How Antibiotics Could Harm Your Health

Lisa Franchi November 07, 2013

Antibiotics are one of the most commonly prescribed medications today. Maybe you have gotten one or several prescriptions for antibiotics this year. This type of drug is mainly used to treat serious infections by destroying bad bacteria in the affected area. However, according to the European Commission, up to 10 million people in Britain are being prescribed with antibiotics for coughs and colds despite official warnings to use it only for serious illnesses.

Here are some of the harmful effects of antibiotics:

Less Probiotics

The main problem with antibiotics is that they aren’t specific when it comes to destroying bacteria. That is, they destroy all bacteria – whether good or bad. For a strong immunity, our body needs sufficient amount of good bacteria, particularly in the gut. There’s no surprise why antibiotics often cause diarrhoea. The effect of antibiotics may be more pronounced in babies whose bacterial floras are not yet matured. A 2005 study published in the journal Physiological Genomics found that giving babies antibiotic treatments alter the gastrointestinal tract development gene expression and consequently, may impair the development of the gut barrier function. The reduced amount of probiotics can be very dangerous because it lowers immunity – the body’s first line of defence against chronic diseases.

Side Effects

Antibiotics may carry a host of debilitating side effects, including dry eyes and mouth, ringing sensation in the ears, delayed urination, uncontrollable shaking, pain, heart palpitation, muscle spasm, and more. These side effects are often due to the improper use or dosage of the medications, and incorrect choice of antibiotic. Take for instance cough and cold. In 2008, the Department of Health launched a campaign calling on GPs to stop prescribing antibiotics to patients with coughs and colds, as well as those who have sore throats. The thing is that only one in five upper respiratory is caused by bacteria, and therefore will respond to antibiotics, experts at the Molecular Epidemiology at Imperial College London have explained.

Antibiotic Resistance

Whilst this is not a direct effect of antibiotic use, antibiotic resistance can be an unintended effect of using such drug. This condition occurs when the microorganism is able to withstand the effects of the medication. Taking antibiotics when it is not needed can result to drug resistance.

Some natural antibiotics work better

Overuse of antibiotics has fuelled the development of hospital superbugs like the MSRA. Add the fact that many antibiotics used to protect patients from life-threatening infections have become less effective. It’s good to know that there are natural substances that have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. These plant-based antibiotics have deep healing powers and can be taken safely. Among the best natural antibiotics are:

Garlic – garlic is well-touted for its medical benefits. A growing body of research suggests that this popular spice has numerous antioxidants that kill bacteria and free radicals, protecting the immune system and keeping it strong. It is currently used by many as a treatment for fungal infections, such as Candida.

Manuka Honey – when applied topically, Manuka honey can kill a wide range of pathogens, including the feared MRSA and flesh-eating bacteria.

Colloidal Silver – the germicidal and antibacterial properties of this herb have been discovered centuries ago. It is taught to be effective in eliminating bacteria, fungal infections and viruses.

Turmeric – Several research studies suggest that turmeric can help combat bacterial infections. In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, it was found that aqueous extracts of turmeric showed good antimicrobial activity against bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, and pneumonia. This superfood may also help people fight viral and fungal infections. Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, revealed that turmeric suppressed the hepatitis B virus without harming liver cells.