Thanks very much for your kind words, Nina. I agree, we should all strive to be part of the solution, together. We are happy to have you here in our community! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thank you for your feedback, Akiiki. We appreciate the comment. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thank you for the question, Susan!

When on antibiotics, try to take a probiotic a few hours apart from the dose, to lessen collateral damage to “good” bacteria. Immediately afterward, focus on a diet rich in prebiotic fibers (from garlic, onions, leeks, green bananas, oats, etc.), since those feed any remaining or newly arriving beneficial microbes. Incorporate fermented foods with live cultures (like sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh) to help reintroduce helpful bacteria. Avoid ultra-processed foods, excessive sugar, and alcohol—they tend to impair recovery. Also support your gut with plenty of hydration, good sleep, stress reduction, and moderate exercise. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Fermented foods can certainly be helpful in rebuilding and keeping the microbiome healthy. Thanks for the comment, Marie-Rose. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this, Deanna!

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to restore your gut health, even if it feels like your microbiome doesn’t stand a chance. The gut is remarkably resilient when nourished properly, and a whole foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet offers one of the best foundations for rebuilding it, so you are already doing the right thing. Diets rich in fiber from legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds have been shown to promote microbial diversity, which is key to a healthy gut. Including prebiotic-rich foods like onions, garlic, leeks, and asparagus helps feed beneficial bacteria, while adding fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and miso can introduce helpful microbes directly.

We have a course coming out soon that is all about the microbiome and gut health. It may be something you’ll want to watch for! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Hi Al, this may be a question to ask your practitioner or dentist, as the reasons behind this type of treatment may vary from patient to patient. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thank you for the question, Elaine! Yes, being vegetarian can lower some of the risk of exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, though it doesn’t eliminate the risk entirely. In many parts of the world, animals raised for meat are routinely given antibiotics, which can promote the development of resistant bacteria — so eating less meat reduces direct exposure through that route. Research also shows that vegetarians, especially vegans, tend to carry fewer antibiotic resistance genes in their gut microbiome compared to omnivores. However, antibiotic resistance can still spread through other pathways such as contaminated water, soil, produce fertilized with animal manure, or personal antibiotic use, so avoiding meat is helpful but not a complete safeguard. I hope this helps. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thank you so much, Rick. We’re so happy that our information is useful for you and your family! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

This is definitely something to ponder as we all learn more about microbiome and immune health! Thank you for sharing your experience. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team