Antibiotics inhibit the growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Western medicine uses antibiotics to fight disease and infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. This affects the growth of disease causing and beneficial bacteria in the body. Beneficial bacteria is present in the intestinal tract, aiding in digestion and the prevention of overgrowth in yeast and other pathogens. Probiotics encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, counteracting the affects of antibiotics.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic strains are used to target specific disease in the body. Treatment eliminates the bacteria causing damage. Antibiotics are prescribed by a physician and taken for a period of time to ensure elimination of the bacteria. Dosage varies depending on the type and severity of disease or infection. Specific harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, known as Clostridium difficile or C difficile, runs rampant during antibiotic treatment. This causes intestinal upset from the imbalance of good and bad bacteria.
Probiotics
Probiotics, found in the intestinal tract, are 85 percent lactobacilli and 15 percent coliform bacteria. This is reversed in many individuals due to poor diet and antibiotic use. Probiotics are replenished through various types of foods and supplements. Acidophilus and bifidobacteria most commonly aide digestion the immune system. These are found in cheeses, yogurt and supplemental forms. Acidophilus can die at room temperature, store them in a cool dry place to obtain maximal benefits from the supplement.
Benefits
Antibiotics eliminate specific disease causing bacteria from the body. The use of antibiotics is sometimes necessary to rid the body of disease or infection. Probiotics increase beneficial bacteria to boost the immune system and help fight infection from bad bacteria. Both assist to keep the percentage of lactobacilli and coliform bacteria in balance for a healthy digestion and immune system.
Considerations
Antibiotics wipe out large numbers of beneficial bacteria while eliminating disease. Irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon can develop when the intestinal flora is out of balance. Long-term use of antibiotics strips the intestinal lining of healthy bacteria and C difficile overtakes the intestines. This disorder is known as C diff, ironically treated with powerful antibiotics. Antibiotics should be when necessary, followed by a regime of probiotic supplementation. This assists in balancing the flora in the intestinal tract.
References
- Probiotics.org: Antibiotics
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology: Monitoring of Antibiotic-Induced Alterations in the Human Intestinal Microflora and Detection of Probiotic Strains by Use of Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism:
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing: Phyllis A Balch: 2008
