strep b during pregnancy : you can avoid antibiotics by boosting probiotics

something that you're tested for near the end of your pregnancy is strep b.  if you test positive, often your doctor will tell you that it's easily treated during labor with antibiotics.  well, when i asked my doctor if i could try to treat it naturally if necessary, he said yes.

let's have a quick chat about the importance of probiotics....

research shows that 80% of your immune system is in your intestines. mercola.com says the following about probiotics:

"the term probiotics comes from the greek "for life" (which gives you an inkling of what the word "antibiotics" really means).  when ingested, these living microorganisms replenish the microflora in your intestinal tract.  this results in the promotion of a number of health-enhancing functions, including enhanced digestive function."

basically, if you promote the good bacteria in your gut, then it will win out over the bad bacteria that enters it.   good bacteria feast on fiber, and the bad thrive on SUGAR and animal fat.  strep b is a bad bacteria.

antibiotics wipe out the bad bacteria AND the good bacteria.  so you are prone to possible further problems like reinfection and yeast infections (new mothers can get these in their breasts).

you can take probiotics in a capsule form.   read more on what to look for in a supplement on mercola.com or here.

eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber will help increase your good bacteria in your intestines.  plus, try to incorporate fermented foods like yogurt (try plain kefir since it's lower in sugar...you can even make your own--try to use raw milk)---put it in a smoothie or oatmeal.  other fermented foods include sauerkraut and miso.

if you come up positive for strep b, then jump all over the probiotics supplements and food (although starting them daily TODAY is ideal for anyone).  then, have your doctor check you again---you will likely come up negative.

photo courtesy of www.homeopathyandmore.com