A study conducted in 2015 by the University of Minnesota revealed a correlation between the use of antibiotics in infants and the development of diseases later in life, including allergies, autoimmune diseases, and asthma. Numerous articles from medical journals also support these findings, indicating a connection between infant antibiotics and various health issues such as Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, Celiac Disease, anxiety, depression, ADHD, heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. So, what is the underlying link?
While antibiotics effectively target and eliminate the bacteria causing illness, they also eradicate the beneficial bacteria residing in our digestive system, leading to a condition called dysbiosis, which refers to an imbalance of microbial flora within our bodies. Not only does this eradication of “good” bacteria occur, but it also provides an opportunity for harmful bacteria, typically present in small numbers, to flourish following antibiotic use. These harmful bacteria can induce illness on their own, but the resulting imbalance can also trigger inflammation in the bowel. This inflammation may then lead to a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome,” which has been previously discussed in our blog posts.
Therefore, the key takeaway is that it is crucial to minimize the use of antibiotics, particularly in infants. This can be challenging for parents when they witness their children’s suffering. However, it is important to note that most childhood illnesses are viral, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that approximately 30% of the 154 million antibiotic prescriptions (around 44 million) are inappropriately prescribed for viral infections. Therefore, before rushing to the pharmacy to fill an antibiotic prescription, it is advisable to consult with the doctor and inquire about whether the illness is viral or bacterial. If the doctor still prescribes an antibiotic for a viral infection, it may be a cause for concern.
In the event that you or your child requires a course of antibiotics, it is recommended to take a high-quality probiotic after completing the prescription. A good probiotic helps restore the intestines with the essential healthy bacteria we need. While we offer a reliable selection of probiotics at our office, they can also be obtained from other sources.
If you choose to acquire a probiotic elsewhere, it is crucial to ensure two things: 1) Proper transportation of the product. Many probiotics require refrigeration. If it is exposed to excessive heat during transport or storage in a non-refrigerated environment, you may end up with a bottle filled with inactive bacteria. It should be refrigerated at the time of purchase. 2) The correct strain of bacteria is essential (consult with your chiropractor).
In a society where unnecessary prescription drug use has become an epidemic, we have the potential to eliminate millions of doctor’s visits and antibiotic prescriptions by ensuring the presence of a bacterial infection before resorting to antibiotics.
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