Antibiotics and gut health: impact and recovery

Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome by killing beneficial bacteria alongside harmful ones, a condition known as dysbiosis. This imbalance can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. In some instances, it may allow harmful bacteria like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) to multiply, causing serious inflammation.

The severity of the impact depends on several factors, including the type of antibiotic (broad-spectrum drugs typically have a larger effect), dosage, duration of treatment, and an individual's diet and age. While the gut is generally capable of recovering within weeks or months, some microbial changes may persist for longer periods.

To mitigate the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, which affects 5% to 30% of patients, experts suggest specific interventions. The World Gastroenterology Organisation recommends taking 10 billion CFU of the bacterial strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) twice daily during treatment. Other probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces boulardii, have also shown potential in reducing risks, though experts advise consulting healthcare professionals as the long-term benefits of probiotics remain uncertain.