Rebuilding the intestinal flora after antibiotic therapy

Antibiotic therapy is probably one of the best-known disturbance factors for the intact intestinal flora. Antibiotics not only kill the unwanted germs that have caused the acute illness, but also affect the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Especially a repeated intake of antibiotics can therefore have a very negative effect on the general state of health of a person and increase the future susceptibility to infections.

After a single antibiotic treatment, the natural balance of the intestinal flora usually restores itself within a few weeks. Following repeated and intensive antibiotic therapy, however, it is advisable to provide the intestine and its flora with a regeneration phase. This process can be supported by naturopathic means.

The basis for the success of a reconstruction of the damaged intestinal flora is a healthy and balanced diet, which should initially be mainly alkaline. This means that the majority of the diet should consist of vegetables, while animal proteins and sweets should be avoided if possible. Especially sugary foods are a good food for pathogenic intestinal inhabitants.

With certain powders, the intestine can be cleaned at first before useful intestinal bacteria are fed again. These can be taken in the form of so-called probiotics. Examples of probiotic foods include various yoghurt products such as Actimel®, Yakult® or Kijimea®. The simultaneous intake of prebiotics, which serve as a nutritional basis for the “good” bacteria, can support the long-term colonization of the supplied probiotic cultures. Furthermore, there are also various homeopathic approaches that can be used to build up the intestinal flora.

Renovation

After harmful influences or general indisposition in the gastrointestinal tract, it can be useful to rehabilitate the intestinal flora. There are a few things that should be taken into account. There are very many different methods how such an intestinal rehabilitation can be carried out.

There are no clear guidelines. Each person has to find out for himself what he can best cope with. It makes sense to pay attention to nutrition.

A complete change of diet is not absolutely necessary, but a predominantly alkaline diet with lots of vegetables is beneficial for the cleansing process. It is also very healthy to drink freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices every day. These contain many vitamins and important trace elements.

Green juices in particular contain many important nutrients that replenish the body’s reserves. It is also very important to drink a sufficient amount in addition to the juices to allow the body to detoxify quickly. If possible, only pure, non-carbonated water should be drunk – ideally two to three litres per day.

Once the intestine has been prepared to allow useful bacteria to settle there again, probiotic cultures in the form of capsules or similar can be administered. Once the appropriate environment has been restored, these “good” bacteria will once again settle in the digestive tract. If the milieu is not right, the bacteria supplied will not be able to survive in the long term.

To promote the cleansing process, psyllium husks can be taken, for example. These swell strongly in the digestive tract and thus unfold their cleansing effect on their way through the intestines. Since the seeds swell so much, it is important to drink enough at the same time.

Otherwise constipation can occur. Furthermore, it is important to ensure a sufficient supply of minerals. Enemas and massages can be used as a support. During the entire period of intestinal rehabilitation and also afterwards, sufficient physical activity should also be emphasized. This vitalises the body and boosts the metabolism, making the detox more effective and the body more resistant.