Improve levels of friendly bacteria in your gut
Sacramento, Calif. – Americans fill 300 million antibiotic prescriptions every year—one for every man, woman, and child.
Antibiotics have undoubtedly saved countless lives, including that of my son at the age of six, and have significantly reduced suffering for millions of others.
However, this article addresses the other, critically important side of the antibiotic story—one that doesn’t seem to be reaching the public, and which may be quietly jeopardizing the health of Americans, perhaps even your own or that of a loved one.
The Hidden Cost of Antibiotics
The very word “antibiotic” means “against life.” These powerful drugs do not discriminate—they kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Yet, how often do you hear people casually discussing, say, around the kitchen table, the good, life-essential bacteria living in our gut?
There are more than 100 trillion microbes in the human digestive tract—more than the number of cells in our entire body—comprising anywhere from 100 to 500 bacterial species. These bacteria aren’t just passengers; they play essential roles in digestion, immune function, and even mental health.
When Balance Is Broken: Dysbiosis
Normally, about 85% of the bacteria in your gut are beneficial, while 10–15% are potentially harmful. When antibiotics disturb this balance, a condition called dysbiosis can develop. This imbalance is often the result of frequent or heavy antibiotic use.
If left untreated, dysbiosis can lead to serious—and in some cases, tragic—health outcomes.
How to Support Gut Health
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to help restore and support healthy gut flora:
- Improve nutrition. Diet significantly affects the gut microbiome. Adding soluble fiber to your diet helps grow friendly bacteria.
- Reduce sugar and simple carbohydrates. These feed harmful bacteria and yeast.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods, such as:
- Tempeh (fermented soy)
- Sauerkraut
- Organic, unsweetened yogurt or kefir with live cultures like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum
Consider Probiotics
To further support gut health—especially after antibiotic use—many turn to probiotic supplements. These contain live, beneficial bacteria that help replenish the gut.
Important tips when choosing a probiotic:
- Look for brands tested for high counts of live organisms.
- Ensure they are free of contaminants.
- The minimum effective dose is 2.5 billion organisms/day.
- For more serious conditions, up to 20 billion per day may be required.
A Surprising Fact
Studies have shown that it can take up to 18 months of high-quality probiotic supplementation to fully restore gut flora after just one 7-day course of antibiotics.
Proven Benefits of Probiotics
Research and clinical use show that probiotics can:
- Improve digestion
- Increase tolerance to lactose
- Reduce blood cholesterol
- Enhance the immune system
- Deactivate potential carcinogens
- Support estrogen balance
- Protect against foodborne illness
…and much more.
Final Thoughts
Antibiotics are a medical miracle—but they come with a cost that’s often invisible. By understanding and addressing the effects on gut health, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones in the long term.
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
sac-nd.com/dr-dennis-godby-nd-ma
