Do Antibiotics Do More Harm Than Good?

Studies have shown these common drugs may help lead to cancer, neurological problems, and possibly autoimmune diseases.

Did you know that the true meaning of the word “antibiotic” is “against life?” Many children and adults are quickly prescribed these “anti-life” drugs and often for viral infections, that are defined in the medical literature as “self-limiting” (i.e. self-recovering). Nevertheless, 60% of antibiotics are prescribed for these conditions that are known to heal naturally. Even the CDC states that: “When you have flu, antibiotics will not help you feel better.  Antibiotics won’t help you, and their side effects could cause harm.” Many studies are showing that these drugs are not as effective as many assume and can have alarming long-term effects, and potentially live up to its name.

Firstly, most antibiotics have been found to increase the risk of various cancers. According to a 2008 study, “The risk of developing prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer rises with use of antibiotics…” and “…the risk of less common cancer has also been linked with antibiotic use.” A more recent study from 2022, concluded, “Our data strongly support the hypothesis that the intake of antibiotics is positively associated with the risk of cancer development.”

Increased Risk of Cancer with Prolonged Use of Antibiotics

Secondly, a neurotoxic effect of most antibiotics is also well-documented in the scientific literature. According to the American Academy of Neurology, “Antibiotics may be linked to a serious disruption in brain function, called delirium, and other brain problems, more than previously thought.” A 2018 review discovered that, “Seizures, encephalopathy, optic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and exacerbation of myasthenia gravis are important examples of neurotoxic adverse events associated with the use of antibiotics.” Another researcher concluded that “The antibiotics react not only against the bacteria but also have ‘off-target’ effects by interfering with normal signaling within the brain. Different antibiotics affect the brain differently, hence causing varying patterns of toxicity.”

Toxicity consideration of antibiotics

Thirdly, antibiotics may also have a harmful effect on joints, ligaments, and tendons. A 2019 study found a link between antibiotic use and autoimmune problems, concluding that, “Those exposed to one or more antibiotic prescriptions were 60% more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis than their unexposed counterparts.” Some common antibiotics can even cause damage to tendons, including rupture of the Achilles tendon in runners. This risk is well-established in medical studies and it appears that the effects can last from months to even years later.

Antibiotics Could Be the Possible Cause of Your Tendon Pain

It’s quite clear that antibiotics are not completely harmless, but are they effective? A 2008 meta-analysis concluded that “use of antibiotics for acute sinusitis confers a small therapeutic benefit over placebo with a corresponding rise in the risk for adverse events.” According to a large study from 2021, “Similar to adults, antibiotics are unlikely to make a clinically important difference to the symptom burden for uncomplicated lower respiratory tract infections in children—both overall, and for the key clinical subgroups where antibiotic prescribing is most common.” A Cochrane review from 2023 found “no difference in clinical outcomes” for immediate or delayed prescribing, and even no prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory infections.

Many people believe that antibiotics are essential for recovering from colds and flus, but I’ve come across many of our clients that hardly ever use antibiotics. Some haven’t used antibiotics in decades, including myself. Before 2012, I used get a cold 3-4 times a year and the flu about once a year. I was almost always able to recover within a week, though, and always without antibiotics. Since 2012, I seldom get colds and only had the flu once in the last twelve years. Again, without the use of antibiotics or even any vaccines.

Life without antibiotics is definitely possible for everyone, even children, as long as you take steps to keep your mind and body functioning well, while also keeping fear from getting the best of you. Remember, your innate immune system is much more effective than we’ve been led to believe.

by SJ NANA, DC, DrNANA.co.za

Most children receive repeated courses of various antibiotics unsuccessfully for ear infections, resulting in tubes (grommets) being surgically inserted into their ear drums. Specific chiropractic adjustments can often help. Learn more: Activator Adjustments for Children With Ear Infections

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References:

• 3 Ways Antibiotics Can Do More Harm Than Good

• Antibiotics may be linked to risk of cancer

• Use of Antibiotics and Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

• Recurrent antibiotic exposure may promote cancer formation – Another step in understanding the role of the human microbiota?

• Antibiotic therapy is associated with an increased incidence of cancer

• Neurotoxic effects associated with antibiotic use: management considerations

• Medication-Induced Neurotoxicity: Adverse Reactions to Drug Therapy

• Prescription Drugs That Contain Fluoride (Search 325+ Drugs)

• Antibiotic use can increase nerve damage risk

• Association Between Peripheral Neuropathy and Exposure to Oral Fluoroquinolone or Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Therapy

• Antibiotic-Induced Neurotoxicity

• Antibiotic-induced neuropathy

• Antibiotics and the Nervous System—Which Face of Antibiotic Therapy Is Real, Dr. Jekyll (Neurotoxicity) or Mr. Hyde (Neuroprotection)?

• Unmasking antibiotic-associated neurological disorders: The underminer in Intensive Care Unit

• Fluoroquinolones: Neurological Complications and Side Effects in Clinical Practice

• Antibiotics and mental health: The good, the bad and the ugly

• Psychiatric Adverse Effects of Antibiotics

• Antibiotic-associated encephalopathy

• Common Antibiotics May Be Linked to Temporary Mental Confusion

• Neurotoxicity of the antibiotics: A comprehensive study

• Link between antibiotics and delirium strengthened

• Antibiotic use and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based case-control study

• FDA Warns of Tendon Damage Linked to Antibiotics

• The Risk of Fluoroquinolone-induced Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture

• These antibiotics can cause Achilles tendonitis and tendon rupture

• How Antibiotics Can Affect Achilles Tendinopathy In Athletes

• Antibiotics for lower respiratory tract infection in children presenting in primary care in England (ARTIC PC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

• Comparison of antibiotics with placebo for treatment of acute sinusitis: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

• Immediate versus delayed versus no antibiotics for respiratory infections

• Largest trial of antibiotic amoxicillin for treating chest infections in children finds little effect

• Here's Why Antibiotics May Give Viruses a Leg Up

Why Antibiotics Are Harmful for Your Health

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Please see my previous articles related to this topic:

• Natural Infections Help To Prevent and Cure Cancer

• The Overlooked Man-Made Pandemic

• Why 95% Effective is Misleading

• "The Mistreatment of Acute Disease"

• Sunshine Is Even More Essential During Shorter Days

• How Painkillers Create More Problems

• The Neurological Importance of Natural Deep Sleep

• Why Are Nervous System Diseases On The Rise?

• The Ignored Efficiency of the Immune System

• Fear Creates Neurological Dysfunction & Disease

Most antibiotics are used for the industrial production of meat, so these toxic residues get bioaccumulated in the meat and dairy products. This is just another reason to limit consumption of animal proteins. (Image source: Gold Nanoparticle-based Sensors in Food Safety Applications)

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