Post-Antibiotics Gut Healing Protocol

While there are situations where antibiotics are necessary and appropriate, their impact on the gut microbiome is significant. Antibiotics can quickly reduce both the variety and number of beneficial gut bacteria, which may result in dysbiosis—an imbalance in the microbial ecosystem of the gut. This imbalance makes the digestive tract more vulnerable to inflammation, infections, and structural damage.

Frequent or repeated antibiotic use can also contribute to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which are much harder to treat. Research indicates that even a short course of antibiotics (typically 5–10 days) can disrupt gut flora for one to two months or longer. In cases where antibiotics are taken over extended periods, it may take years for the gut microbiome to fully restore its balance.

During this recovery period, individuals may struggle with a variety of digestive issues, including bloating, IBS, SIBO, yeast overgrowth, increased intestinal permeability (commonly referred to as leaky gut), food sensitivities, and a heightened risk of more persistent bacterial infections like Clostridium difficile, Helicobacter pylori, and MRSA.

PMID: 35212478

PMID: 28520993

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making changes to your health routine.

Holistic Approaches to Recovery

• Consider Functional Testing: Comprehensive stool analysis can provide insight into how antibiotics may have impacted your beneficial gut bacteria and help identify where targeted support is needed. Gut Revive Program is a good option for you if you have chronic gut issues and would like stool testing.

• Support Microbiome Restoration:

  • Probiotics: Incorporating high-quality probiotics—such as spore-based or broad-spectrum multi-strain formulas—can help reintroduce beneficial bacteria. A probiotic with Saccharomyces boulardii, such as Restorflora by Microbiome Labs

  • Fermented Foods: Natural sources like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, unsweetened yogurt, and unsweetened kombucha can offer live cultures that support microbial diversity.

  • Prebiotics: These compounds nourish existing good bacteria and encourage their growth. Examples include inulin, FOS (fructooligosaccharides), beta-glucans, and arabinogalactans.

  • Prebiotic-Rich Foods and Fibers: These foods help lower inflammation, reinforce the gut barrier, support microbial health, and promote the production of short-chain fatty acids:

    • Grains and Seeds: Think oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, cornmeal, bran, and bulgur.

    • Cruciferous and Leafy Veggies: Includes kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, collards, mustard greens, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Swiss chard, radishes, rutabaga, turnips (and their greens), and watercress.

    • Fruits with Skin: Apples, pears, berries, and avocados are all great options—especially when eaten with their skins for added fiber.

    • Resistant Starches: Beans (black, pinto, soybeans, peas, white beans, lentils). Starchy foods that have been cooked and cooled, such as rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn tortillas. Green bananas, and plantains.

• Heal Gut Lining

  • Targeted Nutrients: Certain supplements can help repair and strengthen the intestinal lining, especially after it's been compromised by antibiotics. These include:

    • L-glutamine

    • Zinc carnosine

    • Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)

    • Serum-derived bovine immunoglobulins

    • Marshmallow Root

    • Slippery Elm

  • Healing Foods: Incorporate nutrient-dense, soothing foods that naturally support gut lining integrity, such as:

    • Bone broth

    • Cooked cabbage

    • Collagen-rich foods (bone-in meats, gelatin gummies)

    • Aloe vera juice (just the inner filet)

    • Fresh ginger

• Support Digestive Function

  • Can be done with digestive enzymes or herbal bitters! Take before each meal.

  • Digestive enzymes (HCL, Ox bile, Amylase, Lipase, Protease)

  • Herbal bitters: Gentian root, chamomile, yellow dock, dandelion root, orange peel etc

  • Diluted shot of Apple Cider Vinegar

• Mindful Eating

  • Before each meal take 5 deep belly breathes to force your body into a rest and digest state. Dont eat distracted and on the go. Meal time should be sacred and should be just you and your food. With each bite of food chew it well (chew more than you already are). Conversation at the table should be peaceful. Do not talk about stressful things that provoke a negative emotion, even if its done subconsiously.

  • Have a good sleep schedule

  • Go for a short walk after meals

    
    

    Supplement Protocol - Can start as soon as you start your round of antibiotics

  • Probiotic with Saccharomyces boulardii, such as Restorflora by Microbiome Labs

    • Take 2-3 hours after taking your antibiotics until finish bottle. Once bottle is finished switch to MegaSporeBiotic by Microbiome Labs.

  • Prebiotic: The MegaPre Precision Prebiotic powder by Microbiome Labs. Can be taken at any time.

  • Heal and Seal Gut Lining: There are several amazing options. You can do a plain L-glutamine powder or a mixed blend with other healing agents such as GI Resolve by Biotics Research or GI Revive by Designs for Health.

    • Take 1tsp 2x per day away from food.

  • Supporting Digestive Function: Before each meal, you can take digestive enzymes or digestive bitters. For digestive enzymes, some brands I like are Digest Gold Enzymedica, Digestive Enzymes by Klaire Labs, Digestive Enzymes with Betaine by Pure Encapsulations, HCl + Enzymes by Smidge. Another option is Digestive bitters, some brands I like are Digestive Bitters with Turmeric by Gaia Herbs, Digestive bitters by Organic Olivia and Urban Moonshine. Fullscript has some other ones as well.

Addressing Dysbiosis and Opportunistic Pathogens

When the balance of your gut microbiome is disrupted—whether from antibiotics, chronic stress, poor diet, or other factors—opportunistic bacteria, yeast, and pathogens can take over. This is known as dysbiosis, and it often requires more than just a probiotic or dietary change to resolve.

This is where working with a professional using functional lab testing makes all the difference. It's not just about treating symptoms—it's about uncovering the root cause and creating a targeted plan to restore balance.

If you suspect your gut is out of balance, there are a few ways we can work together:

🌿 The Gut Revive Program – A comprehensive, 4-month program that combines advanced stool testing, personalized protocols, and ongoing support to help you rebuild your gut from the inside out. This is ideal if you're dealing with chronic issues like bloating, food sensitivities, or recurring infections and you're ready to commit to real healing.

💡 One-on-One Consults – If you're not ready for a full program but want guidance on your next steps or help interpreting lab results, a single session can provide clarity and direction.

📞 Free Discovery Call – Not sure which option is best for you? Let’s chat. This no-pressure, 15-minute call is a great way to learn more about my approach and figure out what kind of support would serve you best.

Your gut can heal. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making changes to your health routine.