Restoring Normal Gut Flora After Antibiotics - Evergreen Surgical Pilonidal Clinic

Do Antibiotics Damage My Gut?

Yes — but usually only in the short term. Antibiotics don’t just kill infection-causing bacteria; they also thin out some of the “good bacteria” that live in your intestines.

Does it matter?
For most healthy teens and young adults: possibly not much. Your gut usually bounces back within a few weeks after finishing a short course. But, we take this seriously because it can have longer lasting effects.
When it matters more:
– If you need several rounds of antibiotics close together
– If you have ongoing gut problems or a weaker immune system
– If you develop diarrhea or bloating during/after treatment

However the important concept to understand is that antibiotics don’t just cause temporary diarrhea — they can reshape the gut ecosystem. If that imbalance (dysbiosis) persists, it may play into weight gain, inflammation, allergies, mood changes, and long-term health issues. One short course usually isn’t disastrous, but repeat or broad courses shift the odds in the wrong direction. Supporting the gut during recovery is a low-cost, low-risk way of protecting against those bigger downstream effects.

What can I do?
Take a probiotic capsule and S. boulardii while on antibiotics.
After finishing, add a prebiotic fiber acacia powder and simple foods like yogurt, kefir, bananas, and berries.

Bottom line:
Antibiotics are important for protecting your incision. Any gut effects are temporary, below are a few simple steps to help you recover faster.

Gut Support After Antibiotics For patients after cleft lift surgery

Antibiotics are important for preventing infection, but they also disturb the “good bacteria” in your gut. The plan below helps your gut recover quickly.

✅ While You’re On Antibiotics (Days 1–5)

Take a Probiotic capsule (multi-strain, such as Ther-Biotic Complete): 1 per day
– Take at midway between your antibiotic doses
-Take Saccharomyces boulardii: 1 capsule per day
This a Yeast probiotic that is not killed by antibiotics
Helps prevent diarrhea and keeps balance in your gut

✅ After You Finish Antibiotics (Weeks 1–4)

1. Keep taking your probiotic capsule daily
2. Start taking Fiber powder (prebiotic): ½–1 tablespoon per day
Acacia fiber
– Mix into water, juice, or a smoothie
– Feeds the “good bacteria” that antibiotics wiped out
3. Food boosters (aim for a few times per week):
– Yogurt or kefir
– Green bananas or overnight oats
– Berries or apples

Tips
– Stay hydrated
– If you get diarrhea, gas, or bloating, cut back fiber and restart slowly
– Most people feel back to normal within a few weeks

Summary

3 simple steps:
1. Probiotic capsule + Saccharomyces boulardii during antibiotics
2. Probiotic + acacia fiber powder after antibiotics
3. Add some gut-friendly foods

Note: for those of you getting your supplements from Fulscript.com, these products are all listed in the protocol for our pilonidal patients.

FAQ About Restoring Gut Flora

Should I take my probiotic at the same time as my antibiotic?
No. Take your probiotic midway between after your antibiotic doses, which would usually be about 3 hours after or before a dose. That way, the antibiotic doesn’t wipe it out before it has a chance to work.
Exception: S. boulardii (Florastor or generic) is a yeast and can be taken any time, even right with your antibiotic.

What if I forget a dose?
Don’t double up. Just skip it and take your next dose as scheduled. Missing a day or two won’t ruin the plan — consistency over several weeks is what matters.

Do I really need the fiber powder?
Yes, if you want to restore balance faster. The fiber is “food” for the good bacteria that antibiotics thin out. Without it, your gut will still recover, but it may take longer. Start low (½ scoop) and increase as tolerated.

What if the probiotic or fiber upsets my stomach?
If you get bloating or gas → lower the dose, then increase slowly.
If you get loose stools → hold the fiber for a few days, then restart at a smaller amount.
Most side effects settle as your gut adjusts.

Can I just eat yogurt instead of taking probiotics?
Yogurt or kefir are great, but they don’t have the same variety or dose as a probiotic capsule. They’re best used as an extra booster, not the main source.