The best strategy to combat diarrhea caused by taking antibiotics is to take probiotics, a type of supplement that can be easily found at the pharmacy and that contains “good” bacteria that help regulate intestinal functioning.
However, it is also important to adapt your diet, avoiding raw foods that are difficult to digest and strong spices. Check out the main dietary tips to treat diarrhea.
Other tips that can help reduce this antibiotic side effect are:
- Drink homemade whey, coconut water and fruit juices;
- Drink easily digestible soups and broths;
- Avoid foods rich in fiber such as fruit peel, wheat bran, oat bran and dairy products;
- Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, which are prepared with wheat flour;
- Take yogurt with probiotics or kefir, because they help to replenish the beneficial bacteria in the intestine.
If, in addition to diarrhea, you also experience a feeling of a sensitive stomach, it is advisable to follow a light, easily digestible diet, such as chicken soup or mashed potatoes with boiled eggs, for example, to avoid a swollen belly and a feeling of indigestion. .
Why do antibiotics cause diarrhea?
Diarrhea occurs because the antibiotic eliminates all bacteria present in the intestine, both good and bad, which must always be in balance to ensure proper intestinal functioning. Diarrhea usually begins on the second day of using antibiotics and stops when the medication is stopped. However, it may still take about 3 days after stopping the medicine for intestinal recovery.
The proliferation of a bad bacteria called Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) can occur when taking antibiotics such as clindamycin, ampicillin, or cephalosporins, which can cause a condition called pseudomembranous colitis.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the doctor if the diarrhea is very strong and frequent, making it impossible to study or work or if the following are present:
- Fever above 38.3º C;
- Have blood or mucus in the stool;
- Show signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry mouth and dry lips;
- Nothing stops in the stomach and vomiting is frequent;
- Intense abdominal pain.
In these situations, you should go to the doctor or emergency room indicating the symptoms you are experiencing, when they appeared and also the medications you are taking or have taken in the last few days because these symptoms may appear after stopping the antibiotic.
