In fact, integrative physician Vincent Pedre, M.D., says, “Overprescribed antibiotics are the No. 1 reason for gut dysbiosis,” or an imbalance of gut bacteria. This is because while antibiotics (also called antibacterials) do their job of killing or slowing the growth of bad bacteria, they may also mess with the good kind. “In fact, antibiotic-induced microbiota alterations1 can remain after long periods of time, spanning months and even years,” one study says. This change in the gut microbiome may end up affecting immunity. “Anything that alters the normal state of the gut and its flora can impact its function,” she says, “and antibiotics kill off a wide swath of the microbiome.” After finishing a course of antibiotics, functional medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., also recommends eating a healthy prebiotic- and probiotic-rich diet. Prebiotics help nourish probiotics, and they are found in foods like asparagus, jicama, garlic, and leeks. Probiotics are commonly found in fermented foods, like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and pickles. “Take it slow in the beginning, as it may be hard to digest some of these things,” Shah adds.
