New Scientist: "She says the findings reinforce the message that antibiotics should be used only when absolutely necessary. She also suggests that patients who have just finished antibiotic treatment should also receive 'probiotic' tablets containing 'good' gut bacteria.

Eating foods such as raw fruit and vegetables also helps to restore the natural balance in our guts. 'Once you are done with the antibiotics you are not finished,' adds Huffnagle. 'You need to recover from the treatment itself."