Taking Antibiotics? You May Want to Avoid This Common Food

When taking antibiotics to treat an infection, most people pay close attention to when they should take their medication and how long the treatment should last. But what about the foods and drinks they consume during treatment? According to a scientific study published in the journal Nature, diet may play an important role in how the gut's bacterial population responds to antibiotics, particularly when it comes to sugar consumption.

Researchers examined how dietary habits influence the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive system, during medical treatment. Their findings suggest that consuming large amounts of added sugar while taking broad-spectrum antibiotics may contribute to changes in the balance of gut bacteria.

How Sugar May Affect Gut Bacteria During Antibiotic Treatment

The study found that patients who consumed higher amounts of sweets and sugary drinks while receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics experienced a reduction in the diversity of bacteria in their digestive systems.

At the same time, researchers observed an increase in Enterococcus bacteria. Although some species of these bacteria naturally live in the human gut, certain strains can cause serious infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.

The researchers analyzed more than 9,000 meals and hundreds of laboratory samples from patients preparing to undergo stem cell transplants. They found that higher consumption of added sugars, sports drinks, and sweetened nutritional supplements was associated with changes in the gut's bacterial population, particularly during periods of antibiotic treatment.

To better understand what might be causing these changes, the researchers also conducted controlled experiments in mice. Animals given both antibiotics and sucrose, a common form of sugar, showed increased growth of Enterococcus bacteria. However, mice given sugar without antibiotics did not experience the same effect.

These findings suggest that sugar and antibiotics may interact in ways that influence the gut microbiome, rather than sugar alone being responsible for the observed changes.

Should You Avoid Sugar While Taking Antibiotics?

Although the findings are interesting, the researchers emphasize that the human data show an association rather than definitive proof of cause and effect. The study does not establish that reducing sugar intake during antibiotic treatment will necessarily prevent harmful changes in gut bacteria.

It's also important to remember that the patients involved were preparing for stem cell transplants, a medically vulnerable group whose circumstances may differ significantly from those of otherwise healthy people taking antibiotics for common infections.

The findings nevertheless highlight the importance of considering diet alongside medication, particularly when treatments can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the digestive system.

Maintaining a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods, while limiting sugary drinks and heavily processed foods, remains a sensible approach to supporting overall health.

Most importantly, antibiotics should always be taken according to your doctor's instructions. Never stop, shorten, or change a prescribed course of treatment without consulting a healthcare professional.