Antibiotics have been a breakthrough in medicine, but did you know they can also harm our gut health and immune system? A large number of clients coming into Flow Clinic have had major gut problems post antibiotic use. While they’re essential for fighting bacterial infections, overuse or wrongly prescribed can disrupt the balance of good bacteria in our gut and lead to a weakened immune system.
Here are some facts about antibiotics:
Antibiotics Don’t Discriminate
While antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, they can’t tell the difference between the harmful bacteria causing infection and the beneficial bacteria that support our digestion and immunity. One course of antibiotics can kill up to 90% of gut bacteria, including beneficial strains that support digestion, immunity, and mood regulation.
Antibiotics Can Impact Mental Health
The gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis, and disruptions in the gut microbiome can impact mood, anxiety, and overall mental health. Studies have linked certain antibiotics to mood changes.
Overprescription and Overuse is Common
Studies have shown that antibiotics are often overprescribed, it’s estimated that 1 out of 3 antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. Overuse can lead to digestive issues, leaky gut, and inflammation, which have been linked to autoimmune diseases and allergies, this overuse also contributes to global antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotic-Resistant “Superbugs” are a Growing Issue
Due to overprescribing and overuse, certain bacteria have evolved to resist antibiotics. These “superbugs” are much harder to treat, leading to infections that don’t respond to standard antibiotics, which can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
It Takes Time to Restore Gut Health Post-Antibiotics
It can take several weeks or even months for the gut microbiome to bounce back after a course of antibiotics. A gentle detox, probiotics and a fibre-rich diet can help rebuild healthy gut bacteria, but it’s a gradual process.
While antibiotics might be necessary in certain cases, it’s important to understand their impact on gut health and immunity. It’s worth considering alternatives and taking steps to support your gut microbiome if antibiotics are needed. We recommend a diet to support to the gut health, a gentle detox, series of colonics and a 30 day course of gutsi sporebitoics, gutsi good guts, fibre and minerals to support gut health.
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