Antibiotics are medicines that are very commonly used and prescribed to fight off bacterial infections. They work by killing the bacteria or making it hard for it to grow and multiply. We are all aware of the overuse of antibiotics nowadays and how that can lead to antibiotic resistance if used incorrectly, for example, if used to treat a viral infection. What we might not be aware of is the effect antibiotics have on our gut health. Professor Dr Giovanni Leonetti, a general surgeon specialised in gastroenterology, explains how antibiotic use can upset the delicate equilibrium of the gut and what the most common symptoms are.
The dysbiosis caused by the overuse of antibiotics causes disturbances in microbial diversity, allowing those antibiotic-resistant strains to multiply. Immunity, colonisation resistance, and metabolic balance are all hampered by these disruptions. They can increase a person’s chance of developing diabetes, obesity, liver issues, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal disorders like inflammatory bowel disease.
So what are the signs and symptoms we need to be aware of that can indicate that there is something going on with our gut?
The best way to keep a healthy gut when we start to notice these symptoms is to maintain a healthy diet prioritising fresh, whole foods, fruits, vegetables and legumes. It is equally important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, chew slowly and avoid excessively sugary foods. Probiotics can also be taken, especially when taking antibiotics, to support gut health.
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Prof. Dr. Giovanni Leonetti is a licensed general surgeon who obtained his medical degree at the University of Rome “La Sapienza”, where he also received his PhD in Advanced Technologies in Surgery. He teaches Gastroenterology at Unicamillus Health University of Rome.
During his career, he has refined the most modern and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy techniques for treating diseases affecting the digestive system
