My Pocket Doctor

25/08/2025

Over-the-Counter Medications to Keep on Hand

Choose a few versatile OTC products rather than buying everything available. Some useful options include:

Nasal decongestants

Throat lozenges

Pain relievers: acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorphenamine

Antidiarrheals: bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), loperamide (Imodium)

Laxatives: psyllium (Metamucil), polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX)

Antacids and acid reducers (H2 blockers, PPIs)

Electrolyte solutions: Pedialyte or powders

Chest rubs: Vicks VapoRub

Other useful items:

A digital thermometer for checking fevers (≥100.4°F / 38°C in adults, lower thresholds for babies).

Nasal irrigation kits to relieve congestion.

Tip: Generic medications are just as effective and safe as brand-name versions, but often cheaper.

Pantry Staples for Sick Days

Hydration and easy-to-digest foods are essential. Stock:

Broth cubes (chicken, beef, or vegetable)

Canned soups (especially chicken noodle)

Herbal teas (ginger, chamomile, lemon, peppermint)

Electrolyte powders or sports drinks

Ginger ale

Honey (soothes sore throats; not safe for babies under 1 year)

Regularly check expiration dates to keep your stash fresh.

Other Helpful Supplies

Beyond food and medicine, certain household items help comfort you and reduce the spread of germs:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Antibacterial soap

Face masks

Disinfectant spray and wipes

Tissues with a small disposal bin nearby

Cozy pajamas and warm socks

When to Call a Doctor

Most viral infections improve within 1–2 weeks, but seek medical advice if:

Fever lasts more than 3 days

Symptoms worsen or don’t improve after 10 days

You have chest pain, shortness of breath, or uncontrollable shivering

You live with a chronic condition (e.g., diabetes, cancer)

How to Build Your Sick Day Kit Today

Use a medium-sized basket or box to store everything together.

Keep it in an easy-to-reach spot, but out of children’s reach.

Check medication labels and expiration dates regularly.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist which OTC products are safe for you if you take prescription medications.

Stay current with flu shots and recommended vaccines.

Bottom Line

Colds, stomach bugs, and flu-like illnesses are common—and while they can’t always be avoided, you can make recovery easier by being prepared. A well-stocked sick day starter pack helps you relieve symptoms quickly, stay comfortable, and prevent spreading germs to others.



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18/08/2025

Is Eating Too Much Protein Dangerous?
Daily Protein Needs

Your protein requirements vary depending on factors such as body weight, age, physical activity, health status, and whether you have specific goals like building muscle or managing weight.

Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats. It plays a critical role in many functions, including oxygen transport, immune defense, nerve signaling, and tissue growth and repair.

But can you actually eat too much protein? Let’s break down what the science says.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight.

However, this amount is considered the minimum to prevent deficiency — not necessarily the optimal intake. Many health experts and organizations suggest that physically active individuals may benefit from 0.54–0.9 grams per pound (1.2–2 grams per kg) per day.

Athletes may need even more to support training and recovery.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people require higher amounts — around 0.5 grams per pound (1.1 grams per kg).

Older adults and individuals with certain health conditions may also benefit from greater protein intake.

Are High-Protein Diets Harmful?

Concerns about kidney strain, heart disease, and bone health are often raised when discussing high-protein diets. But research largely does not support these fears.

Heart Health

Studies show no consistent link between higher protein intake and heart disease risk.

A large study of over 12,000 adults found no connection between protein intake (from either plant or animal sources) and increased heart disease risk.

A 2020 review confirmed no link between higher total protein intake and death from heart disease.

A 2023 meta-analysis found no association between high-protein diets and risk of stroke, cardiovascular death, or related outcomes.

Bone Health

Older research suggested high protein intake might weaken bones, but newer evidence shows the opposite: protein supports bone health.

A 2019 review of 13 studies found that higher protein consumption was linked to increased bone mineral density and a reduced risk of hip fractures.

Protein makes up more than one-third of bone mass and works together with calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength.

The Takeaway

For most healthy people, a higher protein intake is safe and may even be beneficial — especially for athletes, older adults, and those with increased needs.

If you’re considering a high-protein diet, it’s best to work with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. They can help ensure your diet is balanced, sustainable, and tailored to your unique goals.

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11/08/2025

Keeping Your Heart Young: Understanding and Improving ‘Heart Age’

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to protect your heart — and new research suggests it might also help slow its biological aging.

Recent studies show that unhealthy habits can cause the heart to age faster than the rest of the body. Cardiologists are now using a “heart age” approach, comparing the organ’s biological age to a person’s actual years, to better predict risks such as heart disease and stroke.

New Tools to Measure Heart Age
A research letter published July 30 in JAMA Cardiology introduced the PREVENT heart age calculator, which uses factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney health, smoking status, and conditions such as diabetes to estimate future cardiovascular risks. Compared to the older Framingham model from 2008, PREVENT is based on more diverse and contemporary population data.

In another breakthrough, University of East Anglia researchers developed an MRI-based method to determine functional heart age by measuring how efficiently the left atrium pumps blood. Their trial found that patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or atrial fibrillation often had significantly “older” hearts than their chronological age.

Why Heart Age Matters
Knowing your heart’s true age can serve as a wake-up call. As Dr. Pankaj Garg of UEA explains, patients may be motivated to adopt healthier habits — such as exercising, eating better, and following medical advice — to slow heart aging and prevent complications.

However, experts like Dr. Cheng-Han Chen note that there is no universally agreed definition of “heart age” yet, and research is ongoing to determine its full clinical value.

Causes of Premature Heart Aging
According to the CDC, common contributors include:

High blood pressure – Increases strain on the heart, thickening its walls.

Diabetes – Damages blood vessels and raises the risk of plaque buildup.

High LDL cholesterol – Causes artery-clogging deposits that limit blood flow.

Obesity – Often linked to hypertension and high cholesterol.

Signs of an Aging Heart
With age, even healthy hearts may develop changes like occasional irregular beats, enlarged chambers with thicker walls, stiffer valves, or increased risk of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.

Keeping Your Heart Young
While there’s no universal heart age test, the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 provides a practical framework for heart health:

Exercise Regularly – Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly, plus strength training twice a week. Avoid prolonged sitting by adding more movement throughout the day.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet – Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, lean proteins, healthy fats (olive, avocado oils), and minimize trans fats, processed meats, and sugary drinks.

Avoid Smoking – Quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart attacks and vessel damage.

Limit Alcohol – No more than one drink per day for women, two for men; less is better.

Manage Stress – Prioritize mental health, stay socially connected, and make time for joy and laughter.

By understanding and tracking your heart’s functional age, you can take meaningful steps toward preserving its vitality — and your overall health — for years to come.

04/08/2025

Is Your Kidney Disease Progressing?

If you have diabetes-related kidney disease, monitoring your symptoms is crucial. This condition can worsen over time and potentially lead to kidney failure. Recognizing symptoms, understanding related health risks, and tracking changes can help you and your doctor manage your condition more effectively.

Understanding Kidney Disease
Kidney disease occurs when your kidneys become damaged and can no longer filter your blood effectively. Healthy kidneys are essential for removing waste, regulating blood pressure, balancing electrolytes, and supporting bone health.

When kidney function steadily declines, it's referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes—both type 1 and type 2—is the leading cause of kidney failure, so individuals with both diabetes and CKD should be especially vigilant.

Stages of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease progresses in five stages:

Stages 1–3 (Early): Kidney function is still present, but may begin to decline. Some symptoms might begin to appear.

Stages 4–5 (Advanced): Kidneys struggle to filter waste. Symptoms become more noticeable, and complications such as anemia and acid buildup (acidosis) may develop.

Kidney Failure (End-stage): At this point, kidneys function at 15% or less of their normal capacity and cannot maintain necessary bodily functions.

Key Symptoms of Worsening Kidney Disease
Symptoms of advancing kidney disease may appear gradually or suddenly. Be aware of:

Lower back or flank pain

Fatigue or persistent weakness

Swelling in the hands, feet, or under the eyes

Metallic or unpleasant taste in the mouth

Feeling cold even in warm conditions

Trouble focusing or mental fog

Shortness of breath

Dry or itchy skin

Muscle cramps (hands or legs)

Nausea and vomiting

Discuss any new or intensifying symptoms with your healthcare provider—they can provide insights specific to your condition.

Secondary Conditions Related to Kidney Disease
Progressive kidney disease can lead to several secondary complications:

1. Anemia
Due to reduced red blood cell production.
Symptoms: Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness.

2. Mineral and Bone Disorder
Imbalances in calcium and phosphate due to impaired kidney hormone regulation.
Symptoms: Bone and joint discomfort; may be asymptomatic initially.

3. Fluid Overload
Fluid retention caused by impaired kidney function.
Symptoms: Swelling (especially in legs), weight gain, shortness of breath.

4. Metabolic Acidosis
Acid buildup in the body due to ineffective kidney filtering.
Symptoms: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite.

These conditions can complicate your health further, so it’s important to stay proactive in monitoring any changes.

Tracking and Monitoring Your Symptoms
Keeping a close eye on your health helps both you and your doctor make informed decisions. Here’s how you can track effectively:

Monitor at home: Use a blood pressure monitor if recommended.

Keep notes: Record symptoms with details like date, time, severity, and potential triggers or improvements.

Use digital tools: Symptom-tracking apps often allow you to share updates with your healthcare team.

Track test results: Regularly monitor your lab values—especially eGFR and urine albumin—and bring this data to appointments.

Organize records: Digitally store test results and doctor notes. Scan paper documents and keep them easily accessible.

The Takeaway
Managing kidney disease is a long-term commitment, but you don’t have to do it alone. Work closely with your healthcare provider to build a personalized plan, which may include diet adjustments, medications, and lifestyle changes.

By understanding the signs of worsening kidney function and staying consistent with symptom tracking, you can take meaningful steps to protect your health and slow disease progression.




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28/07/2025

Can a “Cortisol Cocktail” Really Lower Stress? Here’s What Experts Say

The “cortisol cocktail” has taken over TikTok, with influencers touting it as a natural remedy for stress and sleeplessness. But do the claims hold up under scientific scrutiny? Health experts remain unconvinced.

What Is the Cortisol Cocktail?
This trendy bedtime beverage typically combines magnesium powder, citrus juice (often orange or lemon), and coconut water. Some versions also include pink Himalayan salt or sparkling water for added flavor.

The drink gets its name from cortisol—a hormone the body releases in response to stress. With stress and sleep issues becoming increasingly common, it’s no surprise the idea of sipping a calming mocktail before bed is catching on.

Fans describe it as a “relaxation ritual” that calms the nervous system and promotes better sleep. But while anecdotal evidence abounds, experts caution that the science doesn’t quite match the hype.

Magnesium: A Promising—but Limited—Ingredient
The star component, magnesium, does have a reputation for supporting stress relief.

“Magnesium plays a crucial role in hundreds of biochemical reactions in the body,” said nutritionist Beth Edwards. “During stress, our magnesium stores deplete more quickly, and we excrete more of it through urine. Replenishing those stores can be helpful.”

Another nutritionist, Amie Parry-Jones, pointed to a 2020 study suggesting that magnesium supplementation might lower cortisol levels, especially in individuals with a deficiency. However, she noted that the quantity of magnesium in the average cortisol cocktail is relatively low, which limits its potential impact.

Vitamin C and Electrolytes: Helpful, But Not Game-Changing
The citrus juice provides a small amount of vitamin C—an antioxidant that plays a role in supporting adrenal function, which is closely tied to stress hormone production.

“The adrenal glands use vitamin C rapidly under stress,” said Edwards, “so maintaining adequate levels is important.”

Still, Parry-Jones emphasized that most research on vitamin C’s stress-reducing effects involves high-dose supplements, not the small amounts found in lemon or orange juice.

Coconut water adds a dose of electrolytes, especially potassium. According to Parry-Jones, this can help correct imbalances that arise during chronic stress. But again, the effect is expected to be minimal in most people.

Potential Drawbacks: Blood Sugar Spikes and Sleep Disruption
While generally harmless, the cortisol cocktail isn’t without its downsides. Drinking juice before bed can cause blood sugar to spike and crash, which may actually disrupt sleep rather than improve it.

“Orange juice is rapidly absorbed without the fiber of whole fruit, which can lead to a spike in blood glucose,” Parry-Jones said. “This is followed by a crash, potentially making you feel restless or overheated.”

That crash could result in poor sleep, which ironically increases cortisol levels the next day.

To reduce this effect, Edwards recommends drinking the cocktail earlier in the evening and pairing it with a meal.

Additionally, sparkling water—a common optional ingredient—can cause digestive issues such as bloating or gas, which might further impair sleep.

Final Verdict: Mostly Harmless, But Not a Magic Bullet
The cortisol cocktail likely won’t harm you—but it also won’t be a miracle cure for stress.

“It’s a fun wellness trend, but the low levels of nutrients mean it’s unlikely to produce significant benefits,” said Parry-Jones. “It might help with relaxation as part of a nighttime routine, but it won’t lower cortisol in any meaningful way.”

Edwards echoed this sentiment: “It’s important to focus on the bigger picture—overall lifestyle, diet, sleep, and physical activity. One drink can’t replace a comprehensive approach to stress management.”

Even if you feel better after drinking it, experts say that might simply be a placebo effect. “Placebo can be powerful initially, but its effects usually fade over time,” Parry-Jones noted.

Bottom Line
If you enjoy the taste and ritual of a cortisol cocktail, there’s no harm in making it part of your routine. But for real stress relief, you’ll need more than a trendy beverage—think quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and, when needed, professional guidance.

21/07/2025

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System and Prevent Illness

While it’s impossible to avoid getting sick entirely, there are effective ways to lower your risk and improve your overall health. Everyday exposures—like going to work or shopping—can’t always be avoided, but healthy habits can make a big difference.

Here are 12 practical tips to help prevent colds, the flu, and other infections.

1. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, including:

Vitamins

Minerals

Antioxidants

These help support a well-functioning immune system. On the flip side, nutrient deficiencies can leave you more vulnerable to infections.

2. Prioritize Vitamin A and D
A lack of vitamins A and D has been linked to increased susceptibility to illness. Great dietary sources include:

Vitamin A:

Sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach

Mangoes, red bell peppers, cantaloupe

Chicken breast, beef liver

Dairy products, eggs

Vitamin D:

Yogurt, kefir, milk

Salmon, tuna, sardines

Mushrooms exposed to UV light

Fortified foods (e.g., orange juice)

If you can’t meet your daily needs through food alone, talk to your doctor about taking supplements.

3. Get Quality Sleep
Sleep is critical to immune function. When you're sleep-deprived, your risk of infection rises.

The CDC recommends at least 7 hours of sleep per night for adults. During deep sleep, your body produces cytokines, proteins that help regulate immunity and combat illness.

Need better rest? Try optimizing your bedroom for sleep-friendly conditions.

4. Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption can compromise your immune system. A 2025 study revealed that both very low and high alcohol consumption were linked to:

Greater infection risk

Increased ICU admissions

Higher mortality rates due to infection

Moderate alcohol consumption, however, was not associated with elevated risk.

5. Reduce Stress
Chronic stress weakens immune defenses. While you can't eliminate stress entirely, learning how to manage it helps:

Effective stress-relief strategies:

Meditation or yoga

Journaling

Talking with a friend

Spending time outdoors

Engaging in hobbies like crafting

6. Sip on Green Tea
Green tea contains natural compounds that may offer protection against bacteria. While more research is needed, it's a healthy choice to include in your diet.

Tip: Try green tea in smoothies, energy bites, or hot drinks for variety.

7. Get Your Flu Shot
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age. It's especially important for people at high risk of complications.

Aim to get vaccinated between September and October, ideally by the end of October. Most adults under 65 don’t need to worry about choosing between vaccine types.

8. Practice Good Hygiene
Avoiding germs helps keep you healthy. Make hygiene part of your daily routine:

Shower regularly

Wash hands before eating or touching your face

Scrub for at least 20 seconds, including under nails

Cover your mouth/nose when sneezing or coughing

Disinfect shared surfaces (keyboards, doorknobs, phones)

Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer when out and about

Final Thoughts
Staying healthy isn’t just about reacting when you feel unwell. It’s about consistency—eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, sleeping well, and practicing smart hygiene.

While you can’t eliminate illness entirely, these steps can significantly reduce your risk and boost your overall quality of life.

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14/07/2025

A Healthy Mouth Means a Healthier You

When we talk about overall health and wellness, we often think of balanced diets, regular exercise, mental well-being, and disease prevention. But one crucial component that often gets overlooked is oral health.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is more than just preventing cavities — it's a key part of your entire body's well-being.

Why Oral Health Matters
Your mouth hosts millions of bacteria, most of which are harmless. But without proper oral care, harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to infections, inflammation, and even entering your bloodstream. This can trigger or worsen various health issues beyond the mouth.

One example is gum disease (periodontitis) — a serious infection that doesn’t just damage your gums and teeth. It can also contribute to systemic health problems, including those affecting your heart and lungs.

The Link Between Oral Health and Chronic Conditions
Diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. And once it takes hold, severe gum disease can make it harder to regulate blood sugar levels, creating a challenging cycle.

Heart Disease
Numerous studies have shown a strong connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions. Inflammation and bacteria from the mouth may contribute to clogged arteries, heart attacks, or strokes.

Respiratory Infections
When oral bacteria are inhaled, they can reach your lungs — potentially causing infections like pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

Pregnancy Complications
Poor oral health during pregnancy has been associated with serious outcomes like preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Gum inflammation may interfere with the development of the fetus, making oral care especially important during this time.

Oral Health Impacts Social and Mental Well-being Too
The health of your mouth also affects your quality of life and confidence. Tooth loss, bad breath, and untreated dental issues can diminish your self-esteem and impact your ability to speak, eat, or sleep comfortably.

The Bottom Line
Oral health goes far beyond a bright smile. It’s deeply connected to your physical health, mental well-being, and social interactions.

Understanding how your mouth reflects and affects your overall health is the first step. Make oral care a regular part of your wellness routine — and don’t skip those dental checkups. Your whole body will thank you.

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07/07/2025

01/07/2025

Young Adults Turning to Social Media for Health Advice Amid Gaps in Preventive Care
A recent survey conducted by Healthline Media and YouGov reveals a growing trend among young adults in the U.S. who are increasingly relying on social media platforms for health information. At the same time, the study highlights significant gaps in preventive healthcare, including screenings and routine exams, raising concerns among health professionals.

Preventive Care Screenings Falling Behind
The survey, conducted in September 2024 with over 4,000 U.S. adults, found that preventive care screenings are being widely overlooked. Only 42% of respondents had an annual physical in the past year, and just 37% reported going for a dental cleaning.

The numbers are even more striking when broken down by procedure:

Mammograms: 52% of women aged 40 and over did not receive one.

Gynecological exams: Only 22% of women had one.

Colonoscopies: Just 16% of adults aged 45 and older underwent this crucial screening.

Dr. Jenny Yu, Chief Medical Officer at Healthline, emphasized the risks of skipping these screenings: “Routine screenings are essential for detecting serious health issues early. They create a baseline for ongoing care and informed decision-making between doctors and patients.”

Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Health Advice
As more young people bypass traditional medical care, social media has become a go-to source for wellness information. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are filled with content from influencers promoting everything from “liquid gold” colostrum supplements to DIY health hacks like baking soda water and cucumber salads.

Key findings from the survey show:

Millennials and Gen Zers were 63% and 67% more likely, respectively, to turn to social media for health tips compared to other sources.

52% of respondents tried wellness products or practices they learned about online in the past year.

Men were more likely than women (57% vs. 48%) to adopt these social media-inspired health trends, with 36% specifically citing YouTube as an information source.

However, despite this enthusiasm, many users are skeptical. About 77% of participants expressed negative perceptions of the health and wellness tools they found on social media. Those with chronic conditions were even more wary — 79% had negative views compared to 72% of those without such conditions.

Generational and Gender Differences in Perceptions
Younger generations tend to view social media health trends more favorably:

53% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials had a positive perception.

Only 32% of Gen X and 25% of Baby Boomers felt the same.

Women were slightly more likely than men (39% vs. 35%) to view these trends positively.

A Drive Toward Wellness — But with Caution
Interestingly, people who did receive preventive care were more likely to engage with social media wellness trends. Of those who had an annual health screening, 53% said they tried online wellness advice — compared to just 30% of those who skipped checkups.

Popular trends included:

Gut health: Prebiotics, probiotics, microbiome supplements

Skincare: Anti-aging products like retinol and collagen

Weight management: Detox teas, juice cleanses, weight loss medications

Hair care: Rosemary and rice water rinses, oiling

Oral hygiene: Water flossing and oil pulling

Healthline’s Response: Combating Misinformation
To address the growing influence of social media on health literacy, Healthline’s online community Bezzy launched “Bezzy vs. BS” during Health Literacy Month. This campaign focuses on busting health myths with expert advice, real-life stories, and educational resources to help users spot misinformation.

Final Takeaway
The survey underscores a critical issue: while young people are eager to improve their health, many are bypassing routine medical care in favor of potentially unreliable advice on social media. Health professionals stress the importance of maintaining regular screenings and using trusted sources for health information.

As Dr. Yu noted, relatable does not always mean reliable — and when it comes to health, accuracy can be life-saving.

23/06/2025

Antibiotic Use Linked to Increased Risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Study Finds

A new study published in the journal Gut highlights a concerning association between frequent antibiotic use and an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Key Findings on Antibiotic Exposure and IBD Risk
Researchers analyzed health records from over 6 million Danish residents aged 10 and older, all initially free of IBD, between 2000 and 2018. Of these, more than 5.5 million individuals were prescribed antibiotics at least once.

During the study period, 36,017 individuals were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and 16,881 with Crohn’s disease. The analysis revealed that any antibiotic use increased the likelihood of developing IBD, with older adults facing the highest risks.

IBD Diagnosis Risk Compared to Non-Antibiotic Users:

Ages 10–40: 28% increased risk

Ages 40–60: 46% increased risk

Over 60: 47% increased risk

Crohn’s Disease Risk:

Ages 10–40: 40% higher risk

Ages 40–50: 62% higher risk

Over 50: 51% higher risk

Cumulative Effect of Antibiotics
The risk of IBD rose with the number of antibiotic courses taken:

11% increase after the second round

15% increase after the third

14% increase after the fourth

Those who underwent five or more courses had the highest risk:

Ages 10–40: 59% higher risk

Ages 40–60: Risk nearly doubled

Over 60: 95% increased risk

Importantly, the researchers noted that the greatest risk appeared one to two years after antibiotic use and gradually decreased over time if no further antibiotics were taken.

Risk Drop Over Time Without Further Antibiotic Use:

Ages 10–40: 40% risk after 1–2 years; down to 13% by 4–5 years

Ages 40–60: 66% risk initially; down to 21%

Over 60: 63% initially; dropped to 22%

Antibiotic Type Matters
One exception was nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic mainly used for urinary tract infections. It showed no association with IBD risk across all age groups. Experts attribute this to its more targeted action on urinary pathogens, sparing the gut microbiome.

Implications for Gut Health and Microbiome
This research strengthens the hypothesis that disruptions to the gut microbiome play a role in IBD development. Many antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum ones, can alter microbial diversity in the gut—potentially triggering chronic inflammation.

However, the study did have limitations. Researchers relied on prescription data without confirming whether patients completed the treatments or their durations.

Expert Perspectives on Antibiotic Use
While antibiotics remain essential for treating bacterial infections, experts urge more cautious and evidence-based use.

“Antibiotics are lifesaving but can be a double-edged sword with long-term consequences,” noted Dr. Sara Mesilhy, MRCP, a gastroenterologist with the Royal College of Physicians.

“This study shouldn’t be interpreted as a call to avoid antibiotics altogether,” added Dr. Adam Faye of NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “It emphasizes the importance of antibiotic stewardship—not only to curb resistance but also to potentially reduce IBD development, especially in older adults.”

Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both chronic conditions marked by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms can include:

Persistent diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Re**al bleeding

Weight loss

Fatigue

The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, but it likely involves a mix of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Antibiotic exposure now appears to be an additional contributing factor.

“In younger patients, family history often plays a larger role, whereas in older patients, environmental triggers—such as antibiotic use—are more significant,” Dr. Mesilhy added.