Antibiotics: Reversing the Damage
A substance, such as penicillin or streptomycin, produced by or derived from certain fungi, bacteria, and other organisms, that can destroy or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms. Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Not all doctors positively prescribe antibiotics.
I remember several years ago when I visited the doctor for my acne and was prescribed doxycycline (a derivative of tetracycline – a strong acne antibiotic).Initially I was very pleased because it actually helped. I was ignorant to the damage they can cause, however as long my skin was clear – I WAS HAPPY!
Until….they stopped working and I started to get all sorts of problems stomach aches, weight gain, acne, diarrhea etc.
I was confused. Why would this start to happen?
This led to me researching the side-effects of antibiotics and natural ways of combating this serious condition! I was highly saddened and disappointed that the doctor failed to point out these side-effects let alone suggest alternatives. He just smiled as if he was trying his best to convey some form of genuine sympathy, waiting for me to leave his office before the feign smile dropped off his face!
What was even more alarming was the fact that when my sister asked the doctor whether it was advisable to take probiotics whilst on an antibiotic course, the reply was: “…what are they? Some type of vitamin?”
I couldn’t believe it, I was astonished when I was told.
It really makes me wonder whether they receive commission from pharmaceutical companies .
If the good bacteria are also destroyed, then harmful substances can get a foot hold and cause havoc, e.g. Candida albicans (aggressive yeast overgrowth). Problems associated with digestion are also always common with antibiotic intake (this definitely occurred with me).
If however, you have to take antibiotics for a finite period, then I cannot emphasize enough the simultaneous use of probiob. Probiotics are beneficial microorganism cultures – i.e. good bacteria strands – that basically replenish the good bacteria in your system and try to repair the side-effects of antibiotic use.
Whilst using probiotics, I also advise one to eat foods high in natural probiotics and prebiotics . Prebiotics are the food the good bacteria in your body thrive upon and hence it results in growth and multiplication in your gut.
Good examples of food that contain prebiotics are: artichoke, asparagus, banana, unrefined barley, garlic, green beans, honey ,leeks, unrefined oats, onions, raisins, soybeans, tomato, sprouted wheat products, whole grains etc.
By Vaibhav Gupta
