So you took antibiotics? Don’t worry, they are here for a reason, and there are some bacterial infections that require antibiotics on occasion. This should be a rare occasion in your life, if its not…then we need to talk about how to fix that. But for now, let’s look at how to heal your gut when you do need to take a round of antibiotics.
Recently, you may have seen that I let my habits slide and I actually went to get antibiotics for confirmed strep throat. You can read about that confession and all the details here. There are some times when antibiotics are necessary, but the trouble is that antibiotics are not selective. When you take them, all of the good bacterial colonies in the gut die along with the bad bacterial colonies.
So what is a gal to do? Even though I routinely take care of myself and minimize the damage, there is still repair that is needed and the same goes for you or your little.
Let’s start with why plentiful good gut bacteria is so very important…the short version…
Lots of bacteria live in our intestines (a.k.a. our gut) and by a lot, I mean trillions and trillions and thousands of trillions. When the scales tilt towards unbalanced in your gut bacteria, this causes inflammation, weight gain, and dis-ease in the body, including leaky gut (sounds gross, yeah?). When you are in this state of inflammation and imbalance, it reflects in your body as:
- lowered immune function
- hormonal imbalances
- skin irritation (eczema, hives, acne, rashes, dermatitis)
- cause sleeplessness (insomnia and poor sleep quality)
- mood disorders (mental health troubles like attention deficits, depression and anxiety)
So how do you fix it? Well I am going to give you information on how to do that, but you must know that if you have a poor diet (eat processed and refined foods) you can’t heal your gut with just these steps, because the normal state your gut is dis-ease and disrepair.
You must know that if you have a poor diet (eat processed and refined foods) you can’t heal your gut with just these steps, because the normal state your gut is dis-ease.”
4 Steps to Repairing the Gut after Antibiotics:
- Take probiotics. Good ones. It is imperative that your probiotics be high-quality and therapeutic grade (and no, this isn’t a marketing term either). You should take time to read reviews, and lots of them! Take a look at sites like lifespark nutrition but also speak to friends and family and get their recommendations! Some people don’t recommend supplements at all if you are maintaining a whole nourishing lifestyle, but this is something that you definitely need…even with the best eating and ABSOLUTELY during and after a course of antibiotics. Here are the probiotics I recommend and use for my family and client.
- Bone Broth. Don’t worry its tasty. I know you have heard of the “chicken soup” remedy for illnesses, and maybe wondered how that really helps. Well they sure didn’t mean that crap-o-la in a can. Good wholesome bone broth made from healthy happy animal bones and organic vegetables boiled to create a stock. IF it’s not available to make at home, I do recommend this brand online, just remember homemade is best. Bone broth is FULL of really important amino acids, including glutamine. Studies show glutamine it is a major gut healer.
- Beef Hide Gelatin. This is best in conjunction with the bone broth, but I know some people and especially kiddos who don’t exactly like the taste of bone broth (CRAZY! LOL). Again I recommend this in addition to bone broth but if you can’t, you can’t…so you may try this option instead of the bone broth. The cool thing about Beef Hide Gelatin is that it can heal the gut lining and reduce intestinal permeability (leaky gut). This serves to repair your gut AND boost your immune system. There are loads of other benefits that go with beef hide gelatin, including balancing stomach acid, reducing joint paint, strengthening hair and nails, improved skin health, and tons more. Make sure you are buying quality gelatin. You can dissolve and hide it in anything that is warm so it makes it easy to sneak in.
- Get freakin’ fermenting. An important aspect of healing your gut is consuming lots of fermented foods. They help to re-introduce good bacteria into your intestinal system and helps to keep it strong. Some good sources of fermented living cultures can include homemade pickle relish, kimichi, saurekraut, raw yogurt, and kombucha.
As you know by now, a whole foods diet rich in organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed happy protein, and without packaged, processed and refined foods and grains is the best way to ensure gut health, immune health, and subsequent repair/healing.
When was the last time you took antibiotics?