In a recent study at Stanford University, researchers found that the level of activity of “friendly” bacteria in the human digestive system was negatively impacted by use of antibiotics. Once the antibiotic treatment was completed, it took up to 4 weeks for levels to recover. The researchers also reported that the test subjects did not report any digestion-related problems during the study. One conclusion was that prolonged, or repeated, use of antibiotics could have a negative impact on an individual’s health.

What’s the Big Deal About “Friendly” Bacteria?

Friendly bacteria are vital to:

• the proper development of the immune system
• protection against agents that could cause disease
• the digestion and absorption of food and nutrients

Each person’s mix of bacteria varies. Interactions between a person and the microorganisms in his body, and between the microorganisms themselves, can be crucial to the person’s health and well-being.

This bacterial “balancing act” can be thrown off in two major ways:

• By antibiotics, when they kill friendly bacteria in the gut along with unfriendly bacteria
• “Unfriendly” microorganisms, such as disease-causing bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and parasites

Whenever your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, you should discuss this matter with him/her. Specifically ask them about probiotic products and how they may help. One of the best known probiotic sources is yogurt.

NOTE: Portions of this posting are courtesy of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

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