Clinical Insight: Antibiotics: do they cause weight gain and bloating? How to balance side effects | Ep. 249
At some point or another, most of us have had to take antibiotics.
They’re often necessary—and sometimes even life-saving. But what we don’t talk about enough is what happens next.
If you’ve ever felt “off” in the weeks or months after a round of antibiotics—maybe you’ve noticed bloating, unexpected weight gain, or suddenly feeling sensitive to foods that never bothered you before—this episode is a must-listen.
Antibiotics don’t just wipe out bad bacteria. They also destroy the beneficial microbes that support digestion, immunity, metabolism, and more. And unfortunately, most doctors don’t offer much guidance on how to restore your microbiome afterward.
In this clinical insight episode, Dr. Bart shares the real-world case of a patient whose gut—and health—spiraled after a vacation and two rounds of antibiotics. What starts as a stomach bug ends in inflammation, weight gain, and a total loss of food tolerance… but Dr. Bart will show you exactly how they got things back on track.
Inside this episode:
- The hidden cost of antibiotics—and why the side effects often show up 6–8 weeks later
- How antibiotics may be tied to unexplained bloating, stubborn weight gain, or sudden food sensitivities
- The “good” gut bacteria most people don’t know about (but desperately need for metabolism and oxalate breakdown)
- The simple test that can reveal if your gut is missing key microbes
- Why probiotics alone might not be enough—and what to combine them with for real recovery
- The critical timing and type of probiotics to use before, during, and after antibiotics
- Dr. Bart’s go-to plan for restoring your gut microbiome and getting your digestion back on track
Whether you’ve recently taken antibiotics—or did years ago and never quite felt the same since—this episode will give you a powerful framework to start healing your gut from the inside out.
Realizing you need to recalibrate your gut? Here’s the key supplements mentioned in the episode:
- Zymex Probiotic Wafers – Acidify and protect your gut
- Zypan Digestive Enzyme – Support nutrient breakdown and reduce bloating
- Want to test your microbiome? Email us to order your at-home stool test kit
Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Bart Precourt
Founder of The Health Made Simple Show
Doctor of Chiropractic
Register for the Health Made Simple Show
If you are interested in registering for the Health Made Simple Show please visit https://healthmadesimpleshow.com/