Try to use antibiotics only when you need them. Don’t take these medicines for a viral illness like a cold or the flu. Antibiotics only kill bacteria; they won’t work against viruses. If you have to take antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, follow these tips to help prevent them from causing diarrhea.
Take Probiotics
Probiotics are bacteria and yeast that have positive effects on human health. They help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, which can make them useful for preventing or helping you recover from antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Research shows that probiotics help to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both children and adults. In a review of 33 studies comparing the effects of probiotics with placebo (inactive pills), other treatments like infant formula, and no treatment in more than 6,000 children taking antibiotics, fewer children in the probiotic group (8 percent) developed antibiotic-associated diarrhea compared to the other groups (19 percent). The authors say that probiotics can prevent one case of antibiotic-associated diarrhea for every nine children treated. High doses of probiotics were more effective at preventing diarrhea in children taking antibiotics.
An analysis of 36 studies that included 9,312 adults found that probiotics reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 38 percent. Most of the reported side effects from probiotics were mild, including nausea, bloating, and indigestion.
Probiotics contain different strains of beneficial bacteria. The species with the best evidence for treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea include:
Probiotic supplements come in tablets, powders, and capsules. You can also get probiotics from foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha. Follow the directions when you take supplements. Some products are easier for your body to absorb on an empty stomach. Others might cause stomach upset if you don’t take them with food. If you have a weakened immune system because of a chronic condition or medication you take, ask your doctor before using probiotic supplements.
Make Dietary Changes
Diarrhea can cause fluid loss and dehydration. To replenish fluids, drink more clear liquids (water, broth) and drinks that contain electrolytes, such as a sports drink or oral rehydration solution. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar or that contain alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you even more.
While there’s no specific diet for diarrhea, it’s best to eat foods that are gentle on your stomach, like bananas, rice, baked potato, toast, or crackers. Foods that contain probiotics, like Greek yogurt, can help to reset the correct balance of good-to-bad bacteria in your gut.
Avoid these foods, which might make diarrhea worse:
- Dairy products like milk, ice cream, and cheese
- Fatty foods such as burgers and fried chicken
- Spicy foods
- Sugary foods like cookies and candy
- High-fiber foods such as whole wheat, bran, and fruit with skins on (apples, pears)
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