How to Get Good Bacteria Back Into Body

Sometimes taking a course of antibiotics leads to other problems, like diarrhea or an irritable stomach. Antibiotics can kill bacteria that cause disease and infections, but sometimes they also kill off the good bacteria that help to protect the digestive system. Beneficial bacteria generally get replaced through the diet naturally over time. But to speed up the process of replenishing good bacteria, taking acidophilus or probiotics may do the trick. Your stomach should soon feel back to normal.

Things You'll Need

• Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement
• Yogurt
• Probiotics

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Instructions

• 1

  Add a daily Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement to your diet. Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally flourish in the small intestine, and are beneficial because they produce lactase and anti-microbial substances.

• 2

  Eat foods with friendly bacteria. Yogurt is a natural food with good bacteria that is usually easy on the tummies of even lactose-intolerant people. Read yogurt labels to find a brand that contains L. acidophilus. An appropriate therapeutic dose is 1 to 2 billion CFUs, or colony-forming units, per day.

• 3

  Consider trying probiotics to restore intestinal health. These are microorganisms that include bacteria and yeast. They can promote healthy digestion by balancing intestinal microflora. Probiotics boost the immune system and aid the body in resisting infection.

• 4

  Select a probiotics brand that contains Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These bacteria are considered beneficial because their byproducts can inhibit reproduction of detrimental bacteria. Choose a brand that contains at least 1 billion cells per capsule.

• 5

  Improve your diet. According to nutritionist and researcher Gail Cresci of the Medical College of Georgia, an improved diet will promote good bacteria in the body, naturally. She says that a diet that includes 25-30 grams of natural fiber from whole grains, fruits and vegetables, protein from meats, dairy, nuts and beans, and less than 30 percent total fat is the best way to regain good bacteria in the body.