Back to work for us adults, and back to school for the kids. As we all try and readjust to routine and schedules after some well deserved rest over the holidays, this is also the time when people are getting sick with infections, especially the kids from school.
There is no question that antibiotics are necessary and even life-saving at times, but recent studies like this one published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that antibiotics used during infancy is associated with a higher risk of anaphylaxis, asthma, food allergies, dermatitis/eczema, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis.
It has been well established that antibiotics can have significant side effects, many of which are due to their effect on our gut microbiome/flora.
Our microbiome, or gut flora is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microscopic living things that exist mainly inside your intestines and on your skin. DId you know there are more bacterial cells in your body than human cells, that means you are more bacteria than you are human!!! Mindblowing right!!!!
As you grow, your gut microbiome begins to diversify, meaning it starts to contain many different types of microbial species. Higher microbiome diversity is considered good for your health. Interestingly, the food you eat affects the diversity of your gut bacteria. A diet containing healthy foods such as garlic, onions, kefir, kimchi, vegetables and fruit lend to a more diverse microbiome.
“A huge proportion of your immune system is actually in your GI tract,” says Dan Peterson, assistant professor of pathology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
So what do these gut microbes actually do?
- they strengthen the physical defenses of the gut wall
- they compete with potential pathogens for space and food
- they regulate inflammation
- they produce antimicrobial substances
- the intestinal microbiota helps in the proper development of the body’s immune system
This recent study, along with the many others like it, should encourage us to be more judicious about when we give antibiotics to infants, children and even adults. Although over-prescribing of antibiotics isn’t as big of a problem now as it was even 10 years ago, the Center for Disease Control states that one in three antibiotics prescriptions were unnecessary. Research has shown a strong link between the gut microbiome and a wide range of allergic conditions, and it’s not controversial that antibiotics disrupt the gut flora.
The gut flora also plays a large role in many areas of our health such as weight loss, gastrointestinal concerns such as Crohn’s and Colitis, promotes good cholesterol for heart health,helps control blood sugar and decease risk of diabetes,helps produce neurotransmitters for mood such as serotonin, and many more.
There are 2 things to consider here for you directly:
- Do you or your child use antibiotics frequently? You should ensure that you are using them only when necessary and tests are positive for an infection.
- Are you or your child prone to allergies, food sensitivities, eczema or rhinitis? Could these changes have occured early on from a disruption in your gut bacteria health?
What to do about it now:
- eat a healthy clean diet; make sure you and your children eat a large variety of fruits and vegetables daily
- ensure proper bowel health by having a bowel movement at least once per day
- eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir and kimchi
- limit artificial sweeteners; they stimulate the growth of unhealthy bacteria like E. coli
- take a probiotic supplement with a variety of strains
If you need healp improving your or your child’s immune system and have a history of recurrent infrections and antibiotic use, contact the Natural Care Clinic to get you on a road to health. 905-631-0880 or info@naturalcareclinic.ca
