When to Take and When To avoid Antibiotics
by Michael Smith (Know the Cause)
Nearly everyone at some point in their life has had to take an antibiotic for some reason, and in the right setting these drugs can be very effective, even life-saving. There is a darker side to antibiotics, however: the overuse of these drugs has given rise to antibiotic resistant bugs, which have become more common and more virulent. But this might not be the biggest problem with these drugs.
Antibiotics are undiscriminating bacterial killers. And while they kill the bacteria that make us sick, they can also damage the beneficial bacteria in the gut. These are important, symbiotic organisms that play a vital role in many processes like digestion, immunity, and other roles that facilitate health. When these cultures of bacteria are damaged, this allows space for a more virulent organism to grow: Yeast.
This constitutes a major way many people might develop a problem with yeast or fungi in the body. Yeast can overgrow and spread from the gut, causing both gut problems and problems elsewhere. This is likely more common than many people think. This is among the reasons why antibiotics are cautioned against when you are on an anti-fungal diet program.
Despite this risk, should you refuse to take antibiotics?
There are certain instances wherein taking an antibiotic is absolutely necessary. If your doctor insists that you take one, you should absolutely take his or her advice. These drugs can be life-saving and prevent much pain and suffering.
One of the problems with antibiotics is that many people think of them as a cure-all. At the first hint of a cold, many people ask for a prescription for antibiotics. Part of the reason they are overprescribed is because people demand them so frequently, thinking they will fix any problem that presents.
When they are absolutely necessary––when your doctor insists––you should take an antibiotic. Any other time, it might be wise to avoid them. Always know you have the freedom to ask, “Is this drug necessary? Will I get better without it? Are there other options to explore before using this drug?”
The good news is, if you do need an antibiotic, there are steps you can take to prevent any of the problems that might arise afterwards. It might be best to stick to a strict Kaufmann One Diet in the weeks during and following antibiotic use. Incorporate a potent, natural anti-fungal supplement, such as olive leaf extract or oregano oil into your regimen. And, follow antibiotic usage with a loading dose of probiotics. This will help restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut so that pathogenic fungi do not have room to flourish.
Remember that antibiotics can be useful and even save lives, but that doesn’t mean they must be your first line of defense.
Read also: What are Natural Antibiotics?
Magnesium: Your Key To Lowering Inflammation
By Dr. Martin of Martins Clinic
I want to share with you a couple of underrated benefits of magnesium. But first, you should know a few things about magnesium. To start - I want to share with you a couple of underrated benefits of magnesium…but first, you should know a few things about magnesium.
To start Magnesium is an essential mineral. Over 300 chemical processes and enzymes rely on magnesium to function.
That's why if you're low in magnesium you can have everything from muscle cramps, high blood pressure, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, hormonal problems, insomnia, weak bones, obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, major depression, cancer, and Alzheimer's.
That's quite the list. You can't even metabolize calcium properly without enough magnesium.
When your magnesium is low calcium accumulates inside your cells.
That's terrible news. It's one reason why studies show blood magnesium levels are SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER in patients with heart disease.
If calcium is getting stuck inside your cells — your blood vessels harden and you end up with high blood pressure.
The second thing you should know about magnesium is that even though most people are really low in magnesium it’s a hard deficiency to detect with blood work because only 1% of ALL the magnesium in your body is found in your blood.
This means 99% of all the magnesium in your body is stored and used elsewhere.
Here’s where you’re storing and using magnesium in your body:
• 1% in your blood
• 60% stored in your bones
• 20% stored in your muscles
• 19% stored in soft tissues
The point is simple you can have normal blood magnesium levels – But have low cellular magnesium levels.
Alright, there are two underrated benefits of magnesium that most people (including health care professionals) don’t know, and they both have to do with inflammation.
Inflammation is often referred to as a “silent killer.”
That’s because for many you can have inflammation in your body and have minimal symptoms. Sure, you might be tired, or can’t sleep, have some hormonal symptoms, or poor metabolic health but nothing life-altering.
Sadly, as mentioned, many of us are deficient in magnesium. In fact, it is estimated that between 56% and 68% of Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet on a daily basis.
Magnesium deficiency has been found in 84% of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and studies show that up to 65% of hospitalized patients have a magnesium deficiency.
Make sure you’re getting enough magnesium.
Read more: Magnesium
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional nutrition is a holistic approach to
health and wellness that focuses on using food as a means to optimize bodily functions
and address underlying imbalances in the body.
It's rooted in the fact that the foods we eat have a direct impact on our overall health and well-being, beyond just providing basic nutrition.
Read more about Functional Medicine
What does Your Medical Tests Show - Structural Medicine vs. Functional Medicine
