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Antibiotics are sometimes critical – they may be a life-saving treatment for bacterial infections – but a new study published in the European Heart Journal found that women who took antibiotics for a long time were at a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
The researchers examined the use of antibiotics in approximately 36,000 women aged 20 years and older. Women reported whether they had ever taken antibiotics and, if so, less than 15 days, from 15 days to two months or more than two months.
The study analyzed the data over an eight-year period and found that women 60 years and older taking antibiotics for at least two months (often required to treat persistent bacterial infections, such as Lyme disease) were % more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than those who did not take antibiotics; and women aged 40 to 59 who were taking antibiotics during the same period had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease of 28%.
Although further research is needed to confirm these findings, the researchers speculate that the relationship between antibiotic use and cardiovascular disease may be related to how antibiotics alter the composition of the microbiome – in particular reducing the good bacteria and making you vulnerable to bacteria or viruses causing disease.
"The use of antibiotics is the most determining factor in modifying the balance of microorganisms in the intestine. Previous studies have shown a link between the changes in the intestine. microbiotic environment in the intestine and inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels, strokes and heart disease, "said Lu Qi, senior researcher and director of the Center for Obesity Research from Tulane University, in a statement.
In light of this potential link, the authors of the study suggest taking antibiotics only when absolutely necessary. How are you on this? Before taking antibiotics, discuss with your doctor the effectiveness of the antibiotic prescribed for your disease and the need to fight the infection.
If you need to take antibiotics, think of ways to simultaneously help your intestinal health and help your body fight infections. In addition to following a diet rich in nutrients, you can take a probiotic to replenish some of the good intestinal bacteria that your antibiotics destroy. Just be sure to separate them after a few hours so that your probiotic is not as effective. Antibiotics can also negatively affect our mitochondria, which are essential to our energy level and our overall health. Functional Medicine Doctor Terry Wahls, MD, recommends taking B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc when you take antibiotics, all of which help maintain your mitochondria.
We hope you will not need antibiotics in the near future, but if you need them, remember that they are sometimes necessary and that you can do a lot to counter their potentially negative effects.
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