Antibiotics Wreck Your Gut - Here’s How to Fix It

A client recently told me his daughter keeps getting sick despite eating “healthy.” After a bit of digging, I found out she’d been on antibiotics a few times this past year. Bingo. Mystery solved.

If you’ve ever taken antibiotics (and most of us have), this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why you should always follow antibiotics with probiotics and how to do it right.

So, What’s the Deal with Antibiotics?

Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, the bad kind that make us sick. Think strep throat, sinus infections, UTIs, etc. They’re life-saving when used properly.

But here’s the catch: antibiotics aren’t selective. They kill the good guys too, your beneficial gut bacteria. It’s like setting fire to your whole house to get rid of one rat.

Result? Your gut microbiome gets wiped out. That’s the ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive tract that keeps your immune system strong, digestion smooth, and even affects your mood.

Sorting pills

And Probiotics Are...?

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help restore the good guys after an antibiotic blitz attack.

Think of them as your gut’s back up or reinforcements. Without them, the balance stays off, bad bacteria can take over, and your immune system stays in the gutter. Really not a great feeling or something you want to experience when you’re on holiday. That’s why so many people get repeat infections, stomach issues, or just feel “off” after antibiotics.

Why You Should Always Take Probiotics After Antibiotics

Antibiotics can reduce the diversity of your gut bacteria for weeks or even months after use. That leaves your gut vulnerable.

Taking probiotics:

• Repopulates your gut with good bacteria

• Strengthens your immune response

• Helps prevent digestive issues like bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation

• Reduces the risk of yeast infections and other common post-antibiotic annoyances

And yes, timing matters. Start as soon as you finish your antibiotic course, and continue for at least 3 months. This isn’t a one-and-done thing.

Practical Tips: How to Rebuild Your Gut

1. Supplement Smartly

   
   

   Here's our Nutri Guy–approved Top 5 Probiotic Supplements:

   • Symprove – A liquid, live, water-based probiotic. Expensive, yes. Worth it? Absolutely. symprove.com

   • Optibac For Every Day EXTRA Strength – 20 billion live cultures. A solid, reputable brand. optibacprobiotics.com

   • Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain – Affordable and multi-strain. bio-kult.com

   • Seed Daily Synbiotic – High-tech and heavily researched. seed.com

   • MegaSporeBiotic – Spore-based, survives stomach acid. Strong option for gut repair. microbiomelabs.com

2. Eat Fermented Foods

   
   

   These are natural probiotics, and they taste good (most of the time):

   • Yogurt (the kind with “live cultures”)

   • Kefir (fermented milk drink)

   • Kimchi (Korean spicy cabbage, delicious if you’re brave)

   • Sauerkraut (the unpasteurised kind)

   • Miso and Tempeh

3. Feed the Good Bacteria (Prebiotics)

   
   

   Fruits, veg, and fibre are like fertiliser for your gut:

   • Bananas

   • Garlic

   • Onions

   • Leeks

   • Oats

   • Apples

Final Word

If you've taken antibiotics and didn't follow up with probiotics, it’s okay don’t panic. You’re not doomed. But your gut might need a little love. Rebuild that microbiome like you would a smashed Lego set, one piece at a time.

And remember: next time your GP hands you a prescription for antibiotics, your next stop should be the probiotics shelf.