What Should I Eat While Taking Antibiotics?

Healthy gut bacteria tend to prefer fiber, for instance, Dr. Kiela said.

In a 2021 study, scientists transplanted human fecal bacteria into two groups of mice: one on a low-fiber diet and another on a standard diet of mouse chow, which usually contains a mix of high-fiber grains. After both groups were given antibiotics, the gut diversity of the mice on the low-fiber diet recovered more slowly than those on the standard diet, and some of their “good” bacteria never regrew. Their low-fiber diets also gave them a lower microbial diversity to begin with.

Federal health officials recommend that you consume at least 21 to 38 grams of fiber per day, depending on your age and sex. That’s a good amount to aim for, Dr. Kiela said, adding that onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, asparagus, artichokes, oats and legumes are great sources.

For some people, antibiotics can cause diarrhea, bloating and cramping — and high-fiber foods can make symptoms like bloating and gas worse, Dr. Dong said. If you’re not feeling up for a big salad or a plate of veggies while taking the drugs, it’s OK to wait until your symptoms have settled, he said.

There’s also some limited evidence that fermented foods or drinks like kimchi or kefir, which contain diverse communities of bacteria, can help replace the good bacteria you may have completely lost, Dr. Kiela said.

Dr. Langdon also suggested incorporating ginger into your diet. There is some evidence that it can reduce some of the symptoms associated with taking antibiotics, like nausea, bloating and gas. Try steeping fresh ginger in water to make tea or blending a tablespoon of grated ginger into a smoothie, Dr. Langdon suggested.