Good Bacteria Versus Antibiotics

How the Battle Between the Two Affects the Body

Aug 28, 2009 Deanna Lynn Sletten

Antibiotics are important for curing many illnesses while good bacteria in the intestines helps to keep the immune system strong. Can the body find a healthy balance?

Antibiotics kill serious, life-threatening infections along with a myriad of less dangerous bacteria that cause illness. Without the help of antibiotics people would suffer, and even die, from what are considered non-serious illnesses today. Because of the many antibiotics available today, people are able to live longer, healthier lives. So, why are antibiotics the bad guy when they come up against good bacteria in the body’s system?

When antibiotics do their job and kill the bad bacteria in the body that makes people sick, they also kill the good bacterium that keeps the body functioning normally. Without sufficient levels of good bacteria in the intestinal tract the body is deprived of its natural defense against future disease and illness. Because of this, it is vital to keep normal levels of good bacteria in the intestines even while taking antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria that make a person sick.

Understanding Good Bacteria

Good bacteria live naturally inside the large and small intestines. They continually multipliy to overcrowd and push out the bad bacteria in the intestinal tract that can cause illness. Since the small intestine houses 70% of the immune system, it is important to keep it functioning properly for good health.

Good bacteria are responsible for breaking down and absorbing vitamins, such as vitamins B and K, into the system. Good bacteria are also active in digesting foods properly and sending digested food through the system. When helpful bacteria are low, undigested food just sits and decays in the intestines. This causes it to become putrid over time and can cause all types of intestinal problems like bloating, gas and even recurring bad breath. It is also believed that maintaining healthy levels of good bacteria in the system can prevent the occurrence of intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis and cancer.

The most common good bacteria that live in the intestines are acidophillis, e coli and lactobacillus. These bacteria can be found in many foods, especially yogurt with live cultures, sauerkraut and raw vegetables such as carrots. Supplements are available to raise the good bacteria in the system but nutritionists believe it is best to obtain good bacteria through diet instead.

The Antibiotic Effect

When people take antibiotics to kill the harmful bacteria in their system, they also kill a beneficial bacterium that helps the digestive system digest and absorb food properly. The very nutrients and vitamins needed to get healthy can’t be absorbed because of the elimination of helpful bacteria. If the good bacteria aren’t replenished after a round of antibiotics, then it opens the body up to all types of health problems.

Good bacteria in the intestines are the only defense against Candida and other yeast infections so when antibiotics are taken the chance of getting a yeast infection rises. The most dangerous effect of having the Candida infection is suppression of the immune system. Once the immune system is lowered, the body is open to many other illnesses. Unless the good bacteria are replenished in the system quickly, the body may be vulnerable to contracting other illnesses.

Other problems that occur from low bacteria are cold sores, diarrhea, constipation, vaginitis, headaches, acne, and symptoms of hypoglycemia. These side effects are not caused by the medication in the antibiotics; the killing of good bacteria in the intestinal tract by the antibiotics causes them.

Balancing Antibiotics and Good Bacteria

Antibiotics are necessary when appropriate and should be taken for infections or any other health problems the doctor feels they are essential for. But if antibiotics are taken, then good bacteria should be replenished with the appropriate foods or supplements. Never insist on taking antibiotics if they are not necessary and also discuss alternate therapies for common illnesses with a doctor. The body has its own defense system for many illnesses so the fewer antibiotics that are taken, the better the immune system will work. Always consult a doctor before deciding on a course of action for any illness.

There are many new foods on the market today that contain the necessary good bacteria to help keep the intestinal tract healthy. By being aware of the battle between good bacteria and antibiotics, people will be able to win it and keep the digestive system working the way nature intended.

The copyright of the article Good Bacteria Versus Antibiotics in General Medicine is owned by Deanna Lynn Sletten. Permission to republish Good Bacteria Versus Antibiotics in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Taking Antibiotics can Eliminate Good Bacteria