It seems every time me or my family go to the doctor over the last 5 years when we are sick the first thing prescribed is antibiotics. I've heard people criticize doctors over this and wondered if there was something to this so i decided to do a little research. Doctors need to make sure patients understand the pros and cons and explain all side effects of all prescribed medication.
What i found really disturbed me. But first a little background on antibiotics.
First off the term antibiotics means "against life." Antibiotics are used to kill bacterial infections but in the process of killing the bad bacteria it also KILLS THE GOOD! There are several types of antibiotics and some are worse than others for the good bacteria. The antibiotics prescribed are usually to kill the bad bacteria in your gut but in doing so can expose your intestinal walls to unprocessed foods and irritants that can cause inflammation and other digestive irritations.
Some of the problems caused by antibiotics that have been proven in clinical studies are:
1)flatulence or embarrassing gas
2)some constipation
3)painful bloating
4)heartburn
5)diarrhea
6)upset stomach
7)leaky gut
8)food allergies and sensitivities some linked to asthma
9)bad breath
10)yeast infections
11)reoccurring illness or colds
12)anal itching around the rectum
13)prevalence of cold sores(herpes simplex)
14)acne
15)vaginitis
16)headaches
17)hypoglycemia
In more extreme cases where a patient uses them over long periods of time, has high doses or incorrectly uses them can actually cause some of the bad bacteria like Clostridium difficile—or even pestering yeast such as Candida albicans—to grow and colonize in the bowels due to the patient developing tolerance to the drugs. This bad bacteria can cause health problems such as diarrhea, yeast infections, allergies, fatigue and even worse! There have been some growing concerns about a very strong type of antibiotic called Fluoroquinolones. Some people have reported brain damage in some cases.
Some of the good bacteria in your intestines(colon) like lactobacteria and beneficial flora which synthesize important vitamins for your body like vitamin K and some B vitamins as well as helping your colon maintain a proper pH balance. For adults one of the first indicators that normal bacteria levels are critically low id bad breath. If you are not replenishing these good bacteria you are indirectly setting our self up for future health problems.. Lactobacteria are the only elements in your body that keep candida and harmful infections under control. without these bacteria candida spread like wildfire. A candida infection suppresses the immune system
Bad breath is a result of low intestinal bacterial levels not your mouth that it commonly touted by dentists. That's why your breath stinks even after you brush, floss and use mouthwash.
If your colon has been impaired for prolonged periods the food decays and eventually putrefies your body produces enormous amounts of mucus in your system to try to clear out the toxic side effects.
Yet At times the taking of antibiotics can be necessary, even life saving. My some had a serious bacterial infection when he was 2 years old and was prescribed an antibiotic. As a side-effect he developed a yeast infection(thrush) at the back of his tongue and throat. It took several months to get rid of that after he stops using the antibiotics.
I myself have asthma and require the use of inhalers. If i do not drink liquids after my inhalations of the steroids i will develop a yeast infection in my throat as well. I did experience several of these symptoms myself and went on a week long cleanse. to clear out my colon and replenish all the good bacteria in it. I'm happy to say it was a success. I do not endorse prolonged cleanses since your body naturally cleanses itself it you take proper care of it. The problem in our society is that most do not.
If you want to be proactive some steps you can take to avoid having to take antibiotics in the first place are:
1)Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Raw preferably since chlorophyll feed the god bacteria. cooked and processed food actually feeds that bad bacteria
2)Some dairy products are a good source of friendly bacteria(lactobacillus) like yogurt and kefir.
3)Reduce meat consumption. It's interesting to note that many of the opponents to vegetarianism insist that if one doesn't east meat one has no source of vitamin B-12 and is undernourished. That theory is rather upside-down. Those who eat meat destroy the B-12 as soon as they cook it. Meat eaters generally have a very poor intestinal flora (little or no friendly bacteria) and are therefore unable to produce or assimilate B-12 properly. Vegetarians who have a healthy intestinal flora are able to produce it.
4)Alcohol- it destroys enzymes and lactobacteria, not to mention actual cells (particularly brain cells)
5)Coffee- each cup can destroy 20% of the friendly bacteria in your gut.
6)Bread- especially white flour or any wheat bread that was baked in an oven.
7)Sugar- that includes breakfast cereals, chocolate, cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream, soda pop, etc.
8)Fried foods- e.g. potato chips, fries, and anything fried in oil.
If your already experiencing low levels of good bacteria you should go on a cleanse. Its the first step since using supplementation to revive your bacteria is useless if your bowels are full of garbage. After you clean your system then start with supplementation to revive your intestinal bacteria.
If you are experiencing a yeast infection you can take supplementation to kill off the yeast in your bowels then use the supplements to revive your good bacteria.
Some ways to support your system while taking antibiotics
1)Probiotic Supplements
Antibiotics don't just kill the bacteria causing your sickness; they also wipe out beneficial bacteria (called probiotics) that contribute to a healthy digestive system. Taking a probiotic supplement could help prevent gastrointestinal problems resulting from antibiotic use, according to a research review published in 2008. Probiotics, also found in fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, can help stave
2.Herbal Tea
If you experience nausea while taking antibiotics, try sipping ginger tea to soothe your stomach. Another common complaint among patients on antibiotics? Loose stools, which may be relieved by drinking raspberry leaf tea.
3.Milk Thistle
Taking antibiotics can tax your liver, which is responsible for breaking down the medications you ingest. The herb milk thistle has been associated with protective antioxidant effects on the liver.