Antimicrobials are are substances that kill or prevent microbes.
Using testing like the GI MAP to uncover hidden imbalances in your microbiome (like bacteria, fungus or parasite overgrowth’s) can help determine how specific antimicrobials can help you rebalance you gut and feel better overall.
They can include:
- Antibiotics
- Antiviral
- Anifungals
- Antiprotozoals
In Dr. Ruscio’s article he explains how many seemingly disconnected symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, inflammatory and autoimmune issues can be traced back to your microbiome.
Dr. Ruscio says:
These issues often originate in the gut and may occur due to imbalances in good and bad gut bacteria (dysbiosis), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or increased permeability of the intestinal lining (“leaky gut”).
Some people can normalize gut microbial balance and restore resilience and integrity to their intestinal lining without the extra assistance of antimicrobial agents — in these people, diet, lifestyle and probiotics can be sufficient to restore balance and resolve symptoms.
But for others, antimicrobials can be a game changer. In this article, we’ll explore when and how to consider antimicrobial agents, what they do, and which ones have been shown to be the most effective.
Some of the most effective antimicrobial agents are:
- Oregano
- Berberine
- Wormwood
- Peppermint Oil
- Caprylic Acid
- Black Walnut
When I work with clients 1-1 we determine the best herbal combinations for your unique healing opportunities because each agent has it’s own effect. For example, Wormwood is great for parasites and fungus while Berberine can be effective for bacteria as well as lowering blood sugar and reducing inflammation.
You can read more by clicking the link below. If you want to learn more about antimicrobials may be an option for you, I’d love to hear from you. You can book a complimentary consult using the form below.
Key takeaways from Dr. Ruscio’s article:
Antimicrobial agents include a variety of plant and herbal extracts that can knock out bad bacteria and other infectious microbes.
They can help with stubborn cases of SIBO, dysbiosis and fungal or parasitic infections, and the effects of these, such as fatigue, inflammation and brain fog.
Antimicrobials are a useful extra to nudge to balance gut health , but diet and probiotics should be the first lines of defense.
Source: Antimicrobial Agents: When and How They May Help Your Health
