Antibiotics are pro players when it comes to eliminating bacterial infections inside the body. But antibiotics don’t just purge the sickness causing bad bacteria. They also kill the “good” bacteria present in your gut – and that’s not a good thing. The gut bacteria or gut flora maintains the equilibrium of nutrients in the stomach, and a disturbance in this ecosystem can make you sick. These bacteria aid digestion, help the production of vital nutrients, and keep the immune system up and running. When antibiotics compromise gut bacteria, you may experience stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, and nausea.
How long does stomach pain from antibiotics last?
The pain can last for a few days and rarely for the entire period while taking antibiotics. In case the pain is mild, follow the below measures to cure a stomach ache. If you have severe pain, stop taking the dose and get instant help from your gastroenterologist.
To reduce the side effects of antibiotics and stop stomach pain and other symptoms, it’s essential to keep your good bacteria safe. Here are some yummy food items that can help you counter stomach problems after antibiotics.
What to take with antibiotics to stop the stomach pain?
Yogurt
Yogurt is the best of best in reducing the side effects of antibiotics on your stomach. It is made by milk fermentation and contains many live enzymes that help digestion and provide a rehabilitating environment to gut flora. Some other fermented foods that may contain good bacteria are tempeh, salami, cheese. But before you buy them, make sure they have the label of “live and active culture.”
Probiotics
Probiotic supplements work in the same way yogurt does. They can be easily found in the form or pill or beverages and are immediately useful. If you are feeling sick after taking antibiotics, take a dose of probiotics during your treatment course.
Garlic
Garlic contains prebiotics. Adding garlic to your diet is an excellent way to stop stomach pain from occurring. Garlic hates harmful gut bacteria and favors good bacteria, keeping your stomach healthy. You can add garlic to your menu in various forms, either by cooking or adding raw chopped pieces. Some other foods that contain low levels of prebiotics are bananas, onions, and chicory root.
Fiber
Eating fiber is a healthy way to help the growth of beneficial bacteria. But one should avoid taking high-fiber rich foods with ongoing antibiotic treatment since it can disturb the absorption of the medicine. After finishing the antibiotics, eating fiber-rich foods like broccoli, peas, lentils, beans, whole grains can stimulate good bacteria growth and help relieve stomach pain.
Vitamin K
Another adverse effect antibiotics can have on your body is the alleviation of vitamin K levels. Vitamin K helps your body recover from cuts and wounds by aiding blood clot formation. To maintain the levels of this essential vitamin, you can eat spinach, collards, parsley, kale.
While adding some specifics to your diet, there are certain items that you should avoid eating or drinking during your antibiotics treatment. To learn more about the side effects of antibiotics on your stomach and ways to stop stomach pain. Get help from the doctors at Gastroenterology Diagnostic Center. To schedule, an appointment Call us today at 281-357-1977 .