7 Shocking Reasons You Should Ditch Antibiotics

Photo credit: bigstock

Photo credit: bigstock

If you think antibiotic resistance is something that happens to “other people”, think again. The misuse of antibiotics have increased the amount of drug resistant germs that plaque us today. MRSA, a drug resistant form of the bacteria called staphylococcus aureus, once a concern only for jail inmates and hospitals, but a newer form has spread to healthy people in the general community.

Since about 1940, antibiotics have been the gold method for treating bacterial infections. However, there have been several new reasons, besides the superbugs, that should raise concern about antibiotic use. You might be shocked at some of these revelations but keep reading and see the top 7 reasons you just might want to think twice before you fill that prescription.

 

1. Fungal/Bacterial Overgrowths

The problem with antibiotics is that they kill everything, good and bad bacteria. This can lead you open to yeast and other bacterial infections. When fungal or bacterial infections are allowed to grow, they emanate endotoxins, which inhibit your immune system. In essence, they cut off communication pathways between your immune system and your cells. Immune cells don’t attack intruders because they aren’t getting the signals. You need a healthy gut flora to help restore that communication.

 

2. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome, and other chronic viral illnesses, has been linked to repeated antibiotic use. Find out more reasons that bring on chronic stress.

 

3. Mutants

No, not mutants like that science fiction movie you watched last night, but mutant bacteria. Back in 1947, when penicillin began to be mass produced, the first bacterium that was resistant to these antibiotics was quickly found, staphylococcus aureus. Even when antibiotics are used properly, they can create these mutant forms.

In fact, this mutant form of bacteria, S. aureus are found in the greatest number in countries that have the highest antibiotic use. As of 2009, Norway was the country with the lowest rate of mutant bacteria in the world. Why is this? 30 or so years ago, Norway made an important decision to only provide their citizens with antibiotics when absolutely necessary.

Mutant bacteria, sure to be a movie of the week before too long.

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