Why Antibiotics Are Keeping You Sick (And How to Stop the Cycle)

Antibiotics are one of the most overprescribed medications in modern medicine, and while they have their place, they come with lasting consequences for gut health, immunity, and even mental well-being. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story from my early motherhood journey when my daughter was just three months old and prescribed antibiotics for an ear infection. That moment changed everything for me, setting me on the path to learning how to support the body naturally and protect the microbiome.

We also dive into:

• The shocking long-term effects of antibiotics on gut health, immunity, and brain function
• How rebalancing helps you avoid the cycle of recurring infections
• Exactly what to do if you or your child need antibiotics while rebalancing
• The step-by-step plan for restoring your gut after antibiotics and preventing future imbalances

14 years and 3 more kids later, not a single one of us has needed antibiotics. This conversation will empower you to protect your microbiome, make informed choices, and feel confident in your body’s ability to heal.

✨ Tune in now to learn how to break the cycle and take charge of your health.

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Sending love and wellness from my family yours,
xx - Juniper Bennett
Founder of ōNLē ORGANICS

Transcript

Antibiotics are among the most overprescribed and overused medications in modern medicine. While they have their place, the reality is that they come with significant consequences - not just for gut health, but for overall physical and mental well-being.

In episode 135: From Pregnancy to Parenthood: The Microbiome’s Impact, Dr. Elisa Song and I discussed a massive study that followed over 790,000 children. It found that those who received antibiotics in their first year of life (including the mama taking antibiotics while in pregnant) had a dramatically increased risk of developing eczema, asthma, allergies, celiac disease, obesity, and ADHD by the time they reached school age. And the more antibiotics they received, the higher their risk. This isn’t a coincidence. Antibiotics don’t just target infections - they wipe out the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, which is responsible for training the immune system, regulating metabolism, and even shaping neurological development.

And the consequences extend far beyond the physical. Another large-scale study found that children who were given antibiotics before the age of five were significantly more likely to develop mental health disorders later in life - including anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. This is because the gut microbiome plays a critical role in neurotransmitter production. When antibiotics disrupt that balance, it directly impacts brain chemistry, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.

Well known and loved Dr. Zach Bush has spoken extensively about the profound impact of antibiotic use on mental health, particularly in women. He points out that just one course of antibiotics increases a woman’s risk of major depression by 25% within the following year. And if she takes a second course within that same year, her risk jumps to 60%. This alarming connection highlights just how much the gut microbiome influences not only our immune and metabolic functions but also our emotional and cognitive well-being.

Antibiotics are not just a temporary intervention - they leave a lasting imprint on the body, altering the microbiome in ways that ripple through every system. This is why rebalancing isn’t just about healing after antibiotics; it’s about breaking the cycle so you and your children don’t find yourselves needing them in the first place.

A well-balanced microbiome is the foundation of a strong immune system. It prevents infections before they can take hold, keeping pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and viruses from overgrowing. When the gut is healthy, the body is naturally more resilient, meaning those recurrent ear infections, sinus infections, UTIs, and cases of strep throat become far less common. But if the microbiome is disrupted, the body’s defenses weaken, leading to chronic inflammation, increased susceptibility to illness, and a greater dependence on medical interventions like antibiotics.

I know firsthand how terrifying it can feel when you or your child is sick, and antibiotics are presented as the only option. When my daughter was just three months old, she got RSV and a double ear infection. As a new mama, I was desperate for guidance, and the pediatrician told me she needed antibiotics immediately—or her ear could rupture.

I felt so stuck.

Intuitively, giving her antibiotics didn’t feel right. But at the same time, the thought of risking her hearing, her health, was unbearable. So, I gave her one dose.

And then I saw blood in her poop.

The mama bear in me came alive in that moment. I knew, deep in my core, that I could not give her the next dose. I called my dearest friend, someone who was deeper into her motherhood journey and far wiser than I. She told me so confidently that there was a different way.

She recommended mullein garlic ear drops and liquid silver. I ran to the health food store, got everything she suggested, and by the time we went to my daughter’s follow-up appointment two days later, her ears were fully healed.

That experience changed everything for me.

It opened my eyes to how often antibiotics are overprescribed - and how they aren’t always the only answer. It also made me realize how powerful our bodies are when given the right support.

This is why rebalancing is so important. It’s not just about restoring the gut after antibiotics - it’s about making sure you don’t need them again. By clearing out harmful overgrowths, replenishing beneficial bacteria, and strengthening the gut lining, rebalancing supports your immune system in fighting off infections before they require intervention.

But what if you or your child are already rebalancing and suddenly need antibiotics? Maybe it’s a UTI, mastitis, a sinus infection, or an ear infection - something that’s reached the point where antibiotics feel necessary. If that’s the case, I really encourage you to lean into the resources available to you. In the course that comes free with your Gut Rebalance Kit, there’s an entire symptoms specific section to teach your how to intervene early and how to use Cleanse in place of antibiotics. There is no judgment here. Sometimes, antibiotics are necessary, and you always know what’s best for yourself and your family. But knowing how to avoid them whenever possible gives you the power to protect your microbiome in a way that will benefit your long-term health.

If you or your child do end up taking antibiotics, you’ll want to pause your rebalance during the course of treatment. The antibiotics will negate the effects of the supplements, so continuing them is just a waste. But the day after you finish your last dose, you’ll want to restart your rebalance at the super start dose and commit to your rebalance for a minimum of 64 consecutive days. 

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of antibiotics for recurring infections, this is your invitation to break free. Whether you’ve just finished a round or you’re ready to take charge of your health before the next infection hits, rebalancing restores your microbiome so your body can work the way it was designed to.

If you have taken several rounds of antibiotics or if you have a history of recurring infections - this indicates that your gut is deeply imbalanced. In this case, you will want to subscribe to the Women’s, Men’s, or Children’s Gut Rebalance Kit and plan on committing to back-to-back cycles. This is okay. Your healing timeline is unique to you, and the process is absolutely beautiful. True healing isn’t about quick fixes - it’s about restoring balance at the root level so your body can thrive long-term.

The gut isn’t just the center of digestion - it’s the center of everything. Your immune system, metabolism, brain health, and hormonal balance all depend on a strong, thriving microbiome. This is why foundational healing matters. It’s not just about recovering from antibiotics. It’s about making sure you don’t need them in the first place.