How to Treat an Overgrowth of Intestinal Flora

The intestines are an integral part of our digestive system, and often rely on bacteria to aid in digestion. However, this bacteria can grow and multiply too much, causing pain and inflammation. Reduce intestinal flora by introducing a less harmful bacteria, or by avoiding the conditions that lead to bacteria overgrowth.

Things You'll Need

• Acidophilus bacteria
• Antibiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid eating contaminated food. In some cases, intestinal flora overgrowth can be caused by eating food that has become contaminated with bacteria, such as salmonella or e. coli.

• 2

  Avoid acidic foods. Acidic foods can cause indigestion, which can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines, and lead to an overgrowth of intestinal flora.

• 3

  Avoid complex carbohydrates that are difficult for the body to digest, and may cause intestinal flora to grow and multiply. Avoid starch and eat simple carbohydrates, such as fructose and glucose.

• 4

  Eat yogurt. Fermented yogurt contains beneficial bacteria that competes with intestinal flora for nutrients. Eating extra acidophilus will reduce intestinal flora overgrowth.

• 5

  Take antibiotics. In many cases, taking broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as tetracycline, will thin out the amounts of bacteria throughout the body, effectively treating an overgrowth of intestinal flora.