Antibiotics cause persistent harm to your intestinal flora
Scaling back on antibiotic use is a positive trend for our overall well-being. While these wonder drugs are crucial for combating bacterial infections, overuse or misuse can land us in hot water - or rather, create a hostile environment in our guts.
Research points to the devastating impact of repeated antibiotic use on our gut's friendly microbes and the delivery system that acts as a protective shield. The bad news is, the effects can linger long after the last pill is swallowed.
One international collaboration of researchers sought to uncover the long-term impact of recurrent antibiotic use. They analyzed the microbiomes of individuals who had taken at least five courses of antibiotics in the past, comparing them to those who had abstained from antibiotics for over a decade.
The findings revealed that bacterial composition in the gut was indeed altered following repeated antibiotic use, and these changes could persist for months. Furthermore, the researchers transplanted human microbiota into mice and discovered that greater amounts of bacteria damaging the mucus layer were present in the mice, suggesting that these individuals are at a higher risk of developing leaky gut syndrome.
In a separate research project, antibiotics were shown to directly damage the mucus lining, yet another avenue through which antibiotics can cause harm.
To mitigate damage, it's essential to balance antibiotic use with probiotics, which aid in restoring gut health. Food sources like yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso are rich in probiotics, or you can try supplements containing live cultures, just be sure to consume them two hours apart from your antibiotics for best results.
Don't forget that well-being and longevity hinge on the proper balance of alkalinity in your body. When you're swimming in the right pH, your health will flourish while illness fades away.
Sources:
- Antibiotics damage the colonic mucus barrier in a microbiota-independent manner - Science Advances
- Antibiotics damage the protective mucus layer in the gut - ScienceDaily
- Antibiotic Use and Stewardship in the United States, 2023 Update: Progress and Opportunities - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1.Studies have revealed that repeated antibiotic use can alter the bacterial composition in the gut, and these changes could persist for months, potentially increasing the risk of developing leaky gut syndrome.
2.Research suggests that antibiotics can directly damage the mucus lining in the gut, further exacerbating the harmful impact of antibiotic use on our health.
3.To counteract the damage caused by antibiotics, it's crucial to balance their use with probiotics, which help restore the balance of gut flora. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso, or one can consider supplements containing live cultures.
4.Maintaining an appropriate pH balance in the body is key to promoting well-being and healthy aging. Ensuring a proper alkalinity levels helps the body function optimally and ward off illness.
