Antibiotics are critical to modern medicine, and have saved millions of lives since first being introduced in the mid-20th century. However, there are drawbacks to prescribing antibiotics when they’re not actually required.

Of course there’s the issue of antibiotic resistance, which is seen as a major threat to human health. And there are also unwanted side effects of antibiotic use to take into account. After all, they don’t only target the bacteria that are making us sick. They also kill harmless bacteria in the gut which actually keep us healthy. What’s more, according to MedicalXpress.com, “this disruption to gut microbiome composition can last for up to two years after antibiotic treatment.” Other side effects include diarrhea and bloating.

Is there anything we can do to protect our gut? Can antibiotics also lead to yeast infections? Do I have to go right to the end of my course of antibiotics? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A Bababam Originals podcast. Written and produced by Joseph Chance.

First Broadcast: 28/1/2023

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