Why do antibiotics reduce cramping and bloating related to IBS and IBD?
Antibiotics kill bacteria in the small and large intestine, and terminate fermentation of undigested carbohydrates. This stops fermentation and production of gases, alcohols, and fatty acids, and helps subdue an inflammatory condition. In turn, the intestines shrink and reduce internal pressure on internal organs. Unfortunately, antibiotics also ruin normal colon ecology, and cause problems, ranging from severe diarrhea to an equally severe constipation. They also strip the intestinal membrane from it’s natural protectors (i.e. bacteria), reduce primary immunity (phagocytosis), blood clotting, vitamin synthesis, and so on. So, logically, you are better off excluding fiber and other sources of undigested carbs to stop fermentation, rather than use an “atomic bomb” approach to wipe out bacteria. Besides, there are always some antibiotic-resistant mutant bacteria (such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MSRA) left behind, and they are the ones which may eventually kill you, p
