What happens to digestion when you take antibiotics?

Diarrhea is a very common side effect of antibiotics (medicines used to stop or reduce the growth of bacteria). However, some people may also develop constipation while taking certain antibiotics.

Constipation is not a very common side effect of antibiotics, but it does occur in some people. You may be more likely to experience constipation while using a A class of antibiotics called macrolides. These include medications such as:

Erythrosine (Erythromycin)
Biaxin (clarithromycin)
Zithromax (azithromycin)
Zyvox (Linzoli)

Researchers have found that antibiotics can cause Imbalance of bacteria in the intestineWhich can affect bowel movements. In some cases, this may cause bowel movements to slow, which can lead to constipation.

In one animal study, researchers found that antibiotics slowed the movement of food through the stomach and colon in mice.

Some people may be more susceptible to stomach-related symptoms, such as constipation, due to a change in gut bacteria as a result of antibiotic use. You may be more likely to suffer from constipation if you:

They are elderly
Eat too little fiber or follow a poor diet
You have bowel problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Use of antibiotics for a long time
They are on bed rest
Use other medications that can cause constipation, such as opioids

There are more than 100 trillion microbes living in your gut, including both beneficial and harmful microbes. These make up your gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for healthy digestion, immune function, vitamin production, hormone balance, and metabolism.

Despite their benefits, taking antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics that target a wide range of bacteria, can disrupt gut balance. This means that some microorganisms will be present in lower numbers, resulting in… Decreased diversity of bacteria in the intestine. However, not only good bacteria are affected, but also “bad” bacteria.

Loss of bacterial diversity can negatively impact the intestines, leading to stomach-related side effects such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, and stomach pain.

If you suffer from constipation, Do not stop taking your antibiotics Without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping a prescription for antibiotics early may lead to antibiotic resistance, which is when bacteria become insensitive or resistant to antibiotics. This will make antibiotics less effective for you in the future.

Also, stopping antibiotics does not always relieve constipation. This may be because the time it takes for the intestine to recover after loss of diversity varies between individuals. It may take weeks or months to restore gut balance, even after stopping antibiotics.

Here are some methods you can try to control constipation:

Use probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help maintain the balance of bacteria in your gut. Taking probiotics while taking antibiotics may help support gut health and improve digestion. However, research is still mixed on the benefit of probiotics in restoring gut balance.

You can try taking probiotic supplements for a few days to see if you experience constipation or not. If you notice improvement, you can continue to take it as instructed by your healthcare provider. You can also try natural probiotics, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir.

Eat more fibre

Dietary fiber, especially Insoluble fiber such as wheat bran, vegetables and whole grainsIt can help speed up the movement of food through the digestive tract (stomach and intestines).

Fiber also helps retain water in the stool, adding bulk that may help relieve constipation. Fiber supplements, such as psyllium, can also be effective in improving constipation.

If you want to add fiber to your diet, add it slowly. Consuming too much fiber in a short time can increase the risk of other stomach-related side effects, such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. Also, drink plenty of water to help with smooth bowel movements.

Taking medications available without a prescription

Over-the-counter laxatives (medications used to increase bowel movements) can provide short-term relief from constipation. Examples include:

Bulk forming agents: Metamucil (psyllium), Fibercon (polycarbophil), and Citrocel (methylcellulose).
Stool softeners: MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol), Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)
Osmotic factors: loaf or Coricol (Docusate)

Over-the-counter medications should not be used to treat constipation for a long time. If you still feel constipated after a week of use, see your healthcare provider. If you have severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, do not use laxatives without first getting permission from your health care provider.

Drink enough water

Make sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated to prevent worsening constipation.

If you eat more fiber, you will need to drink more water. Poor hydration can cause stool to harden rather than provide relief.

aim to Drink about 8 to 10 cups (2 to 2.5 liters) of fluids daily. Water is the simplest form of hydration, but other beverages, such as coffee, tea and fruit juice, count toward your daily intake.

Be physically active

If possible, try to move your body. Even gentle movement can help improve constipation. Exercise can help your colon expel waste faster. It can also help move food, gas, and stool along the digestive tract.

If you have constipation while taking antibiotics, your health care provider may first recommend lifestyle changes, such as adding more fiber to your diet, drinking water, and getting more exercise.

Your healthcare provider may change your antibiotics to a different class if possible. They may also prescribe over-the-counter laxatives or, in more serious cases, suppositories or enemas.

See your healthcare provider right away if you notice symptoms such as:

If constipation is not treated or managed early, it can lead to complications such as: