You get prescribed your antibiotics. You take them for a few days on schedule until you feel better. Once you do, you stop taking them even though you have days left before you’re supposed to stop taking them. Why do we do this? I am unsure, but I am guilty of it. The effect this has on our bodies and more specifically our microbiome is something I am going to explore here.
Balance amongst the variety of bacteria in our bodies is key to maintaining homeostasis and avoiding disease. The effects of antibiotics on these community of bacteria is related to a wide range of factors, such as how long you need to take them and their dosage. One of the most common antibiotics that causes a disturbance in the microbiome is clindamycin, which is so effective that it typically opens the body up to be disturbed by Clostridium Difficile. Some studies have been done testing the risk of early exposure to antibiotics in children. The more you damage the microbiome more susceptible you are to chronic and substantial disease. Certain scientists are also looking into ways of returning the microbiome from dysbiosis to a normal state after antibiotic exposure. Even short term exposure to low-dosage antibiotics can cause life-long changes in the microbiome so proper usage and understanding can help in lowering our chances of antibiotic resistance since there are diseases who need antibiotics for treatment.
The reality is that most bacteria in the microbiome will recover quickly from antibiotic use. But in some circumstances the changes can be detrimental and life-altering. More understanding on these issues in altering the microbiome is being done and is necessary for saving an entire human race from resistance to lethal bacteria. Antibiotics have the power to save every life if we stop abusing them and using them improperly.
Ashley Broke's Blog 