Over-Prescribing of Antibiotics Isn’t Just Unnecessary… It Can Be Deadly

You’ve received a prescription for antibiotics from your doctor. But how confident are you that it will work?

In the past, most of us felt pretty good about the odds of that prescription taking care of whatever problem we have.

But not anymore. This disturbing news is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “At least 30 percent of the antibiotics given for patients in the U.S. is unnecessary.”

This data was recorded by Journal of the American Medical Association. In collaboration with Pew Charitable Trusts and other public health and medical experts.

Antibiotics No Good for Viruses

The study analyzed antibiotic use in doctors’ offices. And in emergency departments throughout the country.

CDC researchers found that most unnecessary antibiotics are given for respiratory conditions from viruses.

Such as common colds, viral sore throats, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. These types of infections do not respond to antibiotics.

Approximately 47 million of these unnecessary prescriptions for antibiotics are written every year.

Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Kills

Now, if that were the only problem with antibiotics, that would be bad enough. But many antibiotics are not only unnecessary. They’re actually harmful.

When patients take them for viral infections, it makes them more prone to allergic reactions and diarrhea.

Even worse, the over-prescribing of antibiotics encourages antibiotic resistance. That threatens our ability to treat deadly infections. And to fight cancer, give organ transplants, and help victims of burns and trauma.

The CDC estimates that approximately 2 million infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria occur in the U.S. each year. They lead to 23,000 annual deaths. Medication-resistant infections mean more serious illness and longer recovery. And more hospitalizations and higher treatment expenses.

Good Bacteria at Risk

And if all that weren’t bad enough, antibiotics have a bad habit of killing good bacteria inside us.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms found inside and outside our bodies. Many bacteria though are harmless. Some, such as those in our intestines that aid digestion, are helpful.

Actually, we have more good bacteria in our bodies than bad. Good bacteria help the body and enhance health. Bacteria live on our skin, in our mouths and in our guts. They number in the trillions.

Good bacteria living inside us play a key role in maintaining a balanced metabolism. In the digestive system, good bacteria help break down food. And aid the absorption of nutrients.

Life-Saving Antibiotics Being Abused

Even to this day, doctors are still encouraging their patients to take antibiotics. They typically say: “Well, it’s impossible to tell if your infection is viral or bacterial. So, here are some antibiotics in case it’s bacterial. Can’t do any harm.”

When in fact, antibiotics can do a great deal of harm.

The development of antibiotics is one of medicine’s greatest accomplishments. They have successfully treated bacterial infections and fought the spread of disease.

But now, once-standard medications are less potent. Or they fail completely. When that happens, the bacteria are described as antibiotic resistant.

Fight Bad Bacteria With Lifestyle Choices

Studies have linked prolonged antibiotic usage to fatigue, joint pain and muscle cramps. Plus urinary and vaginal infections, asthma and allergies. Not to mention cancer, celiac disease, depression and anxiety.

Keep bacteria at bay with a few lifestyle behaviors:

• Eat a healthy diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Plus fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, tempeh and miso.
• Choose meat, poultry and dairy raised without antibiotics.
• Wash hands often. Particularly when handling food and after bathroom visits.
• Dry hands with disposable paper towels rather than cloth towels.
• Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods.
• Keep cold food below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and hot food above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly.

Working Together to Help

Working together, patients and healthcare providers can reduce over-prescription and slow antibiotic resistance. Patients should not insist on antibiotics when the doctor says they’re not needed.

Professionals should only give antibiotics when reasonably sure infections are caused by bacteria. And not bow to patient pressure.

Patients should get doctors’ advice on how to best treat symptoms while the illness runs its course. Stay current on vaccinations. Some vaccines protect against bacterial infections such as whooping cough and diphtheria.

Use antibiotics only as prescribed by a doctor. Take the proper daily dosage and complete the entire course of treatment. Never save or take leftover antibiotics. They may not be correct for the ailment and won’t be a full course of treatment.

What Can You Do Now?

There’s a lot of hype and bad information out there on what you can do now to maintain your health and prevent the need for antibiotics. And it can get pretty complicated.

One way you can take preventative measures is increasing and enhancing good bacteria in our bodies with probiotics.
Our top recommendation for that is Patriot Ultra-Biotics.

Created by my buddy Jeff Reagan over at Patriot Health Alliance and doctor Arlan Cage, this probiotic solution stands above the rest because it contains 2 unique ingredients you won’t find in any other probiotic. To help protect the walls of your intestines, and keep the “good guy” bacteria thriving.

Even better, these probiotics also help you regain control of your digestive health, put an end to constipation, and start to feel “normal” again. Without gritty fiber or harsh laxatives.

Take a look for yourself and get all the details, right here.