In Brief

• The Facts:

  While antibiotics are prescribed to be helpful, their bug-killing ability unfortunately is unable to distinguish between good and bad microbiomes. Thankfully, all medications are derived from plants, therefore there are many natural alternatives.

• Reflect On:

  How many antibiotics do you regularly rely upon? Have you tried any of the outlined alternatives to see if they can provide you the same relief without the long-term side effects?

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections and can be life-saving. However, most people have no idea how much we are consuming and how they can negatively affect our health.

So many of us are prescribed antibiotics at the first sign of an illness, and we are eating pesticides, and antibiotics in our conventionally raised food. Also, according to many sources including Scientific American, pharmaceuticals including antibiotics are often found in our water supply.

So, What’s The Harm?

Antibiotics are designed to kill “bad bugs” however cannot distinguish between good and bad microbiomes in the body and seeks to destroy all. Leaving the immune system compromised. We see an enormous upswing in autoimmune diseases, and it seems to coincide with the massive overuse of antibiotics. If we wipe out the good gut bacteria that is involved with the strengthening the immune system, there is nothing to stop the autoimmune response which leads to inflammation and disease.

Also, according to the World Health Organization, the overuse of antibiotics is causing antibiotic resistance which is an increasingly severe threat because bacterial infections such as MRSA are becoming harder and harder to treat, which could lead to death. In 2015, antibiotic-resistant pathogens were estimated to cause over 50,000 deaths a year in Europe and the USA. The same medical journal concluded that the frequent use of antibiotics is disrupting and harming our bodies ability to distinguish pathogens from normal cells and bacteria.

Use Natural/ Plant-Based Antibiotics Instead

Most people have no idea that all medications are derived from plants and brought to a factory and created with chemicals, hence side effects. Many plants have antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s time to return to tradition.

1. Honey

Honey has been used for centuries and possesses antimicrobial properties. It has been known to heal burns, and wounds and it also provides a protective shield to prevent infection. Manuka honey has a significant antibacterial effect.

2. Oregano

Oregano fights many strains of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, sometimes better than its prescription counterparts. Oregano is commonly used to fight Streptococcus when combined with olive leaf extract. According to the Microbiology Journal, Oregano even fights intestinal bacterial infections including E.Coli and is an effective treatment for candida overgrowth. It is believed to destroy the cell membrane of dangerous pathogens to stop them from replicating.

3. Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms naturally boost the immune system and contain antimicrobial properties. These mushrooms packed with many essential amino acids are a nutrient powerhouse which also improves brain function.

4. Thyme

Thyme heals most wounds, especially in the gut. This fantastic herb treats dysbiosis and helps the body rebalance bacteria in your body. The compound found in thyme oil is called thymol which is an antimicrobial, antifungal and antiparasitic remedy.

5. Garlic

Garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics. The unique Sulphur compound in garlic helps resolve illnesses of all kinds including pneumonia, prevents food poisoning, and it improves intestinal health. Unlike traditional medications, garlic like many herbs is intelligent. Garlic is highly effective in killing off a host of gut pathogens including candida, while at the same time feeding and encouraging the growth of the beneficial microbes.

6. Goldenseal

Goldenseal has a long history of use by Native American Indians to treat a variety of infections. It is commonly used for sore throats, colds, flu, bronchitis, and streptococcus. Containing a compound called Berberine, Goldenseal is greatly useful.

7. Clove

Clove has an antioxidant and antimicrobial activity which is higher than many other fruits, vegetables, and other herbs. Clove is such a powerful natural medicine, it is believed to treat even the most stubborn staph infection.

8. Colloidal Silver

Colloidal Silver is an old-time remedy that destroys disease-causing pathogens in minutes when exposed to small amounts, according to over 650 documents released by Larry C. Ford, MD.

FLU REMEDY – Wipe it out Quickly: Sovereign Silver, organic elderberry syrup, vitamin C, vitamin D, and l-lysine.

Please note: when fighting a more severe infection, a longer course of treatment may be required.

The Takeaway

Avoid eating non-organic, and grain fed meats and find a local organic farmer to help ensure the integrity of the food you are eating. Filter your water with a high-quality filtration system, such as Berkey. Explore natural alternatives to antibiotics with your Functional Medicine M.D. or Naturopathic Physician. They can help you explore your options and discuss the possible risks and benefits of each regimen.

Don’t take antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. And, if you do take antibiotic medication, make sure to take probiotics such as ABX Support by Klaire Labs (four hours away from antibiotics). And, make sure to finish the prescription to help avoid antibiotic resistance.