Antibiotics and Your Gut: What You Need to Know
By Harlee Palmer, PA When you're feeling sick, it's common to wonder: “Do I need antibiotics?” While these powerful medications can be life-saving when used appropriately, they can also impact more than just the infection—they can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome. When Are Antibiotics Necessary? Antibiotics are designed to fight bacterial infections, not viruses. That means they’re effective for conditions like strep throat, urinary tract infections, or bacterial pneumonia, but not for common colds or the flu. Overusing antibiotics when they're not truly needed can lead to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary side effects. That’s why it's important to consult with your provider to determine whether antibiotics are the right course of treatment. Your Gut Microbiome: A Delicate Ecosystem Your gut is home to trillions of beneficial bacteria that...
