I have mixed feelings about the use of antibiotics. I understand that antibiotics are important to fight bacterial infections. However, I worry about the adverse effects that antibiotics can have on the human gut microbiome. In general, I try to avoid taking antibiotics unless it is completely necessary.
One effect of antibiotics that is worrying is dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is defined as lowered microbial health and diversity. Dysbiosis contribute to many negative health outcomes. One is increasing susceptibility to infections by decreasing diversity and inhibiting the immune system. Another is accumulating antibiotic resistant bacteria, which are stranger and harder to kill, that can then live in the gut. A third effect is dysregulation of the immune system which is correlate to increased cases of obesity. A final negative effect is compromising immune homeostasis which can lead to autoimmune diseases.
Overall, antibiotics are an important part of medical science that need to be used to treat infections. But, antibiotics should only be taken when completely necessary. Overuse can cause dysbiosis and lead to serious health complications.
