The digestive tract contains more than 400 different species of beneficial bacteria, according to the "Journal of Intensive Care Medicine." The relationship is a symbiotic one, with good bacteria helping digest some foods that humans can't naturally break down and fighting off disease-causing microorganisms while the human intestines provides them with an ideal growth environment. Sometimes, an infection can overwhelm these good bacteria or the antibiotics used to treat bacterial diseases kills them off as well as the invading microorganisms. Replenishing these good bacteria can bring the digestive tract back into balance.
Step 1
Eat at least 8 oz. of yogurt every day. Look for a yogurt that contains live, active cultures and has one or more of the species L. acidophilus, B. bifidum or L.bulgaricus. These bacteria can colonize the gut and set the stage for other helpful bacteria to regrow. If the yogurt is pasteurized, read the package to ensure that cultures were added after pasteurization.
Step 2
Take a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus GC or Lactobacillus acidophilus, during and after antibiotic treatment. Look for supplements containing between one and 15 colony-forming units (CFU), per capsule. You should begin taking supplements the same day as you start your antibiotics, and continue for two weeks after you have finished your course of antibiotics. Take your supplement about two to three hours after taking your antibiotic.
Step 3
Eat prebiotic foods to support the growth of healthy bacteria. Prebiotic foods are those with nondigestible nutrients that beneficial bacteria use as food. These include artichokes, bananas, dairy products, berries, garlic, honey, greens, whole grains, onions and legumes. Try to include one or two prebiotic foods in your diet each day to help support your natural population of helpful bacteria and encourage it to thrive.
Step 4
Add foods containing added probiotics to your diet to boost the amount of beneficial bacteria in your gut. These foods include miso soup, tempeh, fermented milk and juice or soy beverages with added beneficial microorganisms.
Things You'll Need
- Yogurt
- Probiotic supplement
- Prebiotic and probiotic foods
