Petite village

 

  by Gabriella Vetere, RD *

 

The great aspect of having nutrition as the topic for what I write is that I can use my everyday life experiences as inspiration. That is exactly what happened today.

 

I don’t usually get sick, but when I do, it usually happens after I fly. Now, I am not going to explore for you the reason why I do, but recently I got a nasty cold that turned into a more unfortunate sinus infection. I immediately went to my doctor, who prescribed antibiotics. What immediately went through my head is my poor tummy! Yes, tummy.

 

Antibiotics play an important role for treating infections, but it comes with a price. Antibiotics work in three ways: they either kill bacteria, interfere with the formation of the bacterium’s cell wall or its cell contents, or stop bacteria from multiplying. By that definition it is understandable that antibiotics can be detrimental for the good bacteria that grows in our gut and can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and fungal infections in other parts where good bacteria is important, such as the digestive tract and mouth.

 

I am on day seven of the antibiotic cycle, and I have experienced all of the adverse effects of the antibiotics. Today was the day I decided to use my clinical nutrition advice and start using probiotics as a part of my daily regimen to restore the healthy bacteria in my gut and body.

 

Why probiotics?

 

Probiotics are a supplement that contains actual live bacteria used to re-populate the gut with beneficial bacteria. The “good” bacteria help aid in digestion by creating byproducts like hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid that discourage the growth of “bad” bacteria. The main use of probiotics during antibiotic use is to prevent the main complaint of taking antibiotics: diarrhea.

 

Fortunately, many different types of probiotics products exist that you can try to help get the good bugs back. Here are some examples:

 

1)      Yogurt and kefir are known as the best supplement of probiotics from a food source. (If you can find it, Nancy’s Yogurt is known for having the best variety of strains of good bacteria and are even used as a probiotic supplement for patients in hospitals)

 

2)      Kombucha tea (I love GT Kombucha, $2.99/ bottle, Whole Foods)

 

3)      Kimchi and Sauerkraut (both are fermented condiments made from cabbage)

 

4)      Fermented soy bean products such as tempeh and miso

 

I chose to have yogurt in the morning and a Kombucha tea once a day to help get my good bugs back, and so far I am feeling much better.

 

I would love to hear about any of your experiences with antibiotics and if you have any home remedies to help with the effects of the medicine. 

 

 

 

* Gabriella Vetere is a Registered Dietitian residing in the Silicon Valley. She has a passion for health, food, and fitness.  Her experience ranges from childhood to senior nutrition and the prevention and management of chronic illnesses. She takes a practical and caring approach to nutrition counseling and believes in the philosophy of making lifestyle changes for long-term health and well-being. Gabriella received her bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and completed graduate work at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.  

Want one-on-one time with Gabriella? Contact her at gabriella@petitevillage.com for personal nutrition consultations, grocery shopping tours, and kitchen/pantry makeovers.