This time of year it is getting really chilly! Many of us are already coming into the season with compromised immune systems, as a result of pollution, chemical pesticides, additives and preservatives in the food supply, stress, lack of proper rest…and too many antibiotics!! I know it seems ironic and you’ve been told antibiotics should help you, there is more to the story. And just because you are not feeling well and your doctor may automatically urge you to fill out a prescription for antibiotics, I would think twice, and think carefully….
I am always shocked when I hear people casually mention, “I’m taking antibiotics to wipe out this flu I have.” Antibiotics are a BIG deal. Each and every time we are taking them, we have to think about it carefully. The remnants of these drugs can remain in the body for years and even decades. And in only TWO days of antibiotic use candida overgrowth can be precipitated in a susceptible person’s body.
The word “antibiotic” literally means “against life.” They kill not only disease-causing bacteria in the body, but also wipe out our friendly bacteria. The harmful bacteria in our bodies start to become overpopulated, and yeasts like Candida albicans can start to quickly grow. This is the perfect environment for them to mushroom their colonies!! You may not even know you have these growths in your body, but in varying degrees they can continue to the production of toxic waste products that circulate throughout the body, which poison and weaken both our immune and endocrine systems.
Guess how else we consume antibiotics? Through animal products! Factory farms widely feed steroids and growth hormones to chickens, beef, etc. to make them grow very quickly so they can be slaughtered quickly (and they can make more $$$$$). This is of course extremely unnatural, and all kinds of illnesses and sicknesses develop in the animals. The next step is to dose the animals with antibiotics so at least the illnesses won’t come to fruition and show before the farms have a chance to slaughter them and sell the meat— which is laden with steroids and hormones, which make us fat, and yes, antibiotics!!!
This is a very serious problem. Because antibiotics imbalance our bodies so much, over the longterm they can contribute to disruptions in our skin, including acne, rashes, psoriasis, fatigue, anxiety, terrible menstrual cramps, insomnia, chronic bloating, and more.
Well what can we do? Here are 3 immediate things:
1. Take antibiotics ONLY when you absolutely must. A lot of times, your body can heal itself when you are taking care of it with proper food, fluids and rest. When I backpacked the world for 3 years (on a tiny budget!), sometimes sleeping on the floor in bus stations in China, tents across Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa, in smoke-filled gers across the Gobi Desert in Mongolia, taking 16-hour bus rides in India crowded into the front part of the bus with the driver with 12 other people….my immunity system took a beating! There were a few times when I got sick, but I only took antibiotics once the whole time (and less than 5 times in my whole life). There were many other times when it was tempting, but I always took care of myself and many of the minor colds and sicknesses passed without the antibiotics- which would still be lodged in my body today had I given in!
I’m not saying never take them if you are truly ill, but remember that the body is an amazing piece of machinery that can heal itself from many things, if we give it the chance. Use your own discrimination and listen to your body.
2. If you choose to eat meat or any other animal product, choose grass-fed and organic. This is true for eggs, and same thing if you consume any dairy products (which I highly recommend NOT doing!! If you do, the antibiotics in the
dairy are the least of the problems). It gets really iffy if you eat out at a lot of restaurants, so it is best to find some restaurants in your area that you like that you know for sure source their meat from reputable sources. You won’t be damaging your skin and body, and you will also not be contributing to the horrible system of cruelty, misery and pain that is what factory farming is. You want foods that increase metabolism and that means from the ground with nothing but tender loving care.
3. Take a daily probiotic on an empty stomach. When you wake up in the morning is good. This will help restore internal balance.
Best wishes for you to feel to your absolute best!!
xx Kimberly
Hi Kim,
LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog – thanks again for being so informative. You’ve mentioned a few times about probiotics and how beneficial they are. Can you suggest a good one for me, I’ve picked up some bottles and read the labels but just not sure what sets one apart from the others.
Thanks,
Nicole
Hi Nicole! I’m so happy you like the blog. :) There are a few good brands. Lately I’ve taken a liking to the Dr. Ohhira brand. It seems to have a good enteric coating to get past the hydrochloric acid of the stomach into the intestine, which is where it needs to be.
Do you have a Vitamin Shoppe near you? they have good pricing for this brand there.
xx Kimberly
Very interesting points you make… as I’ve gotten older (saying in a quiet voice to not draw to much attention to the word older) I have become more and more sensitive to taking antibiotics, and realized that it is now a very last case scenario if I take them. Any time that I have, within 24 hours I have a yeast infection (I know, being brutally honest here). I’m very interested in the idea of taking a probiotic and need to do a little online search at what may be the best one to start… unless you have any recommendations?
Thanks for the great post kimberly…important information for me as I start making small changes to my life this year.
P.S. LOVE the car and that you got back $2500 upon selling it back!!!!
HI Jennifer, Thank you for sharing! There is definitely yeast in there that needs to be battled! The good news is that the condition can become rebalanced. :)
I like the Dr. Ohhira brand.
And yes, it was a blessing, and I spent virtually no money traveling in Africa for almost 7 months! :)
xx Kimberly
Great post, I am always baffled when doctors tell me to take antibiotics during a crohn’s flare– seems counterproductive to wipe out my good bacteria!
Is it not UNBELIEVABLE!! How about when they prescribe it for acne?? Over the long-term it would make your skin worse!
Good info, Kim. I am horrified just thinking of how many times I was put on antibiotics as a kid, and over the years to ‘clear’ acne. Sure, the meds worked for awhile, but not long term. And other problems and imbalances would often result. So if this stuff stays in our systems for years, what steps can we take to encourage it to be on its merry way OUT of our bodies? Thanks!
I had a millet, avacado, and sauerkraut sandwich for lunch today…can’t say i came up with that one on my own! Hopefully the fermented sauerkraut will help restore the good bacteria after my antibiotics last week!
Yes! Sauerkraut is so great for that, as long as it is raw. :)
Hi Kimberly!
What brand of probiotics do you use? What do you recommend? Also, if you don’t mind me asking, how did you afford your world journey. I have been looking into doing a 6-month or 3-month adventure (nothing like your 3-year adventure) but the funds are not there. I love traveling and envy you for being so well-traveled and well-cultured. I love reading your blog and find mostly all your entries and pictures so interesting and educational! Please keep up the great work =)
I bought an around the world ticket a few times leaving out of sydney, which has 15 stops over 5 continents. they are good for a year, so I did that a few times and kept changing the route. i also traveled very cheaply. Remember that many countries you can live on a few dollars a day- countries like Laos, Zimbabwe, Cambodia, etc. Europe was not part of the world journey! (though I’ve been there separately).
xx Kimberly
Thanks for this post. I just finished taking antibiotics for an ear and sinus infection. I felt I had no other choice. Is there anything else besides a probiotic that I can do? I have had intense sugar and carb cravings since I finished taking them. I was doing so well drinking green smoothies, juicing and eating raw and vegan. I feel as though I have just undid all the good I was doing!
Try laying off the fruit for a little while, except for lemons. You can have the juices and smoothies with all greens, and try adding some stevia. If that doesn’t take good to you focus on greens.Have some raw sauerkraut, which you can get at health food stores. If you can find raw goat’s milk kefir, that would be helpful as well!
You can become rebalanced, don’t worry! :)
I use to get chronic illnesses due to meds. Once I stuck with natural remedies, no more illness. It’s amazing how much simpler it is to be healthy. Probiotics have done so much to strengthen my immune system, even before raw. Now with raw, I’m very protected. Haven’t had any normal illnesses such as a cold or flu in years. I prefer Garden Of Life’s Primal Defense probiotics (or Original Medicine) because it contains soil based micro organisms which are a great vegan source of important nutrients such as Vitamin B12 & D3.
Hi Kim,
I have been on antibiotics for my skin for over a little over a year now… I know it’s terrible but it’s the only thing that helps :( Can I take a probiotic while taking and antibiotic or is it just pointless?
Thanks for all your great posts :)
Sarah
HI Sarah, the reason your acne is not going away is probably because if there is a block in your colon it blocks the liver. When the liver is blocked impurities must get pushed through your skin. Nothing is useless! Keep taking your probiotic, and cleanse in other ways in your diet. Make sure you are avoiding dairy. Have you seen my blog, the acne-dairy connection?
Love, Kimberly
Hi Kimberly! My poor BF has strep throat (and is happily taking antibiotics). I’m now in prevention mode, and I immediately thought of this post. I think it’s no coincidence I started having gut problems after the last time I took antibiotics, and I am now avoiding them like the plague! I was wondering if you have any recommendations on what I might do to keep myself from getting ill now that I’ve been exposed. I’m sure green juices & smoothies will be helpful, but just wanted see if you have any other thoughts! Thanks :)
Detox tea with lemon and ginger! Also, the Sambucol formula works well preventatively. Love!
Hi Kim,
This is my first time on your site and I really love how informative it is. I have had first hand experience with the perils of antibiotics changing your skin.
A few years ago I was very very ill: doctors were taking blood left and right and testing for everything under the sun and couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I was on antibiotics for the better part of 6 months of that year. Almost nonstop.
The only reason why I stopped taking them was when my illness went from bad to worse and I ended up in the ER because I was just passing blood. Eventually, everything just sort of went away. Doctors and the hospital don’t really know what happened. But my skin went from moist and radiant and supple to very dry and trashy. I lost a level of flora from my epidermis and had to get some very strong pills to kick it back into gear.
They helped, but ever since my skin hasn’t been the same. I scar now and break out like crazy. Sometimes I just can’t get the breakouts to stop. And since the incident I’ve become vegetarian (been vegetarian since sept 05).
Hi Kimberly!
I was curious to see what your opinion is on oral contraceptives and other forms of birth control?
Great question! I will do a post on it soon, since I’ve gotten a few requests. :)
Hi Kim,
Your blog is amazing. Just want add that grapefruit seed extract is another alternative to antibiotics. It’s antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
There are so many uses for it and it alkalizes the body as well.
Thanks,
Theresa
Hi Theresa!
Thank you and yes, you are right! Grapefruit seed extract is a natural antibacterial. I also like olive leaf extract, which has such properties as well. :)
Nice! I didn’t know about olive leaf extract.
Thanks Kim!
Theresa
Thanks for writing this! I’m trying to curb my antibiotic addiction. These tips are great.
Hmm, I never thought about it that way. I do see your point but I believe many will disagree
We’re all entitled to our own choices. I have been reading some interesting readings/research lately on the vicious link between chronic child ear infections and multiple doses of antibiotics. The childs’ own defenses are wiped out and so can never protect against the infections, so more antibiotics are prescribed, which in turn wipe out the friendly flora, and around and around the cycle goes…
Kim – I enjoy reading your past blog posts, great info. I’m hoping you could post info about naturally regulating hormones. I follow the book and am very happy with my weight, energy, etc., but have some persistent jaw-line acne that I believe is due to a hormonal imbalance (perhaps from going off of birth control pills about 4 months ago). No matter how closely I adhere to your principles I cannot shake this jaw-line problem and I would love to hear your thoughts on natural balancing solutions like evening primrose oil, chasteberry, etc. Thanks.
All I will say is really it is, truly great. I would not change one thing.