ANTIBIOTICS

     Pharmaceutical antibiotics are drugs designed to treat bacteria infections. There are two main types of antibiotics, bactericidal and bacteriostatic. Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria through various mechanisms depending on the specific antibiotic. Bacteriostatic antibiotics halt or limit the growth or reproduction of bacteria. Antibiotics do not discriminate between healthy bacteria within our body from infectious bacteria that we became infected with. Antibiotics do not destroy viruses or fungi so they should not be prescribed for these forms of infection.

     Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria have mutated such that antibiotics no longer are lethal. Today, there are antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria for which there are no effective antibiotics.

     Antibiotics carry a long list of side effects ranging from allergic reactions to gastrointestinal issues. The class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones carry very serious risks well beyond the common side effects of other antibiotics.

     What is highly alarming is emerging scientific evidence that antibiotics are directly causing many different forms of cancer. Antibiotic Watchdog is currently highly focused on this very serious issue and will continue to compile evidence to be shared widely among the public and healthcare providers.

     In many cases, one's own immune system may be sufficient in clearing the infection. In addition, there are many options in treating infections with natural agents. It is essential that we maintain a healthy gut microbiome to support a robust immune system. Antibiotics should be considered as a last resort if an infection does not clear naturally and steps can be taken to lower the risk of collateral damage from antibiotic treatment.