The Hidden Truth About Natural Antibiotics

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Nutrition

Evidence-Based
2 min Read
natural antibiotics

You’d think that as a host, you couldn’t possibly ignore hundreds of trillions of guests. Yet you might be doing just that, or worse, you might be unknowingly harming them.

I’m referring to your gut flora, those microscopic inhabitants that populate your intestines and outnumber your cells by a factor of 10. Even though they’re bacteria, don’t think of them as intruders. Quite to the contrary. These microorganisms are essential for good health, including your bone health.

Your Friendly Flora Plays a Role in Bone Health

This might surprise you. Vitamin K2 or menaquinones is synthesized by the gut flora.1 If you have the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, you already know the importance of Vitamin K – and especially of K2. Its beneficial effect on bone building has been amply supported by numerous studies.

Gut Microflora Perform a Myriad of Functions

They are involved in many aspects of your health, including:

  • Digestion and carbohydrate utilization
  • Protection from pathogenic bacteria
  • Optimal immune system function
  • Detoxification
  • Allergy prevention
  • Reducing inflammation

How to Become a Better Host

In view of their importance to our health, it is obviously desirable to maintain a good flora population. One good way is to eat prebiotics – foods rich in nutrients that feed the friendly bacteria. Artichokes, garlic, legumes, asparagus, bananas and dandelion greens are among the highest in prebiotics. And you can also consider taking some probiotic supplements, especially if in the past you were prescribed antibiotics.

Till next time,

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References

1 Conly JM, et al. “The contribution of vitamin K2 (menaquinones) produced by the intestinal microflora to human nutritional requirements for vitamin K. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994. Jun;89(6):915-23.