I love this little meme but in all honesty it represents an argument that I have heard come up many many times with avid supporters of both sides. Since this blog represents my personal humble opinion, which is based on personal medical knowledge and experience, research, thoughts, and opinions - I am going to weigh in on this topic myself.
Very short back story here: My little girl, who is only six, just went through lathroscopic surgery on her intestines because after a CAT Scan with contrast showed that she was not only experiencing bowel blockage but that there was a large mass in her small intestines. Now that we are home recovering (poor thing is also having to do an at-home colon cleanse - which I will leave for a later post) I have been hearing an awful lot of the Probiotics vs Antibiotics and which one she needs to be taking.
So here is my opinion - BOTH!! Our bodies need BOTH!
Now here's the logic behind my reasoning. Bear with me a few minutes.
First: Bacteria is all around us and even inside us.
Second: There are as many GOOD bacteria as there are BAD bacteria
Third: We need a decent balance of BOTH bacteria in order to maintain proper health (a yen and yang so to speak - the good balancing the bad)
Our body's immune system, as surprising as this may seem, is largely dependent on the overall heath of our gut. This is because it is our stomach, colon and intestines, liver and kidneys, that are responsible for extracting the nutrients our bodies need from the foods we eat and then eliminate the toxins and waste from our systems in the most obvious methods possible. When any one of these organs fails to function efficiently, then our bodies will be deprived of the nutrients we need an will be unable to maintain itself effectively.
So where does the bacteria come in? Right! Because our gut if FULL of bacteria - the kind that help to break down and absorb nutrients and then eliminate the waste!
By introducing PRObiotics to our systems, we are improving the GOOD bacteria in our guts and they keep us running....smoothly. However, sometimes ANTIbiotics are necessary because infections, whether they are sinus, respiratory, dermal, or even lymphatic, have ensued from the sudden growth of BAD bacteria.
The Conundrum: Antibiotics will not only destroy the BAD bacteria but additionally they will kill off the GOOD bacteria too.
The Answer: Taking regular doses of PRObiotics will maximize our body's natural defenses against foreign or harmful bacteria but when the body is weakened by a BACTERIAL infection (the common cold -the rinovirus or the flu - the influenza virus are NOT bacterial and antiBIOTICS will not help them) then it would be beneficial to the body to take the 7-10 day dose of antibiotics to clear out the bad bacteria while AT THE SAME TIME continuing the probiotics to get the good bacteria levels back up and the immune system functioning at the highest level again (this could also minimize the possibility of yeast infections that often occur with antibiotics because the bacteria that eliminate yeast has been killed off....are we seeing the pattern here?)
So in short, I am a huge proponent of both probiots and antibotics - when they are used in the way they are intended and that the user understand the purpose and limitations of both. Since I have started using USANA's 100% natural probiotics and fiber supplements regularly, I have noticed that the IBS, which is associated with my fibromyalgia, has stabilized and I have managed to create a regular routine if you get my drift...talk about a relief! I have seen a significant decrease in other annoying issues too - like my seasonal allergies, acid reflux, even ACNE! Who would have thought....not me.
Again, all medical conditions, questions, and the use of supplements should be directed to your medical care provider before any major changes take place. I am not a doctor and do not have all the answers. I can only offer incite based on my knowledge of pharmacy and personal experiences with Fibromyalgia and the joys of living with it.
As always, may you be Happy and Healthy!!
Rachel
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