What to Do After a Parasite Cleanse: Gut Recovery, Diet, Probiotics, and Prevention

That means the question is not simply:

“Should I take probiotics?”

A better question is:

“What am I hoping the probiotic will accomplish, and is there evidence for that particular strain or product?”

Probiotic Foods vs Supplements

People interested in adding probiotic-containing foods may consider options such as:

• Yogurt with live cultures
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Certain other fermented foods

These foods can be introduced gradually if tolerated.

A supplement may provide a more specific dose and strain combination, but that does not automatically make it better.

NCCIH notes that probiotic effects vary considerably depending on the microorganism involved.

5. Don't Assume Your Gut Microbiome Needs to Be “Rebuilt From Zero”

The idea that a cleanse completely wipes out the gut microbiome and therefore requires a dramatic rebuilding program is often overstated.

Your intestinal microbiome is a complex ecosystem containing many types of microorganisms.

Diet, medications, infections, environment and numerous other factors can influence its composition.

Probiotics may have effects on the microbial community, but the science is much more complex than simply replacing “bad bacteria” with “good bacteria.”

NCCIH notes that microbiome and probiotic research remains an active field and that different probiotics may act in different ways.

A varied, sustainable diet is therefore a reasonable foundation before adding an elaborate stack of gut-health supplements.

6. Consider Prebiotic Foods

Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same thing.

NCCIH defines prebiotics as nondigestible food components that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of desirable microorganisms.

In practical terms, many fiber-containing plant foods can contribute compounds that interact with the gut microbiome.

A varied post-cleanse diet might therefore include:

• Oats
• Legumes
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Seeds

You do not necessarily need a specialized “gut rebuilding powder” simply to begin eating a more varied plant-based diet.