Types of Foods That Can Help Maintain Intestinal Health While Taking Antibiotics

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JAKARTA - Taking antibiotics can have an impact on the digestive system. However, this can be helped by adding certain foods that can support intestinal health. Although antibiotics help fight infections, gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab said taking antibiotics can affect good bacteria in the gut.

"During the winter and flu, antibiotics are sometimes necessary, especially when treating diseases such as pneumonia. However, antibiotics do not discriminate, killing both good and bad bacteria especially in the gut," said Dr. Joseph Salhab, as reported by Hindustan Times, Thursday, January 22.

Dr. Salhab shared recommendations for foods to support gut health while taking antibiotics, one of which is prebiotic-rich foods.

The importance of prebiotics in restoring intestinal health when taking antibiotics. "These foods feed your gut bacteria, so that the bacteria can grow, develop, and reproduce again," he said.

According to him, foods such as garlic, onion, banana, asparagus, and wheat are excellent sources of prebiotics.

Then, he suggested eating probiotic foods, because it can help restore good bacteria that may be eliminated by antibiotics.

"My favorite foods are fermented foods such as kimchi, cabbage pickles, and fermented pickles. These foods contain beneficial organisms that help restore good bacteria into the intestines, which may have been killed by antibiotics," he said.

In addition, Dr. Salhab added that a varied diet with colorful plant-based foods provides essential nutrients for gut health.

"Various colored plants offer different benefits, vitamins, and minerals. The more variety you consume, the more nutrients you get," he explained.