The effect of antibiotic use on the digestive system Most of us have heard of antibiotic resistance - basically a type of drug resistance where a micro- organism can withstand exposure to an antibiotic. This regrettable occurrence is considered to have come about due to over-prescription and reliance on antibiotics. Even so, long-term application and unnecessary use of antibiotics has other major side effects besides resistance. One of the most important effects is their impact on the digestive tract and the balance of micro flora in the gut. How can antibiotics damage the digestive system? Antibiotics work by either wiping out bacteria (bacteriocidal antibiotics) or by stopping bacteria from growing (bacteriostatic antibiotics). Unquestionably, they can be effective in overcoming bacterial infections, despite the antibiotic resistance that occurs. Having said that, as mentioned above, they do carry a threat of complications. One of the main difficulties with antibiotic use is that, while they're intended to destroy bacterial cells, they cannot be programmed to kill only harmful bacteria (i.e. the pathogen causing the condition). Unfortunately, they also destroy the vital good bacteria. Good bacteria exist in their millions throughout the body - on the skin, in openings like the oral cavity, nose area and genitals and, most importantly, in the intestines of the digestive system. They undertake essential functions at all of these areas, however their most important role is to protect our bodies against prospective pathogens. The antibiotics are therefore damaging our bodies’ natural ability to defend itself in the future. How can an imbalance of intestinal flora affect your health? Healthy intestinal flora is important for numerous bodily activities, including forming stools, sustaining a healthy digestive system and generating important vitamins (such as B vitamins). Yet, they're most crucial to the ideal functioning of our immune systems. You may well be surprised to learn that the most important part of our immune system is in our gut. Actually, 70% of all antibody producing cells within the body are situated in what is termed “Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue” or GALT. This represents the biggest group of immune cells in the body. Imbalances of gut flora can have a number of unpleasant side effects and manifest itself in many ways. For example, fungi (like Candida albicans) and bacteria like pathogenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and C difficile may well make the most of the opportunity presented by the body's reduced resistance, which means that they are then better able to grow more easily. This is a primary reason why antibiotic courses normally lead to thrush (a yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth). In a similar fashion, C difficile infections have become prevalent in hospital wards and rest homes over the past 10 years. This is because, after antibiotic treatments, the C difficile can grow rapidly in the absence of the body's natural restrictions. The bacteria produce toxic compounds that inflame and kill the cells that line the large intestine, which can cause intense diarrhoea and internal bleeding. Several other digestive ailments and complaints are also quite typical, such as dysbiosis, toxic bowels and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) to mention just a few. Various trials have also identified variations between the gut flora of obese people and individuals of optimal size, suggesting that an imbalance could possibly cause problems for your weight and/or make it more difficult to reduce weight. How to maintain a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria Research indicates that the injury caused by antibiotics to the gut can last for a far longer period than was previously believed. Stanford University experts in the USA examined the friendly gut bacteria in three healthy adult women both before and after each of 2 cycles on an antibiotic. After the first round, they discovered that the medication affected the level of the women's friendly bacteria in the gut drastically, even perhaps permanently. After the second cycle half a year later, they discovered that the impact was even greater. As a result, it is advisable to take antibiotics only when absolutely necessary, i.e. when an infection is bad enough to cause discomfort and distress, or is life threatening or a risk to others. They should never be used as a repeated “quick fix” for small afflictions and lengthy programmes ought to be avoided wherever reasonably practicable. If antibiotic intake is unavoidable, many individuals find it helpful to supplement their diets with additional friendly bacteria (called probiotics), before, during and after the programme of antibiotics is finished. It is believed that this will help to re-populate the digestive tract with the healthy bacteria that the antibiotics have decimated. * Before taking supplements, you are recommended to consult a physician or qualified health practitioner - particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.    © Specialist Supplements Ltd 2011  0845 094 3627 [Allergy] [Bad Breath] [Bloating] [Colitis] [Constipation] [Crohn’s Disease] [Diarrhea] [Diverticulitis] [Flatulence] [Halitosis] [Irritable Bowel Syndrome] [IBS] [Indigestion] [Leaky Gut Syndrome] [ibsdiarrhea.hypermart.net/1] [Lactobacillus acidophilus and Plantarum probiotic bacterium] [Probiotic Bacteria] [HTML Sitemap] [Diets and Health Information] [Natural Menopause Herbs] [Weight Loss Pages] [Probiotic and Herbal Supplements] [ibsdiarrhea.hypermart.net/2]   Your health is your responsibility Suppliers of probiotic bacteria supplements Suppliers of probiotic bacteria supplements Suppliers of probiotic bacteria supplements This is an information site only! 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