I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

The era of antibiotics in medicine began about 70 years ago in the aftermath of World War II. For the first time in human existence, specific drugs that could help to kill dangerous bacteria were introduced to the market.

These drugs have been important, life-saving assets in the arsenal of physicians. However, over the years their use has proliferated beyond their targeted intent. They have been given almost magical attributes and are seen by some doctors and many patients as a "cure all" for everything from a chest cold to a sinus infection.

RESISTANCE

We now appreciate that the overuse of antibiotics has allowed a class of "superbugs" to develop that are resistant to most common treatments. These bugs are more likely to occur in individuals who are already weakened by chronic illness and have been on repeated cycles of antibiotics.

C. DIFF.

Clostridium difficile also known as "c. diff," is a potentially lethal overgrowth of bacteria in the gut that has become almost epidemic. At first it only struck the sick and weak hospitalized patients. It has now spread to young healthy people in the community. A common risk factor is the overuse of antibiotics that wipe out the healthy bacteria of the gut leaving it vulnerable to overgrowth by this dangerous bacteria.

PROLONGED COLON DAMAGE

A study out of Amsterdam and published courtesy of the American Society for Microbiology reviewed the impact of one course of antibiotics on a group of individuals. They found that a single cycle of antibiotics could disturb the healthy balance of bacteria in the colon for months. Such a disturbance can weaken the immune system making the individual more susceptible to subsequent infection. It also strips the colon of healthy "butyrate producing" bacteria. Butyrate is the "food" that cells of the colon live on. Cells that are starved of butyrate become dysfunctional increasing the likelihood of everything from inflammatory bowel conditions to compromised immunity and increased systemic inflammation. The cascade of adverse affects can harm every organ of the body causing joint pain, muscle pain, chronic fatigue and other health consequences.

AVOID ANTIBIOTICS

Remember, antibiotics do nothing to fight viruses. It is worth recalling that the average chest cold will last 7 to 10 days, the same for the average head cold. Antibotics do nothing to "nip it in the bud" when it comes to potential pneumonia or more serious consequences. If anything, use of  antibiotics makes illness more likely in this setting.

BOOST IMMUNE SYSTEM

Using more natural interventions such as high dose intravenous vitamin C, high dose appropriate species of probiotics, and other immune boosting supplements are safer and can do more good then the cavalier use of antibiotics. Unfortunately, in the intense rush of today's common office encounter such more thoughtful approaches are usually discarded in favor of a quick prescription. It is worth sharing with your healthcare provider that you would preferred to use antibiotics only as a "last resort." By sharing your treatment philosophy with your provider, you are more likely to only get antibiotics only if absolutely necessary.

PREVENTION

As always, prevention is your best strategy. Remember, your immune system functions like any other organ of your body. It is harmed by inadequate sleep, lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, stress and excessive alcohol. In our practice we recommend the routine use of immune boosting supplements for individuals above age 50. Even with a healthy lifestyle, age is an independent risk factor for a weakening immune system. Antiaging medicine is more than skin deep! The most important things to keep young are the parts that we cannot see.

To your best health,
Dr. Stephen Petteruti

Dr. Stephen Petteruti is the Medical Director who is triple-board certified in Family Practice, Anti-Aging & Functional Medicine, and Medical Weight Loss. To lean how we can help you achieve your healthy weight and life extension goals, contact us.