Skip universal probiotics after antibiotics

Do not automatically take a multi-strain probiotic supplement after finishing antibiotics. The Weizmann Institute research found that standard probiotics can actually delay microbiome restoration compared to doing nothing.

Why It Works (Against You)

When antibiotics clear the gut, a limited set of probiotic strains can colonize the empty space and crowd out the return of your original diverse community. The study found that autologous fecal microbiota transplant (your own pre-antibiotic stool) restored the microbiome fastest, while probiotics significantly delayed recovery.

Tips

• S. boulardii is the exception — as a yeast, it does not compete with bacterial recolonization and has strong evidence for antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention
• Focus on dietary diversity (fiber, fermented foods, plants) to support natural recolonization
• This finding applies specifically to the post-antibiotic recovery period, not to all probiotic use
• If you do take a probiotic during antibiotics, consider stopping it shortly after the course ends