The ITV expert says there are some essential steps anyone taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection should take
TV expert Dr Amir Khan has warned people taking antibiotics of some steps they should take – and essential foods to eat to protect their health. Millions of antibiotics are prescribed annually to treat bacterial infections with one in three people being prescribed one by a GP or other primary care service every year.
However the expert, a regular on ITV’s Lorraine, has now taken to Instagram to share some advice he gives to patients when he prescribes antibiotics. And he warned their are some foods that they should add to their diet or risk health problems caused by the way the medication works on the body.
He explained: “The thing about antibiotics is they not only kill the offending bacteria that’s causing the infection, but they can also kill many of the friendly bacteria that live in our gut that keep our digestive health in balance, and this can cause problems like diarrhoea while you’re on antibiotics.” He said he had five tips to “minimise the effects of antibiotics on your friendly and essential gut bacteria”.
Only take antibiotics when necessary
He said firstly, and “really important” was to only take antibiotics when absolutely necessary. He said: “If it’s a viral infection, you don’t need them. I know you feel poorly and you want something to speed up your recovery, but honestly, antibiotics won’t cure your cold.
“Taking unnecessary antibiotics can wreak havoc on your gut, vaginal, and skin microbiome, and you want to keep that healthy. So only take antibiotics when advised.”
Change your diet
The doctor advised: “If you are given antibiotics, think about upping your intake of prebiotic food. These feed your gut bacteria and allow them to recover during and after the antibiotic course. “So get things in your diet like Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, onions, meats, asparagus, and bananas.
Other foods to boost your gut
He said: “Stock up and eat probiotic foods. These reintroduce those lost good bacteria that the antibiotics have killed
“You want them back. Think fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and also things like authentic Greek yogurt, buttermilk, and some cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.”
Eat the rainbow
Dr Khan advised: “Eat plants with lots of different colours and fibre. The wider the range of colours and the more fibre you eat, the more vitamins and minerals you’ll get. But your gut bacteria also love all that fibre.”
Get outside
The expert shared that studies show environmental factors also play a significant role in healing an injured gut. He added: “This includes being around and interacting with animals, gardening, and spending time outdoors in nature, you know I love it.
“These expose you to a wide array of good microbiomes that help boost gut diversity. So when you’re feeling better, get out and about.”
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