Antibiotics and threat to gut immunity

UK Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dave Sally Davies stated that antibiotic resistance presents a threat which is as serious as that of terrorism.

We are exposed to antibiotics through different channels:

• they are widely prescribed for a bacterial infection;
• they are not removed from our drinking water during water treatment;
• they are fed to farm animals (chickens, cows, sheep, goats) and  we consume them with meat; 
• they are found in crops treated with animal fertilizers (so vegetarians are in just as much danger).

A recent study of the effects of antibiotics on bowel flora conducted by the scientists of the University of Valencia  demonstrated that "gut bacteria presents a lower capacity to produce proteins, as well as deficiencies in key activities, during and after the treatment,....Specifically, the study suggests that the gut microbiota shows less capacity to absorb iron, digest certain foods and produce essential molecules for the organism."

So what can you do, on a daily basis, to support your gut flora? 

Your diet is very important. The following foods support gut flora: 

• Fresh fruit and vegetables; 
• Fermented milk products cheeses, kefir and yoghurts; 
• Fermented fruit and vegetables, such as home-made sauerkraut. 
• Take a probiotic supplement, especially if you have been taking antibiotics. 

Your body hygiene and exercise are important too. The following are crucial in supporting your immune systems: 

• Dry skin brushing
• Hot and cold showers
• Salt baths
• Vibration exercise (gentle rebounding, Powerplate and so on). 

And finally, hydration - sipping warm water with a bit of lemon in it throughout the day helps cleanse and rehydrate the cells.  

Support your gut immunity!