Antibiotics – Don’t Over Medicate: Why We All Need to Be Wary of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are life-saving medications that have revolutionized modern medicine. They target and kill bacteria, the culprit behind a wide range of infections. But like any powerful tool, overuse of antibiotics comes with consequences. Here’s why everyone, from children to adults, should be cautious about taking them.
The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance:
The biggest concern surrounding antibiotics is the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are used inappropriately, bacteria develop mechanisms to survive the drugs, rendering them ineffective. This is a global problem – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the US each year, leading to over 35,000 deaths [1].
Who Should Be Careful?
While antibiotics are essential for treating bacterial infections, they are not a cure-all. Here’s who needs to be extra cautious:
- Healthy Individuals: Taking antibiotics for viral illnesses like the common cold or flu is pointless. Viruses are not susceptible to antibiotics, and overuse can contribute to resistance.
- Children: According to a 2014 study published in Pediatrics, nearly one-third of children under the age of 2 receive unnecessary antibiotics [2]. This can disrupt their developing gut microbiome, potentially leading to health problems later in life.
The Takeaway: Be an Antibiotic Steward
Here are some steps you can take to be an antibiotic steward:
- Talk to your doctor: Discuss your symptoms thoroughly and understand why antibiotics are (or aren’t) being prescribed. Don’t pressure your doctor for antibiotics if they aren’t necessary.
- Complete the full course: Even if you feel better, it’s crucial to finish the entire antibiotic prescription to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.
- Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing and proper food handling can significantly decrease your risk of infections, reducing the need for antibiotics in the first place.
By being mindful about antibiotic use, we can all play a part in preserving their effectiveness for future generations. Remember, antibiotics are a powerful tool, but using them wisely is crucial to keep them working for when we truly need them.
NIH – National Institute of Health: Be Antibiotics Aware: Smart Use, Best Care. More than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.
Antibiotics can save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. Each year, at least 28% of antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily in U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency rooms (ERs), which makes improving antibiotic prescribing and use a national priority. NIH info click here
By no means are we at LSV Vitamins saying do not take what your doctor prescribes, we are just saying that we have an alternative for those who cannot take Antibiotics, afraid of one of the many side effects, or simply want to try an all-natural alternative. We have a large number of people (over 100,000) who take and have taken this at the first sign of a problem, and it works well. As always, consult your doctor.
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Below are a number of statistics that help describe how antibiotics are currently being prescribed in outpatient settings in the United States and how these practices are contributing to the larger issue of antimicrobial resistance.
- In 2014, 266.1 million courses of antibiotics are dispensed to outpatients in U.S. community pharmacies. This equates to more than 5 prescriptions written each year for every 6 people in the United States.
- At least 28% of antibiotics prescribed in the outpatient setting are unnecessary, meaning that no antibiotic was needed at all.
- Total inappropriate antibiotic use, inclusive of unnecessary use and inappropriate selection, dosing and duration, may approach 50% of all outpatient antibiotic use
The possibility of antibiotic side effects can be frightening, but it is important to remember that their proper use has saved countless lives. Those using antibiotics should report any possible negative reactions to their doctor immediately. In some cases, doctors will have their patients continue using a specific antibiotic if the side effects are mild; in others, the doctor will switch the patient to another drug.
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*Disclaimer: None of the above statements have been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. As always, consult your physician before taking any supplements. LSV. Individual results may vary.
Sources:
- [1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/index.html
- [2] Pediatrics Journal: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5180352/