What do antibiotics have to do with GUT HEALTH?? Well A LOT actually!
The definition of Biotics means relating to or resulting from living things and Anti means against….so ANTIBIOTICS essentially means against life!
Now don’t get me wrong, antibiotics are great at helping with bacterial infections. The problem is that when they are over used they destroy not only the bad bacteria but also our good bacteria that is needed to help our immune systems be healthy. Your body can also build up a resistance to them so that they aren’t as effective.
Common Side Effects are:
Nausea, Indigestion, Diarrhea, Bloating, Feeling of Fullness, Vomiting, Stomach pain or cramping, Bloating, Rashes, etc.
Notice that most of the side effects listed above are digestive issues. This is because it disrupts that delicate balance of our good gut flora–or microbiome. If you think of a beautiful jungle and you try to spray the whole thing with weed killer to get rid of the noxious growth…you will get rid of the weeds etc, but you will also be getting rid of all of the beautiful greenery and flowers. This is essentially what is happening within our gut when we take an antibiotic.
So WHAT do you DO???
First of all, if you are going to take an antibiotic make sure that you do have a bacterial infection. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses or fungal issues. Then after you take them it is very important to build up that good gut flora again that helps your body to be healthy.
GUT HEALTH and MENTAL WELLNESS ISSUES–Is it a REAL thing???
Yes…. Absolutely! There is definitely a connection! Your gut is considered your second brain. This is why you have that butterfly feeling when are are anxious or stressed. As a nurse and a mom, I have talked with a lot of people in regards to gut issues and various mental health issues.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION and ANXIETY
For instance, I talk with a lot of mom’s that struggle with Postpartum Depression and/or Anxiety. They are confused as to why they didn’t really experience these issues before they had their baby. After speaking with them they often tell me that they had Group B Strep and had to be on IV antibiotics during their labor. Protocol for this is usually that they have the antibiotics every 4 hours until they deliver their baby. If they have a C-Section they will also be given these to help make sure there is no infection.
After explaining this, then the light bulb moment happens as to why they are now struggling……because of what we discussed above. Their good gut flora has been decimated and it is so vitally important to get good pre/pro/phytobiotics to build up their systems again. As this happens the feelings of anxiousness, depression, exhaustion, etc should get better! 🙂
Tourette Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Depression, PANDAS
I also work with a lot of Mom’s and Dad’s that are trying to help their kids that are struggling with Anxiety, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Depression and even PANDAS. Parents will notice a lot of times that these ailments started happening after their child was on an Antibiotic for an ear-infection or strep throat. As you are able to build back up that healthy flora in their systems with the right strains of the good flora’s this will help alleviate those symptoms and help your child feel healthier and happier.
I am passionate about educating on this because of my own families circumstances. You can read my story here. I am here to help you in anyway that I can! I hope to be able to help anyone searching for answers “fast track” through the process and get help! I spent so many years feeling guilty, frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted with trying ONE MORE THING that didn’t seem to improve our situation or make a difference.
HAVE HOPE~ THERE ARE ANSWERS!
It is such a lonely feeling to know your child or loved one is absolutely struggling and not knowing where to turn! Not to mention, the expense of all of the “trial and error” attempts at the different solutions that we tried. I would have given anything to have someone take me by the hand and help me through the unknowns and help give me the info and answers that could really help our family!
I want to give you some encouragement and say HAVE HOPE! There are answers! You are doing an incredible job! Listen to that GUT FEELING within you on what is right for you or your child or loved one. Even if it goes against what all the “experts” are telling you. I believe that we each can KNOW what is right and aligns with us. You’ve got this!
Please feel free to comment below and ask any questions you may have!
Until next time!
XOXO
Kim