Antibiotics are bactericides manufactured to destroy or inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that cause infection and disease. Unfortunately, studies seem to indicate that antibiotics destroy some beneficial bacteria as well (good bugs).
Benefits of Antibiotics
It’s safe to say that the discovery and evolution of antibiotics have had a profound impact on our world. They are widely used to treat common infections. They have made treatable, and in some cases all but eradicated, deadly and infectious diseases such as leprosy, meningitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Concerns with Taking Antibiotics
There are several causes for concern with taking antibiotics.
Some strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (which causes serious skin infections) have developed resistance to antibiotics and require multiple rounds of different antibiotics to find one that works for each patient. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a societal problem, and some doctors are prescribing antibiotics less liberally than in previous decades in order to reduce this problem.
Antibiotics are not equally effective for everyone, and some sources indicate they may cause some very serious side effects. Taking antibiotics may increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and digestive disorders such as leaky gut syndrome and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). (source)
Evidence is emerging that gut flora do not bounce back quickly after a round of antibiotics, even when probiotics are introduced concurrently. Damage to the microbiome may be long term or even permanent (source).
People may receive more antibiotics than they realize through food sources, as the North American dairy and meat production industries use antibiotics liberally to prevent infection in crowded feedlots.
How to Offset Negative Side Effects of Antibiotics
It may be necessary to take antibiotics for serious infections, but it’s important to be aware that a course of antibiotics will also neutralize the healthy flora in the gut.
Some physicians are now prescribing concurrent doses of probiotics with antibiotics, particularly for children. Some people may find it sufficient to increase their intake of probiotic foods, while others note better results from a high-quality probiotic supplement. Even so, it may take several years for gut flora to return to their previous levels.
Natural Antibiotic Options (Antibacterials & Antifungals)
Before the widespread use of the antibiotics we know today, mild infections were treated by natural means. Some common treatments moved out of the mainstream once antibiotics became widely available.
Here are a few common, natural products historically used for prevention and treatment of mild infections (topically or internally):
- Garlic
- Oil of oregano
- Honey
- Tea tree oil
- Witch hazel
- Castor Oil
- Cayenne pepper
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Echinacea
While antibiotics are sometimes necessary and life-saving, it is important to weigh the options carefully and work with your physician or naturopathic doctor to find natural remedies when possible. Some questions you can discuss with them are:
- Is it advisable to try a naturopathic oral remedy before pharmaceutical antibiotics?
- If the infection can be treated topically, is it possible to use a natural antibiotic / anti-fungal solution such as tea tree oil?
- If pharmaceutical antibiotics are the best treatment, can you take a probiotic supplement and eat fermented foods during and after treatment?