Experts break it all down.
We reached out to a real woman who has had a trying time with antibiotics.
After two months, she noticed a significant change in her weight.
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“Within a few months of taking antibiotics, I gained 14 pounds,” she says.
“I knew this wasn’t normal, because this has never happened to me before in my life.
I was so baffled and wondering why I was gaining so much weight.”
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Soon enough, Susan realized the antibiotics were causing her weight gain.
“I was eating two spoonfuls of bone broth, kimchi, sauerkraut a day.
My skin was glowing, and my hormonal acne quickly improved,” she says.
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Now, she’s on the microbiome diet and seeing vast skin and health improvements.
Antibiotics can also increase blood levels of the ghrelin, which is a strong appetite stimulant."
Roshini Raj, gastroenterologist, doctor of internal medicine, and founder of the probiotic-based skincare line Tula agrees.
“Antibiotics are a class of drugs that are meant to kill infection-causing bacteria,” says Raj.
“Here is where probiotics come into play as a balancing agent to control normal intestinal flora.
This is also whythere is a common recommendation to take probiotics while you’re taking oral antibiotics.”
“Probiotics are good for your bacteria and provide many health benefits when ingested,” Raj agrees.
They have also been linked to faster metabolism and increased immunity.
Raj stresses the importance of taking a probiotic supplement during and after taking an antibiotic.
“It can take several weeks to get your digestive health back on track,” says Raj.
Both Calapai and Raj believe all people should consult their doctor before heeding any of this advice.
If possible and only after consulting with your doctor, try alternative methods."
Harvard Health Publishing.Giving babies and toddlers antibiotics can increase the risk of obesity.
Updated November 30, 2018.
2015;16(4):7493-7519. doi:10.3390/ijms16047493
