The effect of antibiotics on gut flora

One in four New Zealanders report they have previously used probiotics and the most common reason for their use was following a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics do not only target and kill bad bacteria, but they also kill good bacteria in the gut. Even with a routine antibiotic course - prescribed to kill just one or a few pathogens – it can quickly result in major disturbances of your gut flora. For many, this gut flora disturbance often results in unpleasant symptoms such as stomach discomfort and an upset tummy.