2024-05-12 22:00:00
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Antibiotics are a powerful means of destroying pathogenic bacteria that cause infectious diseases. They are very powerful and attack both bad and good bacteria. Antibiotic treatment disrupts the complex ecosystem that makes up our intestinal flora (microbiome). Today, the intensive use of such drugs has led to a reduction in the diversity of microorganisms in our bodies and the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to treatment.
What happens to our bodies when we take antibiotics?
What are the consequences of an imbalanced microbiome? How do you recover after antibiotic treatment?
How does antibiotic treatment work?
Antibiotics attack the structure of bacteria, then poison them and prevent them from multiplying. Unfortunately, they cannot distinguish between bacteria that are harmful to humans and bacteria that are beneficial to humans.
Our digestive system is home to the billions of bacteria that make up our intestinal flora, also known as the microbiome. When we swallow antibiotics, they travel through our digestive tract. After reaching the intestines, it enters the bloodstream and is carried to the site of infection (sinuses, ears, lungs, etc.). Along the way, it will destroy most of the bacteria they encounter.
Therefore, antibiotic treatment disrupts the balance of the microbiota and depletes it.
Today, inappropriate use of antibiotics has become a public health problem. Overusing them increases the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to treatment and losing efficacy.
did you know? People who take large amounts of antibiotics do not develop resistance. These are bacteria.
Explanation: Germs can be spread from one person to another, from humans to animals, and even through the environment. Therefore, patients who have never taken antibiotics may suffer from infections caused by resistant bacteria.
What are the consequences of an imbalanced microbiome?
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our digestive health, immunity, and even mental health. If the flora is disturbed (dysbiosis), the permeability of the mucosa is no longer optimal. Allergens, viruses, and bacteria more easily enter the bloodstream and affect our bodies in a variety of ways. Additionally, certain pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics can proliferate and take over.
The most obvious symptoms of intestinal flora imbalance are digestive disorders (constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas).
How to protect your microbiome when taking antibiotics?
Use antibiotics responsibly
Your pharmacist must now provide the exact amount specified on your doctor’s antibiotic prescription. This is part of the fight against antimicrobial resistance. For your part, follow your doctor’s prescription and pharmacist’s advice correctly.
Take probiotics: Probiotics are the good bacteria (Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, etc.) and yeasts (yeast) that live in our gut and protect it from bad bacteria. They are key to a healthy microbiome. Taking probiotics during and after taking antibiotics can prevent antibiotic side effects on the intestinal system and reduce the risk of diarrhea. For example, some probiotic yeasts are naturally resistant to antibiotics.
Probiotic yeasts in drug stores: These microorganisms, sold in drug stores, can compensate for changes in the intestinal microbiota, for example by reducing the risk of antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Fermented Foods: Probiotics are found naturally in fermented foods: soy sauce, yeast, kombucha, kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, etc.
Prebiotic feeding probiotics
To promote healthy probiotics, we need to give them some decent food. Prebiotics found in certain foods provide essential food for good bacteria. Probiotics feed specifically on fiber found in fruits, vegetables, grains and dairy products. The following foods are rich in prebiotics: artichokes, bananas, apples, garlic, parsnips, leeks, Jerusalem artichokes, oats, whole wheat, and more.
take part in sports
Once the antibiotic treatment has taken effect and you are back to normal, you can start exercising. Recent studies have shown that physical exercise can influence the health of the microbiome, enriching its diversity and rebalancing possible dysbiosis. Through regular exercise, you can stimulate the proliferation of bacteria that regulate mucosal immunity. Instead, the health of your gut flora affects your performance and motivation to exercise. The virtuous cycle must be tested as soon as possible!
source
ENTEROL® is a probiotic based on Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, indicated for the prevention of diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatment. Do not use for more than 2 days without medical advice. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
ENTEROL® is contraindicated in immunocompromised patients. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. Read the instructions carefully. Benelux Biocodex sa.
Source: Biocodex Bulletin
Last updated: April 2024
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