Post-Antibiotic Support: How to Restore Gut Health Naturally

Antibiotics save lives — but they can also disrupt your gut microbiome, leaving you with bloating, digestive upset, or a weaker immune system. If you’ve just finished a prescription, this guide walks through how to restore gut health after antibiotics using natural, research-backed strategies — plus my favorite probiotics, colostrum, minerals, and collagen that truly help with recovery.

Why Post-Antibiotic Support Matters

When you take antibiotics, they don’t just kill the “bad” bacteria causing infection. They also wipe out beneficial microbes in your gut. This disruption can cause side effects like diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, and even long-term microbiome imbalances. That’s why post-antibiotic support is key for both gut and immune health.

Probiotics After Antibiotics: The Foundation of Gut Healing

One of the best-studied strategies for gut healing after antibiotics is using probiotics. Research shows they reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and help restore beneficial bacteria more quickly. Four of the most researched probiotics that can help post antibiotics are Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

My Favorite probiotics after antibiotics:

• Dr Green Mom Antibiotic Support Probiotic — contains Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. (Save with code: holisticheidi10)

• SFI Ther-Biotic ABx Support Probiotics — practitioner-grade, contains Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. (Save 20% with this link)

💡 Pro tip: Take your probiotic at least 2–3 hours away from your antibiotic dose, and continue it for 4–8 weeks after finishing your prescription.

Colostrum for Gut Health

Bovine colostrum is rich in growth factors and immune-supporting compounds that can help strengthen the gut lining and improve microbiome recovery. Many people find colostrum soothing after digestive upset.

One of my favorites is ARMRA Colostrum — a concentrated, clean colostrum I personally use to help restore my gut after antibiotics. (save with code: holisticheidi)

Fermented Foods for Gut Health

Adding fermented foods after antibiotics is another natural way to reseed your gut with beneficial bacteria. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi all contain probiotics that encourage microbial diversity. Start slow with just a tablespoon or two per day if you’re sensitive.

Collagen & Bone Broth for Gut Repair

Collagen provides amino acids that support the intestinal lining and connective tissue repair. Bone broth is also rich in minerals and gelatin that calm and nourish digestion. If you can make your own organic bone broth it will be so much more nutrient dense than store bought. However, I don't always have the time to make my own bone broth so I do always keep Bone Broth Powder on hand for when I need it. Bone broth is also rich in protein and Paleo Valley makes amazing Bone Broth Protein Powders.

My favorites Collagen and Bone Broth:

• Perfect Supplements Hydrolyzed Collagen — easy to mix into smoothies and coffee. (Save with code: holisticheidi10)

• Perfect Supplements Bone Broth Powder — simple, soothing gut nourishment. Add to soups or warm liquids. (Save with code: holisticheidi10)

• Paleo Valley Bone Broth Protein Powder - an easy and delicious way to incorporate bone broth into your day. Add it to some milk or another liquid for a delicious nutritious treat. (Save 15% on Paleo Valley with this link)

Restore Minerals and Hydration

Antibiotic use and diarrhea can deplete essential minerals. Restoring electrolytes and trace minerals helps your body recover more quickly.

👉 My go-to: Olivia Minerals Mineral Boost — a gentle way to replenish what your body needs. (Organic Olivia discount code: heidi)

Prebiotics and Probiotics After Antibiotics

Remember: probiotics reseed, but prebiotics feed the probiotics. Adding fiber-rich foods like garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, green bananas, and cooked/cooled potatoes can help beneficial microbes thrive. Start slow and listen to your gut.

Quick Post-Antibiotic Support Plan

1. Start probiotics after antibiotics.

2. Add colostrum for gut health.

3. Include fermented foods for gut healing (yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir).

4. Support repair with collagen and bone broth.

5. Restore hydration and balance with trace minerals.

6. Eat prebiotic-rich foods to help your microbiome flourish.

My Favorite Products for Gut Healing After Antibiotics

Here are the trusted brands I use and recommend (affiliate links included):

• Dr Green Mom Probiotics (Dr. Green Mom discount code: holisticheidi10)

• SFI Probiotics (Click here to save 20% on it through Fullscript)

• ARMRA Colostrum (Armra discount code: holisticheidi)

• Olivia Minerals (Organic Olivia discount code: heidi)

• Perfect Supplements Collagen (Perfect Supplements discount code:holisticheidi10)

• Perfect Supplements Bone Broth (Perfect Supplements discount code: holisticheidi10)

• Paleo Valley Bone Broth Protein Powder (15% off Paleo Valley with this link)

Final Thoughts

If you’ve recently finished a prescription, don’t just move on and hope your gut bounces back. With the right post-antibiotic support, you can restore your microbiome, rebuild gut lining integrity, and strengthen your overall health naturally. Check with your favorite health care provider if you have questions on whether these might be helpful for you.

NOTE: this blog does contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission or product credit if you choose to use my links. I only share products I use and love in hopes they bless you to!