Candida and Antibiotics

One of the worst offenders affecting gut flora and the overgrowth of Candida albicans is the repeated and prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs.

Of all the antibiotics used in the United States, more than half are routinely fed to livestock. Nearly all the animals raised for food in this country receive antibiotics sometime during their lives. There is no legislation limiting the use of antibiotics in animals used for food as a result of pressure from the beef and poultry industries, which also cooperate with the pharmaceutical industries. The entire European Economic Community has banned the routine feeding of antibiotics to livestock and will not import any meat that has had antibiotics added. Eat only antibiotic-free meat, eggs and dairy products, sold at health food stores and markets. These products usually cost more, but they’re worth it.

The most common and persistent problems occurring after a course of antibiotics are sinusitis, hypersensitivity, skin problems, lower bowel grumbling, poor digestion, flatulence, headaches, fatigue, and “yeast infections”.

Eating in a restaurant even once a week can increase your risk of Candida proliferation because of the antibiotics found in animal fat and milk.

Evidence now points to allergies and Candida imbalance as a common cause of “ear infections” in infants and young children. Since the usual treatment for this condition is broad-spectrum antibiotics, symptoms such as oral thrush, clear nasal discharge, diarrhea, and diaper rash may occur. Recent medical literature points to the fact that antibiotics are of little or no use in the treatment of “ear infections” in children.

These drugs cause imblance in gut flora and the proliferation of Candida, and tend to suppress the immune system. They also promote the absorption of food antigens that can play a major role in causing food allergies, hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Syndrome(ADD), and related behavior and learning problems.

There are natural alternatives to antibiotics. Read about Candida on the Natural Cures website, seek out a natural medicine practitioner and do your body a favor — avoid antibiotics as much as possible.