The War On Bacteria -- Who Are We Really Harming?

This study was not an anomaly. There have been many papers published supporting these same ideas and it is not just confined to antibiotic use. Heartburn medication called Proton pump inhibitors are one of the most over-prescribed drugs today and absolutely wreak havoc on both human health and the health of intestinal bacteria. NSAIDS are another such drug. Of course there are situations where antibiotic use is justified and necessary but I have found the conventional medical community to be guilty of gross overprescription of these drugs. Patients are often given prescriptions for cold and flu when the reality is viral infections don't respond to this treatment. Antibiotics are frequently used preventatively, with doctors saying that it can't hurt-but it can. In many cases there are natural alternatives that spare gut bacteria. Diet and lifestyle changes can heal the underlying issue in many cases making medication unnecessary. It is time to consider the actual need and greater picture when making the decision to prescribe or take these drugs. (Don't) Let them eat cake! Unfortunately, medications aren't the only thing that negatively impact microbial communities. The #1 effector is diet and lifestyle. Nothing is more important than maintaining a healthful way of eating every day that will feed and energize the beneficial strains. Processed foods with high sugar and fat content will not support helpful bacterial strains and it won't enrich human existence either. Plants...
Source: Science - The Huffington Post - Category: Science Source Type: news