Fighting Infection: Antibiotics vs. Bacteria - A War We Seem to Be Losing.

03/21/2008

One of the prime concerns of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is the overuse of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. The CDC fears epidemic outbreaks of bacterial infections will occur, since no antidotes exist to kill these resistant strains of "super bugs." In Denmark, the government has limited antibiotics by requiring doctors to submit a treatment plan justifying their use.

There are concerns in the USA that the common use of antibiotics in hand soap and in our foods will make the antibiotics ineffective when they are really needed. Poultry and meat are often raised with hormones and antibiotics to increase size and improve health.

Anti-malarial drugs have resulted in more resistant forms of malaria, so drug companies are trying to develop stronger weapons against the disease. Intestinal parasitic infections, yeast infections and food borne pathogens have been on the rise. The strategy of fighting these microbes with anti-microbial drugs has only escalated to a war with drastic destruction looming.

Unfortunately, antibiotics indiscriminately kill not only the bad bacteria but also the good bacteria making up the intestinal environment.

The desire to find solutions with less severe consequences has led to increased research into using more natural remedies and taking the path of Traditional Chinese Medicine to find ways of enhancing the immune system versus blasting the microbe with a stronger bullet.

The gut is responsible for critical digestive, immunologic and barrier functions. Microorganisms can stimulate inflammatory responses in the gut leading to intestinal tissue destruction and mucosal barrier dysfunction. This can lead to the development of autoimmune responses and systemic infection.

Myron Lezak, MD, wrote an article for "Applied Nutritional Science Reports" listing many types of anti-microbial compounds found in plants and herbs that help to promote healthy intestinal functioning. Some of the more common ones used in cooking include oregano, sage, lemon balm, garlic, ginger and barberry root. These are effective against viruses, bacteria, fungi, worms, and parasites. When you go to a sushi bar and eat lots of raw fish, it is very helpful to eat the ginger, too.

Sheila Yonemoto, a physical therapist with a practice in Alhambra, California, states, "I know a former oral surgeon who has become a nutritional expert. He used herbs long before it became popular and sometimes resorted to covertly applied ointments to prevent infection on post-op surgery patients. He told me the key to good health is a healthy colon. With all the literature I have read on the relationship of intestinal dysfunction with other diseases, I am beginning to understand his approach to health."

However, high doses of active ingredients are required for an anti-microbial affect, so one should guard against unsafe use of herbs and seek manufacturer’s Certificate of Analysis to confirm extract specifications, standardization and potency by third party analysis.

Consulting practitioners and searching out pertinent information can help you find the balance needed for a healthy, functioning digestive tract. Choosing foods free from hormones, antibiotics or pesticides can also decrease the body’s exposure to chemicals.

There are no easy answers to getting healthy and staying healthy, but the first step to good health is making a decision to take that path and keeping yourself well informed in order to make wiser choices.

If you have any questions, please submit them to:
Sheila Yonemoto, P.T.
Yonemoto Physical Therapy
55 S. Raymond Ave., Suite 100
Alhambra, CA 91801
PHONE: 626 576 0591
FAX: 626 576 5890

Links:
http://yonemoto.com - Yonemoto Physical Therapy home page
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/IMT.htm - Integrative Manual Therapy, a Hands-On Approach
http://www.yonemoto.com/programs/qigong.htm - Qigong to boost the immune system