Experts Warn Antibiotic Use May Lead to Digestive Problems

(Newswire.net — May 25, 2022) Orlando, FL — In the United States, antibiotics are some of the most commonly prescribed medications. They are often used as a treatment for bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections. While the use of this type of pharmaceutical drug is helpful, it is worth noting it’s linked with some side effects.

According to Kate Dzintars, PharmD, a clinical pharmacy specialist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, one of the most common complaints in the intake of antibiotics is gastrointestinal problems. These particularly include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. 

“There is a condition called antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and we counsel patients to be on the lookout for that,” she adds. 

It is important to keep in mind that this type of medication actually works in killing bad bacteria, such as E.coli, which is responsible for about 90 percent of all UTI cases. It is effective in killing not just the bad bacteria, but also the good ones in the digestive tract. 

Experts say that good bacteria are essential in gut health and their reduced levels may actually result in various symptoms.  This is why it is strongly recommended to take measures in reducing or eliminating the need to use antibiotics.

Consumption of plenty of fluids as well as avoiding high-fiber foods may be useful for patients to cope until they’ve finished their course of medication. It is worth noting that once diarrhea gets severe, it can result in a more serious condition called Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. 

“This happens when the antibiotic has killed the good bacteria in the gut and the bad bacteria has overgrown,” says Dzintars. 

This happening may lead to dehydration and may require hospitalization. It is also important to be warned that this medication may cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. When this happens, it results in bloating and cramping that may continue even after one has stopped taking the medication.

More studies are still being carried out to look into the effects of antibiotics on health. It is important to keep in mind that UTIs are a major reason why the use of antibiotics is widespread. 

This type of infection, although common, is preventable through some measures. Some experts recommend consuming more water as the liquid helps flush E.coli bacteria out of the body.  

There are also some all-natural remedies like the use of cranberry that may be helpful. It is important to note that cranberry juice has a therapeutic sugar called D-mannose, which works in eliminating UTI-causing bacteria before they cause an infection.

To benefit from the use of this remedy, it is wise to consider formulas like Purest Vantage D-mannose (http://www.amazon.com/Mannose-Capsules-600mg-Per-Cap/dp/B071J35CP5)