Tag: Microbiome

Over one-third of people taking antibiotics experience gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea. This common issue raises the question: do probiotics stop antibiotics from working, and are they the solution? The good news is that when managed correctly, probiotics do not interfere with antibiotics but can instead help mitigate these uncomfortable side effects.

Over 90% of the body's serotonin, a key neurotransmitter influenced by sertraline, is produced in the gut. Because of this, it's not surprising that one of the most common adverse effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline is digestive system issues. While it doesn't necessarily 'damage' the gut in the long term for most, understanding the mechanisms and potential risks is important for patients and clinicians alike.

Research shows that nearly a quarter of all non-antibiotic, human-targeted drugs, including many commonly used medications, can inhibit the growth of at least one species of gut bacteria. This extensive interaction reveals a complex reality: not only do medications treat ailments, but they also significantly impact gut health by altering the delicate balance of the gut microbiome.

While antibiotics are the standard treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs), extensive use can paradoxically increase the risk of future infections. This happens because antibiotics don't just kill harmful bacteria; they also disrupt the body's protective microbial balance, a state known as dysbiosis. This article explores how and why **can antibiotics cause UTI** indirectly by fostering a vulnerable environment for infection.

The human gut microbiome contains over 100 times more genes than the human genome, providing a massive reservoir of metabolic capacity that profoundly impacts human health. This biological powerhouse plays a pivotal role in a complex and bidirectional relationship with medication, influencing everything from drug efficacy to potential side effects in a field known as pharmacomicrobiomics.

Studies show that individuals with depression often have distinct microbial profiles compared to healthy counterparts. The emerging field of psychobiotics investigates how specific beneficial gut bacteria, as well as certain detrimental strains, are linked to depression by influencing neurotransmitters, inflammation, and stress pathways along the gut-brain axis.

Research indicates that a full recovery of the gut microbiome can take months after a course of antibiotics, which helps explain **why am I so tired after taking antibiotics?** is such a common and frustrating question. The answer lies in a complex interplay between the lingering effects of the infection and the drug's impact on your body.

Did you know that an estimated 90% of the body's serotonin, a key neurotransmitter targeted by many medications, is located in the gut? This close connection is why people often wonder: are antidepressants good for gut health? The answer is nuanced, as these medications can influence the gut in both therapeutic and sometimes challenging ways.

Recent research reveals that nearly half of all common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, not just antibiotics, can have a measurable impact on the human gut microbiome. Understanding exactly what medications disrupt the microbiome is crucial, as this disruption can lead to a cascade of effects, from digestive issues to weakened immune function.

Did you know that some people get a fungal infection called thrush after taking a course of antibiotics like penicillin? This occurs because antibiotics can kill the harmless bacteria that normally help to keep the *Candida* fungus in check, allowing it to multiply and cause an infection.