Antibiotics - effects, risks & tips for a healthy gut flora

Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections.

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Antibiotics are medicines that are used to treat bacterial infections.

Antibiotics work by inhibiting bacterial growth (bacteriostatic) or by completely killing the bacteria (bactericidal). Since their discovery, antibiotics have revolutionised medicine and enable effective treatment of diseases such as lung inflammation, tonsillitis or urinary tract infections. It is important to know that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections and are ineffective against viral illnesses such as the flu or the common cold. In order to avoid resistance to antibiotics they should always be taken exactly as directed by a doctor and should never be discontinued prematurely.

In addition to specifically combating pathogens, antibiotics also influence the intestinal flora. As they can destroy not only harmful but also beneficial bacteria in the gut, side effects such as indigestion, diarrhoea or a weakening of the immune system often occur. Reducing important microorganisms can not only cause digestive problems, but also inflammation in the gut or long-term dysbiosis (imbalance of the gut flora). To support intestinal health during and after antibiotic therapy, taking probiotics can be useful. Probiotic bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium help to restore the natural balance of the intestinal flora.

In addition to probiotics, prebiotics are also important as they serve as food for the good intestinal bacteria. Foods such as onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, oatmeal and linseed can help to strengthen the microbiome. Fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi or kombucha are also beneficial as they contain natural lactic acid bacteria. At the same time, the consumption of sugar and highly processed foods should be reduced, as these can promote the growth of harmful bacteria and unbalance the intestinal environment.