‘How do antibiotics affect the gut, exactly?’ Many of us have asked ourselves this question at one point or another - so let’s shed some light on the matter. 

Antibiotics are like superheroes – they fight off nasty bacteria when we're sick. But sometimes, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of our gut bacteria. Today, we’ll explore how antibiotics affect our gut health and what we can do to keep our microbiome healthy and balanced. 

What Is The Gut Microbiome?

First off, let's talk about our gut microbiome. 

Our microbiome is essentially a bustling community of trillions of tiny organisms – bacteria, fungi, and viruses – all hanging out in our digestive system. This community plays a big role in keeping us healthy, since it aids in digestion, supports our immune system, and even affects our mood.

How Do Antibiotics Affect Gut Health? 

Now, let’s shift our focus onto antibiotics. These powerful medicines are great at knocking out harmful bacteria when we're sick. But here's the thing – they don't discriminate. 

They can also wipe out the good bacteria in our gut along with the bad guys. When this happens, it can throw our gut microbiome out of whack, leading to digestive issues or discomforts.

Now, we're not saying antibiotics are bad. They're absolutely essential for treating bacterial infections and saving lives. But it's essential to use them wisely. That means only taking antibiotics when necessary and as prescribed by a doctor. 

If your doctor says you need antibiotics, it's crucial to follow their instructions carefully. 

Supporting Your Gut Health After Antibiotics 

While antibiotics can poorly affect our gut microbiome, there are things we can do to support our gut health throughout and after taking them. We’ve listed a few tips below.

• Probiotics: Probiotic supplements can be very helpful while you're on antibiotics because they help replenish the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Look for a probiotic supplement containing strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to help restore balance to your microbiome. 

• Eat Gut-Friendly Foods: Load up on foods that are good for your gut, like fibre-rich fruits and veggies, yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods. These provide nourishment for your gut bacteria, helping them thrive.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and support healthy digestion. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and keep things moving smoothly in your gut.

• Reduce Stress: Stress tends to wreak havoc on your gut health. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep stress levels in check.

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity isn't just good for your body; it's also beneficial for your gut. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to keep your gut microbiome thriving.

• Get Plenty of Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for overall health, and your gut health is no exception. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to give your body the rest it needs to repair. 

Perkii Probiotic Drinks

Don't forget to give your gut an extra boost with PERKii Probiotic Drinks!
Low in sugar, naturally flavoured, and bottled with billions of targeted release probiotics, PERKii Probiotic Drinks are the perfect guilt-free refresher, with a little healthy extra.

Each 350ml bottle contains only 37 calories, making it a delicious and convenient way to support your gut health. Cheers to a happier gut and a healthier you!

*The information in this article should be considered as advice only. Before using probiotics or implementing any of the information above, speak with your healthcare professional.