Listen to your Gut, before you pop a pill.
A change in season often brings with it a new set of ailments. Come down with a cold that won’t go away? Or, a stomach infection that is making it difficult for you to eat well? You may quickly wonder if you need antibiotics.
Antibiotics can harm you. Don’t look so shocked! Why do you think you need to B-complex or other probiotics when you are on antibiotics? Scientists have been saying this for some time, and now they are louder than ever – don’t pop pills unless you absolutely need them.
It is true that antibiotics help to remove bacteria and fight infection. Sometimes there is no choice other than antibiotics to restore the body to its normal functioning capacity. But think carefully, haven’t there been times when you could have avoided them? If you are in the habit of taking antibiotics for the smallest of ailments, you may be doing your body grievous damage in the long run. How, you ask? Read on to find out.
1. Negative Effect on Gut Flora
Did you know that there are more than a 100 trillion bacteria of different strains in our intestines? Some are definitely harmful but most are beneficial, and they are called gut flora. These are the guys who aid in digestion and build up your immunity.
Taking antibiotics disturbs the delicate balance in the intestines. Strong antibiotics not only combat harmful bacteria but also attack and destroy important gut flora. All this time, bacteria which have developed immunity to antibiotics are unaffected and keep growing. This can lead to permanent changes in the balance of the intestinal bacteria. Considering that you owe more than 80% of your body’s disease-fighting power to gut flora, this is scary.
2. Increased Frequency of Stomach Infections
Did you know that, when you get a cold, it is most likely a viral infection? That means that antibiotics can do nothing for you. Despite this fact, a large number of antibiotics get prescribed for a common cold. When this happens, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like C. diff goes up. This leaves adults, and especially children with low immunity levels dangerously susceptible to stomach infections. The result can be severe diarrhea, sometimes even causing death.
The best way you can fight a viral infection is by aiding your body to increase its immunity – this means intake of Vitamin C rich foods, plenty of sunlight and healthy meals. Avoid antibiotics unless your doctor is completely convinced that you have a bacterial infection.
3. Can Cause Mental Issues
Researchers have recently shown that gut flora imbalance can lead to various mental issues, especially in children. Behavioral and eating disorders can be traced back to the excessive use of antibiotics upsetting the intestinal flora balance. Could you have imagined that? It gives you all the more reason to be cautious with antibiotics.
4. Good Bacteria Can Go Rogue
The scary thing about antibiotic-resistant bacteria is that they can give this trait to other bacteria not only through reproduction but also by simply passing it on. Imagine a message traveling from one person to another in a room. Well, these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can do exactly that, they can horizontally transfer their rogue characteristics to the next bacteria. This possibly happens through the secretion of genes through membranes. While scientists find a way to stop that, the chances of your body responding to antibiotic treatment, when it genuinely needs it, go down. You definitely want to stay clear of such issues.
5. Jump in Cases of Untreatable Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, also called ‘clap’ is a disease which is transmitted through infected body fluids. If it cannot be treated, it can have serious effects like ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal infertility, and neonatal eye infections. An unborn child can get the condition through an infected mother. The majority of incidents of gonorrhea occur in younger people.
The scary part is that there is a strain of bacteria which has developed resistance to gonorrhea antibiotics. This means that constant research is required to study the new bacteria and combat its effects.
6. Increased Costs for the Same Infections
As bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, a lot of cheap antibiotics, some of them generic, become outdated. New research is required to bring out new antibiotics, which are of course more expensive. Hospital stays become longer and treatment costs burgeon. This increases the burden on patients.
To Conclude –
Listen to your Gut
With so many things that can go wrong when you take antibiotics it is best to stay clear of them unless your doctor says it is absolutely essential. Also, remember the few ground rules of taking antibiotics – always complete the dose and never self-medicate with a leftover tab of antibiotics. You will just end up feeding the antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ask yourself – Can you summon up the patience and strength to let your body fight it out? Can you try natural home remedies for a few days? If yes, do your body a big favor and stay clear of antibiotics. Help your body become healthier and stronger instead of weaker. Go natural, eat healthy and exercise regularly to stay fighting fit.
