<p>Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” for your health, yet still struggle with persistent symptoms? Perhaps you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, brain fog, or even mood swings that just won’t seem to budge, despite various treatments. You might feel unheard, dismissed, or simply overwhelmed by conflicting health information, desperately searching for answers that offer real, lasting change.</p><p>At Barefoot Medicine, we understand this journey. For the last 25 years, clients have come to see Simone as a ‘last resort’ and she is commonly told ‘nothing more can be done’. You may like to <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://youtu.be/w-mIF3sM_b8?si=TQBPfej9YAj0HEEs">watch the video about how she helped her Dad in Jamaica </a>when he was told ‘nothing more can be done’ 3 years ago!</p><p>We know that true well-being isn’t about quick fixes or simply masking symptoms. It’s about diving deeper, understanding the intricate connections within your body then addressing the root causes of imbalance. When it comes to those persistent health challenges, one of the most overlooked, yet profoundly impactful areas, is the health of your gut microbiome.</p><h2 id="cabad762-e784-4383-8d8d-03c36c7284c4" data-toc-id="cabad762-e784-4383-8d8d-03c36c7284c4" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">What is the Gut Microbiome?</h2><p>I always describe the microbiome as the garden inside us that hopefully has lots of pretty flowers but often gets overrun with weeds. Antibiotics are like the weed-killer that kills everything with delicate roots, not just the weeds, but beautiful, delicate flowers as well, so then nothing thrives in that patch until it has been ‘fixed’. When there are issues further down the ‘microbiome’, that is like a compost bin: a healthy compost bin does not smell, and eventually it produces all the nutrients necessary for new growth so it is spread around the garden. When it is out-of-balance, however, it makes strange noises and does not smell nice at all…. get the picture?!</p><p>So the acid reflux, the rumbly tummy, the burping and farting is your body’s way of telling you that there is too much ‘bad bacteria’ and not enough ‘good bacteria’ to keep it in check. When it gets too bad, you may eventually go to your doctor for help.</p><p>In a world where pharmaceutical interventions are often the first line of defence, it’s easy to assume that medications only affect the specific condition they’re prescribed for. But what if I told you that many everyday drugs, from heartburn pills to painkillers, could be inadvertently disrupting the delicate ecosystem within you, potentially contributing to the very health issues you’re trying to resolve?</p><p>This isn’t about fear-mongering or telling you to stop necessary medications. It’s about empowering you with knowledge, so you can make informed choices, understand your body better, and explore holistic strategies that support your health journey from the inside out. Please bear in mind that this is just a post to trigger some thoughts and questions to help you make an informed choice about your healthcare, but under no circumstances should you stop any medication that your doctor has prescribed for you without discussing it with them first. Hopefully you are fortunate enough to have a doctor who has decided to study nutrition in addition to conventional medicine, given that it is not part of their regular training!</p><h2 id="bd66b84f-b936-453e-af0b-33832d7553e0" data-toc-id="bd66b84f-b936-453e-af0b-33832d7553e0" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Unseen Battlefield: Your Microbiome: The Foundation of Your Health</h2><img src="https://barefootmedicine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/gut-cross-section-garden-background-1024x683.jpg" alt="" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;"><p>Imagine your gut as a bustling, vibrant city, teeming with trillions of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, viruses and more. This is your microbiome, but it’s far more than just a digestive aid. It’s a critical player in almost every aspect of your health, acting as an extension of your immune system, influencing your ability to break down and digest food and even communicating with your brain to influence your mood and behaviour!</p><p>This intricate ecosystem helps to balance inflammation, maintain homeostasis and protect you from airborne or digested infections. When there is a wide range of bacteria, your body functions optimally, allowing you to feel vibrant, energetic and resilient. However, when this delicate balance is disrupted – a state known as ‘dysbiosis’ – the ripple effects can be profound, impacting everything from your digestion and nutrient absorption to your mood and immune response. Some of these effects will be obvious within days, but others develop over time, making it hard for you to link the ’cause’ with the ‘effect’.</p><p>At Barefoot Medicine, our philosophy is deeply rooted in this understanding of ‘interconnectedness’. Just as a healthy forest relies on a diverse ecosystem, your body thrives when its internal “ecosystem” is in harmony.</p><h2 id="5dae9568-7c25-4a82-8450-8d64972ca2af" data-toc-id="5dae9568-7c25-4a82-8450-8d64972ca2af" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Hidden Cost: How Common Medications Can Secretly Impact Your Gut</h2><p>For decades, medical advancements have focused on targeting specific diseases, often with incredible success. However, as our understanding of the human body deepens, particularly concerning the microbiome, we’re realizing that these powerful interventions can have unintended consequences. <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-14177-z">Research is increasingly revealing that many common medications, beyond just antibiotics, can significantly alter the composition and function of your gut microbiota.</a></p><h3 id="5133076c-8c56-4763-b8f6-cf41ea556c3c" data-toc-id="5133076c-8c56-4763-b8f6-cf41ea556c3c" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">1. The Obvious Culprits: Antibiotics, Antivirals, Antifungals, and Anthelmintics</h3><p>We all know antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria. While life-saving for bacterial infections, their broad-spectrum nature means they<a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://www.bmj.com/rapid-response/2011/10/29/dangers-broad-spectrum-antibiotics"> often eliminate beneficial gut bacteria</a> right alongside the harmful ones. This indiscriminate action reduces microbial diversity, creating an open playing field for opportunistic pathogens to flourish.</p><p>Similarly, <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/21715-antifungals">antifungals can disrupt the delicate balance of fungi in your gut,</a> which share niches with bacteria and contribute to immune balance. When this fungal community is altered, it can worsen inflammatory conditions. Antivirals and anthelmintics (anti-worm medications) also have their own specific impacts, though some antivirals, interestingly,<a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32360229/"> have shown potential to restore microbial balance in certain contexts.</a></p><h3 id="66fb9ffb-92cc-4799-b6a1-98971bc69514" data-toc-id="66fb9ffb-92cc-4799-b6a1-98971bc69514" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">2. Heartburn Helpers with Hidden Effects: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)</h3><p>Millions rely on PPIs for acid reflux and heartburn. While effective at reducing stomach acid, this reduction can have a cascading effect on your gut. Lower stomach acid allows bacteria from the mouth to more easily travel to the intestines, and it can also alter the metabolic functions of your existing gut microbiota. Studies show that <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4254461/">PPI users may experience changes in carbohydrate metabolism pathways, indicating a shift in intestinal function.</a></p><img src="https://barefootmedicine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/abdominal-pain-concept-1024x486.jpg" alt="" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; border: 0px; vertical-align: bottom;"><h3 id="9baa1a47-1ecd-44c4-b772-319d2467f9d7" data-toc-id="9baa1a47-1ecd-44c4-b772-319d2467f9d7" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">3. Pain Relief with a Price: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)</h3><p>Your go-to pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can do more than just soothe aches. NSAIDs can modify the gut microbiota’s composition and function. They can reduce beneficial commensal bacteria, such as <em>Lactobacillus</em> and <em>Bifidobacterium</em>, while favoring the growth of pathogenic species. This is often linked to <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19148789/">NSAIDs’ impact on the intestinal barrier </a>– they can inhibit prostaglandins that help maintain gut integrity, leading to increased permeability and a condition known as NSAID-induced enteropathy.</p><h3 id="d783c9c5-a318-46f4-ad34-bb356f4fa755" data-toc-id="d783c9c5-a318-46f4-ad34-bb356f4fa755" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">4. Moving Things Along: Laxatives</h3><p>While helpful for constipation, <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6061967/">certain laxatives can also impair the quality of your microbiota.</a> Accelerated intestinal transit can alter bile acid composition. Stimulant laxatives can even lead to a decrease in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are vital for intestinal health and the integrity of your gut lining.</p><h3 id="bc095951-0927-402d-b265-b6ae83768d63" data-toc-id="bc095951-0927-402d-b265-b6ae83768d63" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">5. Battling Cancer: Chemotherapeutics</h3><p>Chemotherapy agents are designed to target rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. However, <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8481611/">they can also significantly impact the gut microbiota’s composition, diversity, and functionality.</a> These changes can affect treatment efficacy and contribute to severe adverse effects like diarrhea and mucositis, further highlighting the gut’s role in overall health and treatment response.</p><h3 id="5d7c7843-f12e-4a8b-8d32-0d8a508341a7" data-toc-id="5d7c7843-f12e-4a8b-8d32-0d8a508341a7" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">6. Cholesterol Control: Statins</h3><p>Even medications for common conditions like high cholesterol can have an impact. Animal studies suggest that statins, such as atorvastatin, <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8481611/">may alter gut microbiota composition</a> by reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing intestinal pathogens, leading to dysbiosis. While statins are crucial for cardiovascular risk reduction, their interaction with the gut microbiota can influence both their effectiveness and side effect profile.</p><h3 id="fbd2d89c-43d6-4490-ac44-e6c99ab2a62a" data-toc-id="fbd2d89c-43d6-4490-ac44-e6c99ab2a62a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">7. Immune System Modulators: Immunosuppressants</h3><p>Used in conditions like autoimmune diseases or organ transplants, immunosuppressants (e.g., corticosteroids, tacrolimus) can also alter the gut microbiota. This <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928098723001409">drug-induced dysbiosis</a> can compromise the intestinal barrier, increasing its permeability and facilitating bacterial translocation. This, in turn, can lead to opportunistic infections, complications like graft rejection, and even affect the host’s immune response.</p><h3 id="183b0f8d-4f88-4d08-aedf-b37a6e7bbc6b" data-toc-id="183b0f8d-4f88-4d08-aedf-b37a6e7bbc6b" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">8. Mental Health Support: Antipsychotics</h3><p>Surprisingly, medications used to manage mental health conditions, like antipsychotics, can also influence gut microbiota composition and diversity. For instance, olanzapine and <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582584/">risperidone have been associated with weight gain.</a> Aripiprazole can increase microbial diversity but also promote increased intestinal permeability.<a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10138884/"> These changes can contribute to metabolic shifts and gastrointestinal issues</a> like constipation.</p><h2 id="378562f1-af09-490e-b65f-f2555d59e739" data-toc-id="378562f1-af09-490e-b65f-f2555d59e739" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Nuance: Not All Interactions Are Harmful</h2><p>It’s important to note that not all drug-microbiome interactions are negative. Some medications, particularly certain oral antidiabetic agents, can actually foster beneficial changes in the gut. <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27999002/">Metformin, for example, has been linked to an increase in <em>Akkermansia muciniphila</em></a>, a bacterium associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation. This highlights the complexity of the microbiome and the need for a personalized approach.</p><h2 id="43ad68f8-db77-4c43-a167-9a6832df2345" data-toc-id="43ad68f8-db77-4c43-a167-9a6832df2345" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Recognizing the Signs: Are You Experiencing Dysbiosis?</h2><p>Given the widespread use and impact of these medications, it’s no wonder that many individuals experience symptoms that can be linked to an imbalanced microbiome. Common signs of dysbiosis include:</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Abdominal distension and bloating</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Excessive flatulence</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Persistent constipation or diarrhea</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Abdominal pain or discomfort</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Chronic fatigue</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Unexplained mood swings, anxiety, or low mood</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Skin issues</p><p>*&nbsp;&nbsp; Frequent infections</p><p>If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms and feel like your concerns have been dismissed or that conventional approaches haven’t provided lasting relief, it’s time to look deeper.</p><h2 id="ddf6ac0c-ab98-4f67-96dd-c93857927f75" data-toc-id="ddf6ac0c-ab98-4f67-96dd-c93857927f75" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Beyond the Band-Aid: A Barefoot Medicine Approach to Gut Health</h2><p>At Barefoot Medicine, we believe in empowering you to take ownership of your health journey. We don’t just treat symptoms; we work with you to uncover the underlying imbalances that are holding you back from feeling your best. This means understanding the unique landscape of <em>your</em> body, including the intricate world of your gut microbiome and its metabolic function.</p><p>While discontinuing necessary medications is not always an option and should <strong><em>never </em></strong>be done without consulting your prescribing doctor, there are powerful, evidence-based strategies to support your gut health and mitigate the unintended effects of these drugs. This often involves:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Targeted Nutritional Support:</strong> Tailoring your diet to <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://www.livingplaterx.com/360health/ai/signup">nourish beneficial bacteria and reduce inflammation.</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Strategic Supplementation</strong>: Using high-quality probiotics and prebiotics when appropriate and specifically indicated through functional testing, rather than a one-size-fits-all over-the-counter supplement.</p></li><li><p><strong>Lifestyle Modifications</strong>: Incorporating practices like stress management, adequate sleep and physical activity, all of which profoundly impact gut health.</p></li><li><p>Personalized Health Strategy: Crafting a roadmap that addresses your unique needs, charts your health history and uncovers the root cause of what led you to where you are today, then crucially maps the way to where you would like to be in the future.</p></li></ul><p>This holistic approach, central to our <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://youtu.be/G8j5zVXNcFc">D.A.R.I.N.G. Approach™ to Health</a><a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://youtu.be/he9F7aTpLsY?si=2Rx9DSV8vhF1B0kp">,</a> helps your body re-establish balance, build resilience, and move towards lasting well-being.</p><h2 id="97b7ddb3-e68c-4682-9fc6-79c9c037b82b" data-toc-id="97b7ddb3-e68c-4682-9fc6-79c9c037b82b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Your Next Step Towards Lasting Well-being: The Metabolic Function Test</h2><p>Understanding the general impact of medications on the microbiome is a powerful first step. But to truly unlock your path to optimal health, you need to understand <em>your</em> specific metabolic landscape. This is where a Metabolic Function Test becomes invaluable.</p><p>This advanced test is done on a urine sample that provides a detailed snapshot of your body’s nutrient status and metabolic pathways. It can reveal:</p><ul><li><p>nutrient deficiencies** that might be impacting your gut and overall health.</p></li><li><p>Oxidative stress and inflammation markers**, which are often exacerbated by dysbiosis.</p></li><li><p>Mitochondrial dysfunction**, indicating how efficiently your cells are producing energy.</p></li><li><p>Neurotransmitter imbalances**, linking directly to mood and cognitive function, influenced by the gut-brain axis.</p></li><li><p>Detoxification pathways**, crucial for processing medications and environmental toxins.</p></li></ul><p>By identifying these unique imbalances, a Metabolic Function Test provides the precise, personalized insights we need to build a truly effective healing strategy for <strong><em>you</em></strong>. It takes the guesswork out of your health journey, offering clear direction and empowering you with the knowledge to reclaim your vitality.</p><p>This isn’t just a test; it’s a key to understanding your body’s unique story and crafting a personalized roadmap towards lasting health. It’s about moving from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to feeling empowered and in control, on your way to feeling ten years younger.</p><h2 id="6d67ab2c-3a2c-467f-9420-0e4ef9dc0b44" data-toc-id="6d67ab2c-3a2c-467f-9420-0e4ef9dc0b44" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Ready to Uncover the Root Causes and Reclaim Your Health?</h2><p>If you’re tired of feeling unheard, frustrated by chronic symptoms, and ready to explore a personalized, evidence-based path to well-being, we invite you to take the next step.</p><h2 id="163f5a44-9f7f-49b2-8c58-ee37eaa18076" data-toc-id="163f5a44-9f7f-49b2-8c58-ee37eaa18076" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://secure.gethealthie.com/appointments/embed_appt?dietitian_id=573828&amp;require_offering=true&amp;offering_id=44447&amp;hide_package_images=false&amp;primary_color=000000"><strong>Book a FREE Discovery call</strong></a><strong> with Simone at Barefoot Medicine today.</strong></h2><p>You don’t have to navigate the complexities of modern health alone. <a target="_blank" class="ek-link" href="https://barefootmedicine.co.uk/about-simone/">Simone Buehner</a> is here to guide you, offering compassionate, clear and empowering support every step of the way.</p>

Common medications have an influence on many aspects of your health, not only the symptoms that they target, but also the other vital body systems such as the gut.  

The Hidden Impact of Common Medications on Your Gut Health

The Unseen Battlefield: Your Microbiome: The Foundation of Your Health

The Hidden Cost: How Common Medications Can Secretly Impact Your Gut

1. The Obvious Culprits: Antibiotics, Antivirals, Antifungals, and Anthelmintics

2. Heartburn Helpers with Hidden Effects: Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

3. Pain Relief with a Price: Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

7. Immune System Modulators: Immunosuppressants

The Nuance: Not All Interactions Are Harmful

Recognizing the Signs: Are You Experiencing Dysbiosis?

Beyond the Band-Aid: A Barefoot Medicine Approach to Gut Health

Your Next Step Towards Lasting Well-being: The Metabolic Function Test

Ready to Uncover the Root Causes and Reclaim Your Health?

Book a FREE Discovery call with Simone at Barefoot Medicine today.

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The Hidden Impact of Common Medications on Your Gut Health

The Hidden Impact of Common Medications on Your Gut Health

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