bacteria but can’t survive the acidity of the stomach. Shutterstock[10]

The review found side effects were common when taking antibiotics and include taste disturbances, nausea, abdominal cramping, soft stools, fever and flatulence.

But people taking probiotics reported fewer side effects, suggesting they may be helpful in countering some of the side effects.

So what are prebiotics?

Prebiotics are compounds that[11] help beneficial gut microorganisms grow and survive.

Prebiotic foods[12] contain complex carbohydrates that can’t be digested and dietary fibres that resist digestive processes in the stomach and small intestine.

They pass undigested into the large bowel where they are fermented by the healthy “good” bacteria.

Read more: Gut feeling: how your microbiota affects your mood, sleep and stress levels[13]

To be called a prebiotic, they need to undergo the processes above, and be shown in clinical trials to selectively improve[14] the microorganism composition in the gut.

Not all dietary fibres are prebiotic. Common ones include[15] complex carbohydrates called fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin and resistant starch.

You can find foods at the supermarket with added prebiotics, but non-digestible carbohydrates occur naturally in many everyday foods, including[16]:

  • grains: barley, rye bread, rye crackers, pasta, gnocchi, couscous, wheat bran, wheat bread, oats

  • legumes: chickpeas, lentils, red kidney beans, baked beans, soybeans

  • vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, beetroot, chicory, fennel bulb, garlic, green peas, leek, onion, shallots, spring onion, snow peas, sweetcorn, savoy cabbage

  • fruit: nectarines, white peaches, persimmon, tamarillo, watermelon, rambutan, grapefruit, pomegranate, dates, figs

  • nuts: cashews, pistachios.

Large bowl of mixed bean salad. Prebiotics can be found in a range of foods, including legumes. Shutterstock[17]

Additional sources of resistant starch include under-ripe bananas, cooked and cooled rice, cornflour, cooked and cooled potatoes.

For babies, breast milk is naturally rich in oligosaccharides.

So who should have them?

Prebiotic foods are good for everyone, contain a range of nutrients and help promote a healthy bacterial gut environment.

The benefits of probiotics for a range of health conditions are unclear – they’re likely to be small, and depend on what is being taken and the underlying health issues.

But people at high risk of diarrhoea after antibiotics may benefit from consuming probiotic – as well as prebiotic – foods daily.

There is also emerging evidence that combining specific probiotics and prebiotics[18] can increase the beneficial effects of both. Both the pro- and prebiotics could be added to the one food, termed a “synbiotic”, or they could be from separate sources but eaten together.

When it comes to antibiotics, the bottom line is only take them when prescribed for bacterial infections. Take them according to instructions from the manufacturer, your pharmacist and your doctor.

Read more: Health Check: what happens when you hold in a fart?[19]

References

  1. ^ treat infections (www.nps.org.au)
  2. ^ UK review of the research (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  3. ^ gut bacteria recover (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  4. ^ other studies suggest (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  5. ^ Probiotics (en.wikipedia.org)
  6. ^ must be (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  7. ^ Plain, Greek, low-fat? How to choose a healthy yoghurt (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ has been mixed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  9. ^ review of the evidence (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  11. ^ Prebiotics are compounds that (en.wikipedia.org)
  12. ^ Prebiotic foods (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  13. ^ Gut feeling: how your microbiota affects your mood, sleep and stress levels (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ selectively improve (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  15. ^ Common ones include (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  16. ^ including (www.monash.edu)
  17. ^ Shutterstock (www.shutterstock.com)
  18. ^ combining specific probiotics and prebiotics (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  19. ^ Health Check: what happens when you hold in a fart? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/what-should-you-eat-after-youve-been-on-antibiotics-and-can-probiotics-and-prebiotics-get-your-gut-back-to-normal-163363

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...