The Double-Edged Sword: Understanding Antibiotics and Your Gut Microbiome | The Proof Podcast EP#271

For many health-conscious people, the use of antibiotics is a double-edged sword. We understand their power in combating illness, but also recognise that they pose risks for the gut microbiome.

I’m often asked for guidance about antibiotics by The Proof community, and in Episode #271, gastroenterologist and bestselling author Dr Will Bulsiewicz returns to the show to answer your most common questions. If you’ve ever wondered how antibiotics affect the microbiome and what you should do if you need to take them, this episode is for you.

Dr Will Bulsiewicz, or “Dr B”, is an award-winning gastroenterologist, internationally recognised gut health expert and the New York Times-bestselling author of Fiber Fueled and The Fiber Fueled Cookbook. He is on the Scientific Advisory Board and is the US Medical Director of personalised nutrition company ZOE, has authored more than twenty articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, has given more than forty presentations at national meetings, presented to Congress and the USDA, and has taught over 10,000 students how to heal and optimise their gut health.

We cover:
00:00 - Intro
03:01 - What are antibiotics?
08:32 - Efficacy, prescription, and 'antibiotic scar'
16:06 - The healthy gut microbiome
21:43 - Effects of antibiotics to gut microbiome
28:44 - Clostridioides difficile
31:37 - Do you really need antibiotics?
40:29 - High-fiber diet
43:54 - Sprouts, lentils, and fermented foods
46:56 - Prebiotics and prebiotic supplements
59:01 - Probiotics and microbiome recovery after antibiotics
1:04:53 - Who may benefit from taking probiotics? 
1:09:10 - Foods to limit to avoid dysbiosis
1:10:27 - Why do antibiotics cause yeast infections? Do probiotics help?
1:11:54 - Antibiotics and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
1:14:43 - Lifestyle changes to boost microbiome recovery after taking antibiotics
1:19:48 - Outro

Connect with Dr Will Bulsiewicz:

If you have any additional questions you would like answered in the future, let me know in the comments.

Enjoy, friends.
Simon

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[sylviarocha]

This was one of his best shows.. in my opinion. He and Dr B are an amazing duo!! Thank you BOTH for the work you do!! The Proof is the best podcast EVER!!

[TsukimiTube]

I love Dr. B! Finally a doctor who understands the microbiome in detail. I have been dealing with IBS since my 20s and was „floxed“ (injured by levafloxacin antibiotic) years ago. I was in pain for months and doctors had no idea what could be the cause. I started researching and found thousands of other people who’s health was damaged by antibiotics. Eating a plantbased diet helped me to get better but I still have a lot of food sensitivities since then. I bought Dr. B‘s book and hope to get some more clarity.

[annefitzgerald]

I always enjoy listening to Dr. B. Well done, Simon. You two have a great chemistry during interview.

[pennynolan]

After some extensive dental work my dentist said I'm going to give you a prescription for antibiotics. As I have been a healthy vegan for almost 5 years now, I decided to refuse them and put it to the test. Two weeks later I went back for a check up. She was amazed that I was healing so well without antibiotics. I didn't need them!

[paulspanish-heki]

Love your podcast, respect your handwork, open mind, and the guests you have on your show. I have taken a few courses from Dr. B due to finding him through your podcast interviews with him (and others). All of your shows with Dr. B have been amazing, but this may have been the best! Thanks, again!

[marcjacobson]

Would be great to see a collaboration between Dr Bulsiewicz, Chris Gardner and the Sonnenbergs to study effect of different diets on recovery of the gut microbiome after antibiotics

[kdcoys]

Good stuff! Thanks for having Dr. B on again

[StephenMarkTurner]

Thanks Simon and Will. Always interesting.

[lasurfette]

I was on immunotherapy for my breast cancer and had to take antibiotics for a UTI. Entered a state of dysbiosis, and the immunotherapy caused my body to go into overdrive, attacking my pituitary and adrenal functions. Dysbiosis is no joke. I'm desperately trying to restore the gut as soon as I can to heal the brain/adrenals.

[krisfarrugia]

30K subs, you completely deserve it. Great things are ahead of you.

[arnelsugay]

You and Dr. B are like Batman and Robin, a great duo. 👍

[MichaelHorstmann]

So awesome to see you on Mark Bell’s podcast. You were great 👍

[MrWhite-erb]

Absolutely loved this, even made sure to rewind some parts to make sure I understand correctly.

[mechellespillekom]

Thanks so much. I’m about to take the first lot of antibiotics for an infected tooth ( I’ve avoided all forms of medication for many years thanks to a plant based vegan diet) and I’m really glad this episode was available.

[Michelle-fevw]

Super interesting and very helpful podcast🙏🏻

[butterflywings]

Fascinating. I’d love to hear a podcast about the connection in micro biome and acne.

[michellemildwater]

Where can one buy the probiotics and pre-biotics in Denmark How do I spell these supplements?

[TenguMonk]

Thank you so much for sharing this information! what are your thoughts on Psyllium Husk Powder?

[kittykat]

Due to a problem I've had to take prednisone and an antibiotic. Very unhappy about this but not really a choice at this point. Will do better in the future when recovered.

[lamppole]

29:00 I got C. difficile in November for the first time. I was given 2 rounds of Clindamycin for root canal treatments that had become abscessed. That ruined my gut. I now have IBS and I was so healthy before the C Diff. I had never had any gut issues before the root canal treatments. I finally decided to remove this tooth that ruined my life. Now I’m trying to eat perfectly and take a probiotic daily. (Also educate myself because I am now colonized with the C Diff spores) I am terrified of needing another antibiotic and getting C Diff again!