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How can I boost my immune system while on antibiotics?


It’s common to need a boost to your immune system when taking antibiotics. Antibiotics treat infections by killing bacteria, but they can also kill off the good bacteria in your gut that help support immune function. This effect on gut bacteria combined with the immune stress of fighting an infection can leave some people feeling run down. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to strengthen your immune system while on a course of antibiotics.

Why antibiotics suppress your immune system

Antibiotics work by killing or stopping bacteria from multiplying. This includes both the harmful bacteria that are making you sick, and the beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive system and help your immune system function optimally.

There are trillions of bacteria that live in your intestines, known as your gut microbiome or gut flora. Many of these gut bacteria play important roles in supporting your immune system:

– They crowd out harmful bacteria, preventing overgrowth and infection.

– They produce nutrients like vitamin K, biotin, and folic acid that your immune cells need.

– They help control inflammation levels in the gut and body.

– They activate immune cells and prompt them to perform their defensive duties more effectively.

When antibiotics wipe out populations of your gut bacteria, even temporarily, it can shift this community balance and ecosystem in your gut. With fewer good bacteria around to occupy space and shore up your gut barrier, some harmful bacteria may be able to sneak in and trigger an immune reaction.

Additionally, your gut bacteria produce many metabolites, enzymes, and other compounds that talk to your immune system. Without these signaling molecules, your immune function can become impaired.

Research shows that antibiotic use is associated with reduced populations of immune-boosting gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Antibiotic use is also linked to lower levels of short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which are produced by gut bacteria and support immune defenses.

So in short, antibiotics can throw off the balance of your gut microbiome and the key roles these microbes play in keeping your immune system running at its best. This effect combined with the stress of infection is why some people feel more vulnerable to new illnesses or symptoms like fatigue while on a course of antibiotics.

How to boost your immune system while on antibiotics

While antibiotics are working hard to clear up your infection, there are complimentary steps you can take to look after your immune system:

Take a probiotic

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help replenish your populations of good bacteria when taking antibiotics. The most common probiotic strains are from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Look for a probiotic supplement that contains at least 1 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per serving. Take your probiotic at least 2 hours apart from your antibiotic, as you want to avoid killing off the beneficial bacteria. Probiotics may also help restore your gut microbiome balance faster after finishing antibiotics.

Eat prebiotic fiber

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbs that act as food for your good gut bacteria. Getting prebiotic fiber from foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and whole grains can help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Try to eat a variety of prebiotic foods each day.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids like water while on antibiotics. Hydration supports every function in your body, including immune defenses. Fluids also help replace those lost from fever, sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea that can come with infections. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day.

Manage stress

Your brain and immune system are closely linked. High stress weakens immune function and raises susceptibility to infections. Practice self-care by getting enough sleep, taking relaxing breaks, exercising in moderation, and talking to loved ones while on antibiotics. Consider stress-relieving practices like meditation, yoga, massage, or counseling.

Avoid excess alcohol

Drinking more than moderate amounts of alcohol can hamper your immune system. Alcohol disrupts your gut bacteria, interrupts sleep cycles critical for immune cell repair, and decreases the function of immune cells. It’s best to avoid or limit alcoholic drinks when your immune defenses are already challenged.

Eat immune-boosting foods

What you eat makes a big difference in how well your immune system can protect you. Focus on incorporating these immune-strengthening foods while on antibiotics:

Yogurt: Look for plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures. Yogurt provides probiotics along with nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, and protein.

Chicken soup: The classic home remedy helps thin mucus, provides hydration, and has anti-inflammatory effects. Add lots of vegetables, garlic, and herbs.

Citrus fruits: Vitamin C boosts white blood cells and antibodies. Enjoy oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, and tangerines.

Nuts and seeds: These provide vitamin E, zinc, and selenium to reinforce immune cell defenses against pathogens.

Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, collards, and other greens supply folate, iron, and antioxidants to enhance your immune response.

Bell peppers: Red peppers are loaded with twice your daily vitamin C needs per serving. All bell peppers also have vitamin A.

Broccoli: Along with other cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cabbage, broccoli is rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Mushrooms: Many varieties like shiitake, maitake, and oyster contain polysaccharides that activate immune cells.

Garlic: Garlic’s sulfur compounds can support immune cell function and help fight bacteria and viruses.

Ask about immunoglobulins

Immunoglobulins like IgG are antibodies your immune system naturally makes to fight infections. Your doctor may recommend supplementing with immunoglobulins to provide additional immune support when on antibiotics or recovering from illness. This natural therapy can help shore up your defenses.

Take antioxidant supplements

Antioxidants help control inflammation from infections and prevent free radical damage to your cells. Taking supplements of vitamins C, E, D, zinc, and selenium can reinforce your antibiotic treatment. Always check with your doctor before adding any new supplements.

Get moderate exercise

Light physical activity can help boost circulation and immune cell activity. Aim for regular, moderate exercise like walking, gentle yoga, or cycling while your body is fighting infection and taking antibiotics. However, rest when needed so your immune system’s resources go toward healing.

Talk to your doctor

Let your doctor know if you feel run down or notice any continuing symptoms while on or after finishing antibiotics. They may recommend an additional immune booster based on your health history and needs, such as vitamin D. Your doctor can also ensure your course of antibiotics is appropriately tailored and as short as possible.

Foods to avoid when taking antibiotics

Along with boosting beneficial foods and nutrients while on antibiotics, you’ll also want to avoid things that can potentially hinder your immune functioning and gut health:

Added sugars: Added sugars like those in processed snacks, sweets, and sodas can impair immune cells. They also feed harmful gut bacteria.

Refined carbs: Refined flour products like white bread lack immune-enhancing fiber and nutrients.

Fried and processed foods: These promote inflammation and have little nutritional value.

Excess caffeine: Moderate your intake as too much acts as a diuretic and can interrupt sleep. Both effects can weaken immunity.

Unpasteurized dairy: Raw or unpasteurized milk and cheese may harbor pathogens when your immune system is compromised. Stick to pasteurized dairy.

Certain raw foods: Raw sprouts, eggs, meat, fish, and shellfish also pose a higher infection risk. Cook them thoroughly.

Grapefruit: Compounds in grapefruit can increase antibiotic potency and side effects. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking antibiotics.

Lifestyle tips for supporting your immune system on antibiotics

In addition to diet, certain lifestyle practices are especially important for your immune health when taking a course of antibiotics:

Prioritize sleep

Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Getting adequate rest supports the repair and renewal of immune cells damaged while fighting infection.

Don’t smoke or vape

Smoking is extremely harmful to immune defenses and gut bacteria. The chemicals in cigarette smoke damage immune cells and structures in your respiratory and digestive tracts.

Manage chronic conditions

Keep any health conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or asthma well-controlled through medication and lifestyle changes. Their inflammation can hinder immune function.

Wash hands frequently

Washing hands with soap and hot water removes bacteria and viruses that could cause illness while your defenses are down. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose to prevent spread of germs.

Limit visitors when sick

Reduce exposure to anyone who may be contagious while you recover from an illness. This helps avoid secondary infections your immune system can’t handle as easily.

Sanitize household surfaces

Use disinfecting products to regularly clean surfaces prone to harboring germs like doorknobs, sinks, phones, remote controls, and toilets. This removes bacteria you could pick up while recovering.

When to see your doctor

Check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your progress while on antibiotics, such as:

– Antibiotic side effects like diarrhea, nausea, or thrush
– Persistent fever, chills, or discharge from infection site
– Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after starting antibiotics
– Fatigue, body aches, cough, or sore throat
– Rash, itching, or swelling

Your doctor can provide guidance on adjusting your antibiotic type or dosage if needed. They can also determine if you need additional treatments for immune support when antibiotics run their course. Don’t try to self-diagnose or supplement on your own.

Conclusion

Taking antibiotics can temporarily suppress your immune system by disrupting the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut microbiome. This effect combined with the immune stress of illness is why some people feel more vulnerable to new infections and symptoms while on antibiotics.

The good news is that taking certain steps allows you to actively boost your immune defenses even when on a course of antibiotics. Work closely with your doctor, drink plenty of fluids, reduce stress, take targeted supplements, follow an immune-strengthening diet, optimize sleep and exercise, and support your gut bacteria through probiotics and prebiotics. Pay attention to any lingering symptoms and check in with your doctor if needed.

With diligent care, you can keep your immune system as resilient as possible while antibiotics work to clear an underlying infection. This dual approach helps you recover faster and feel healthier. Within a few weeks of finishing antibiotics, your gut microbiome and normal immune function should bounce back as well.