Several hundred types of bacteria live in the intestinal flora of a human being, which make up the microbiome of the intestine and are responsible for many bodily functions.
However, this microbiome can be disturbed and imbalanced by taking antibiotics due to a disease. This affects not only digestion but also other health-related factors in the body. With the help of homeopathy, an optimal reconstruction of the intestinal flora can take place. In this magazine article, we will show you exactly how this works.
the essentials in brief
- More than 400 types of bacteria live in the human intestine, which together make up the microbiome of a person.
- Taking antibiotics can kill not only the pathogens but also the gut bacteria.
- With the help of homeopathic remedies, the intestinal environment can be brought back into balance.
Definition: What is the intestinal flora and what are its tasks?
Nowhere else in the human body are there as many bacteria and microorganisms as in the intestines. They form the intestinal flora, which is also called the microbiome and consists of more than 400 strains of bacteria and a total of 100 trillion bacteria. After birth, the bacteria colonize the gut and form the microbiome, differing from person to person just like DNA and not being the same for everyone. (1)
For a long time, the essential importance of the intestinal flora was only known in alternative healing methods. In the meantime, scientists have found out what role a healthy intestinal flora plays in humans.
A disturbed intestinal flora also affects a person's immunity.
The intestinal flora is not only responsible for the digestion of food, but also takes on a protective function in order to be able to defend itself against pathogens. It is responsible for processing vitamins and minerals from food.
The intestinal flora is also closely related to the immune system of our body. This is also referred to as the gut-brain, or the gut-brain axis, since these two organs communicate actively with each other. The intestine sends signals to the central nervous system, which are processed by the brain and this can then set the necessary metabolic processes in motion.
The intestinal flora is jointly responsible for the function of our immune system. (Image Source: Unsplash / Christopher Campbell)
In order for protection to be guaranteed based on the intestinal flora, there must always be a balance between the different intestinal bacteria. If this is the case, one speaks of a healthy microbiome and this is accompanied by a strong immune system. The microbiome is populated by different strains of bacteria, each with their own specific task.
One group of bacteria are the lactobacilli, which are also found naturally in foods containing milk or in fermented drinks and sauerkraut. So if you eat enough of these products, the probability of a healthy intestinal flora is higher.
The composition of the lactobacilli and the other intestinal bacteria such as bifidobacteria and clostridia are prerequisites for a well-functioning digestion. (2)
Background: What you should know about the structure of the intestinal flora after taking antibiotics
A healthy intestinal flora is important for all-round human health. After taking medication such as antibiotics, it can be useful to rebuild the intestinal flora in order to restore a healthy balance and protective function.
What are the effects of taking antibiotics on the intestinal flora?
Almost everyone these days has had to take an antibiotic for a bacterial infection at some point. However, antibiotics not only destroy the bacteria of the corresponding disease with the help of their ingredients, but can also damage those in the intestine and upset the balance. This results in a dysbiosis of the microbiome.
In a study on the recovery of the intestine after taking antibiotics, researchers from Germany, Denmark and China found that the intestinal flora had almost completely regenerated about six months after taking antibiotics. The bad germs that were settled in the intestine by the antibiotic were gradually replaced by healthy bacteria and the intestinal flora restores its natural balance over time.
However, it was found that not all essential bacterial strains repopulated the gut. A few types of bacteria have disappeared even after a long time. (3)
Why should you rebuild the intestinal flora after antibiotic treatment?
The active ingredients in antibiotic drugs are there to weaken pathogens. They fight off the bacteria that cause the corresponding disease. However, since antibiotics are usually prescribed orally, the antibiotic also destroys good bacteria as it passes through the intestines.
This can result in gastroenterological side effects that can lead to discomfort and long-term damage to the digestive tract and immune system.
Furthermore, allergies and intolerances can occur as a result of untreated dysbiosis of the microbiome as a result of antibiotic intake.
The intestinal flora normally regulates itself to a large extent in a completely healthy person. If, however, the body is already weakened before taking antibiotics and is immunologically affected by the pathogenic bacteria, it can happen that a balance of healthy intestinal bacteria is not restored by itself entry.
It is therefore advisable to replenish the intestines with bacteria after taking antibiotics so that they are completely and balanced again.
What are the symptoms that tell me that my intestinal flora is disturbed after antibiotics?
In order to recognize the signs of dysbiosis of the microbiome after taking antibiotics, you literally have to have a good gut feeling.
The most common symptoms that occur after taking antibiotics include nausea, diarrhea, flatulence, stomach pain, bloating, and vomiting.
But food intolerance, recurring gastrointestinal infections, tiredness, exhaustion and headaches can also make themselves felt.
This is often accompanied by a drop in performance and a lack of drive, which can be attributed to the poor processing of nutrients, vitamins and minerals by the disturbed intestinal flora. (10)
Skin changes such as acne and rashes or other dermatological diseases are also signs of a dysbiosis of the microbiome. (4) (5) (6)
How long does the intestinal flora need to recover after taking antibiotics?
The recovery of the intestinal microflora after taking antibiotics is individual. Depending on the amount and duration of the antibiotic therapy and the intestinal flora status before the medication, the damage to the bacteria in the microbiome can vary in severity.
This can be evaluated with the help of a stool sample, which can then be used to estimate the approximate duration of the intestinal flora until recovery. However, the different treatment methods of the intestinal fora structure also play a decisive role.
Can anyone do a gut flora rebuild after taking antibiotics?
If no symptoms occur, treatment to rebuild the intestinal flora after taking antibiotics is not absolutely necessary, since the intestine and the microbiome usually regenerate themselves.
The development or improvement of the intestinal flora with the help of digestive and thus immune-boosting drugs can always be helpful to ensure optimal health. (7)
However, it is advisable to preventively pay attention to the intestinal flora and to consume sufficient probiotic foods and, if necessary, additional probiotics if treatment with antibiotic medication is pending.
Care should be taken to ensure that this intake does not end in uncontrolled consumption and is always carried out under medical supervision. (7)
Basically, when taking medication that builds up the intestinal flora, it is important to ensure that you know exactly which intestinal bacteria should be supplied beforehand or that a comprehensive preparation or natural, herbal remedy is used.
Advantages- With the help of an intestinal flora structure, the balance of the intestinal bacteria can be restored
- A healthy microbiome is important for a good immune system
Can homeopathic remedies help to build up the intestinal flora after taking antibiotics?
Anyone who prefers alternative medicine to conventional medicine and would like something good for their intestinal flora after taking antibiotics can turn to homeopathy. The alternative healing method brought to life by Samuel Hahnemann at the beginning of the 19th century has been discussed for centuries, but always brings with it its pros and cons. (9)
Antibiotics not only inhibit the bacteria of the disease, but also the good ones in the gut. (Image Source: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels)
Homeopathic medicines are now available in every pharmacy. They are usually prescribed by naturopaths or alternative medicine practitioners after a comprehensive anamnesis of the patient's status has been taken. Homeopathy does not only refer to the symptoms of the disease, but creates a holistic picture of the patient, his past, psychological factors and the many connections in the human body.
When it comes to building up the intestinal flora, homeopathy has a number of remedies that are suitable after taking antibiotics to bring the intestinal bacteria back into balance and create a healthy microbiome. Nevertheless, critics of homeopathy often state that the effect of the medicine cannot be proven and is only based on the placebo effect. (11)
Advantages- The natural active ingredients of homeopathic remedies help the body to use its own resources and serve as a support
- Homeopathic remedies supply the body with the substances it is lacking
How often should I do an intestinal flora build-up?
If antibiotics or other drugs that disrupt the intestinal flora are not taken, the targeted development of the microbiome is not absolutely necessary.
If you pay attention to a sufficient probiotic diet in everyday life, consume enough liquid and lead a healthy lifestyle, the intestinal flora regulates itself if minor disruptive factors such as those mentioned above occur at times.
However, if you want to make a specific build-up, you can do this 1-2 times a year with plant-based means.
However, if there is a suspicion of an imbalance in the intestinal flora due to the symptoms listed above, it is advisable to get to the bottom of it and then to support the intestine with the necessary means.
Building up the intestinal flora: The best homeopathic remedies for a healthy microbiome after antibiotics
Schuessler salts
Schuessler salts are also homeopathic remedies. Just like the globules listed in the next point, they consist of natural minerals that support the body in self-regeneration and are administered in tablet form.
According to the principle of homeopathy, their natural ingredients activate the body's self-healing powers and help it to restore its balance.
After antibiotics, Schuessler salts can help get the liver working to flush out the antibiotic toxins. The Schuessler salts can also contribute to the regulation of intestinal activity and promote the resistance of the mucous membranes.
Schuessler salts can be taken without hesitation both after taking antibiotics and for optimal mineral supply of the body. (Image Source: Halacious/Unsplash)
However, it is recommended to continue taking Schuessler salts with a few breaks after the intestinal flora has recovered, in order to always provide the body with sufficient minerals. (12)
| Schuessler salts | Effect |
|---|---|
| #6 | Stimulate liver function |
| #10 | Stimulate liver function |
| #4 | resilience of the mucous membranes |
| #8 | Regulation of the fluid balance |
| #23 | Support of the acid-base balance |
globules
The small, white sugar spheres are called globules in homeopathy and are very popular in their application. The name comes from the Latin word "globulus" which means little balls. (11) The effect is based on herbal ingredients that support the body in recovery and promote the natural regeneration processes. Each type of globule is based on a herbal active ingredient, after which they are also named.
The beads come in different sizes and dosages. Starting with D6 up to C200 the intensity increases.
The intestinal flora can be rebuilt homeopathically. Compared to pre- or probiotics, this is a gentler method of restoring the intestinal balance. With the help of the globules, the body's own resources are activated and the self-healing powers are strengthened.
For the intestines, the following globules are recommended after taking antibiotics or with the symptoms described.
| globules | dosage |
|---|---|
| Okubaka | 5 pieces, 3x daily |
| Nux Vomica | 5 pieces 3x daily |
| borax | 5 pieces, 3x daily |
| sulfur | 5 pieces 3x daily |
The potency, i.e. the strength of the globules mentioned above, depends on the severity of the symptoms. It should be taken about half an hour before or after a meal, as the homeopathic effect begins in the oral mucosa. Therefore, the pellets should not be swallowed.
The small white sugar pearls can support the body in its natural function. (Image source: Pixabay / Pexels)
You should let them melt slowly on your tongue and preferably not eat or drink anything for about 20 minutes before and after taking them.
Caffeinated drinks, toothpaste or other oily foods should be avoided in connection with the intake and care should be taken to ensure sufficient spacing between the individual doses. (11)
Conclusion
The intestinal flora and the immune system are closely linked. However, if the intestinal flora is disturbed and imbalanced, which can be caused by taking antibiotics, the immune system is also more vulnerable.
If symptoms occur after taking antibiotics, it is advisable to bring the intestinal flora back into balance in a natural way. Taking homeopathic remedies can help here, as they activate the body's self-healing powers and gently support it during regeneration.
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