How To Know If You Need An Antibiotic + Exactly What To Do About It

When antibiotics can actually be helpful (and even lifesaving)

Although there are many dangers of overusing antibiotics, it’s important to recognize that there are times when antibiotics have actually saved lives. Proper antibiotic use is all about using discretion to decide on when they are needed and when they are not. So, when are some instances when antibiotics can be a good course of action? If infection is a concern, seeing a doctor can help determine the nature of your illness to find out if it can be threatening. There are two major categories of infection:

1. Viral infections

The common cold and the flu (influenza) are both upper respiratory infections that are caused by viruses, not bacteria. In fact, sinus infections and eye infections like pinkeye are also almost always caused by viruses. Since antibiotics are designed to only kill bacteria, knowing what type of infection you have can narrow down whether or not an antibiotic will even be effective.

2. Bacterial infections

Once you know that your illness is bacterial in nature and not viral, it is still important to remember that there are a lot of different kinds of bacterial infections which should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with the help of your doctor. An ear infection is one example of an infection that in general, can resolve itself after a few days. However, urinary tract infections can sometimes need the help of antibiotics if not also resolved after a few days. Skin infections as well – ones that include red and inflamed areas – can benefit from the use of antibiotics.

What about natural antibiotics?

Luckily there are many natural antibiotics that can either amplify the effect of pharmaceutical options or can be used on their own. Oregano oil is one of my favorites and has been shown to be effective (4) in fighting staph infections when used alongside monolaurin – a by-product of coconut oil, which also has its own antibacterial properties.

How to support your body when taking antibiotics

If you have decided that your bacterial infection does need the support of a prescribed antibiotic there is still a lot you can do to give your body the TLC it needs while you are taking this medication:

1. Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight free radical compounds that contribute to making us sick. Food should ultimately be the primary source of our antioxidants but for times like this when your immune system needs an extra boost I turn to:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): This powerful antioxidant is a precursor to one of your body’s most vital antioxidants – glutathione. NAC has also been shown to have natural antibiotic properties by beneficially regulating biofilms. This bacterial protective slime can be the cause (5) of ongoing bacterial infections.
• Pterostilbene: Blueberries, almonds, and grape leaves are all good sources of this antioxidant. (6) Pterostilbene is chemically similar to resveratrol but has been found to be even more potent. Research has shown that it is in fact, four times more bioavailable than resveratrol. It can also increase the molecule NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) which has intense anti-aging effects.
• Curcumin and Turmerone: No antioxidant list is complete without turmeric. Curcuminoids and turmerones are active compounds found in this spice that are able to reduce the negative effects of antibiotics.
• Andrographis: I often recommend this herb to my patients who are taking antibiotics as a natural antibacterial (7) viral agent.

2. Probiotics

While many people can benefit from taking quality probiotics, it is especially important for those taking antibiotics. Studies have shown that taking a probiotic in conjunction with your antibioitics – while seemingly contradictory – can reduce some of the side effects.

3. Bone broth

Bone broth is probably my favorite food medicine to nourish the primary home of your immune system – the gut. You can either make your own or purchase it already premade. Bare Bones and Kettle & Fire are my go-to brands since they use the highest quality ingredients. By being packaged frozen, all the real food goodness is preserved unlike most other shelf-stable carton bone broths.

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