What to eat when taking antibiotics

Read on to know about the foods that you should and should not eat while taking antibiotics!

Throughout the year we are exposed to various strains of microorganisms and illnesses. We take antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection. Taking antibiotics may protect our body from damage but it also leads to certain side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Here are certain foods that you should and should not take to reduce the severity of side effects related to consuming antibiotics.

Probiotics

Probiotics are the healthy bacteria that live in our intestine and help to reduce the side effects of antibiotics. However, probiotics are themselves a type of bacteria that may also get killed because of the effect of consuming antibiotics. So, you must take probiotics a few hours before consuming antibiotics.

Prebiotic

Prebiotic foods are consumed by good bacteria or probiotics to promote their growth in the body. Fibrous foods such as bean and lentils are fermented and digested by the healthy gut bacteria. Antioxidant-rich cocoa is also a kind of prebiotic that maintains the growth of gut flora. So, prebiotics must be consumed after taking the dose of antibiotic medicine.

Fermented foods

Yogurt, kimchi, and cheese are different types of fermented foods that are prepared using healthy species of bacteria and can help to restore the damaged gut flora. So, it is best to consume plenty of fermented foods while taking antibiotics to increase the number of healthy bacteria.

Foods that are rich in calcium and alcohol

While on antibiotics one must avoid consuming foods rich in calcium and alcohol as calcium prevents absorption of antibiotics by our body and alcohol triggers the side effects. Consuming alcohol can also leave you dehydrated and sleep-deprived in the state of illness.

Grapefruit

This citrus fruit contains furanocoumarins that interfere with the functioning of the liver and intestine to metabolize antibiotics and filter our toxins from the body. So, avoid consuming this fruit while on antibiotics.