Natural antibiotics that are safer than pills
The most powerful antibiotics may be hiding in your kitchen
Struggling with flu and recurring infections? Want to build a stronger immune system? Before popping pills, try a natural remedy. Garlic, ginger, turmeric, and other spices boast natural antibiotic properties and strengthen your body’s defense mechanisms. Additionally, they have virtually none of the side effects associated with prescription drugs. These superfoods are an integral part of holistic medicine, leading to improved immune function and better overall health.
The dark side of antibiotics
Each year, Americans take over 235 million doses of antibiotics. Their use is unnecessary in more than half of cases. These drugs are often over-prescribed and abused, leading to antibiotic resistance. It is estimated that approximately 2 million people in the U.S. become infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria each year. And about 23,000 die because of it.
The overuse of antibiotics damages gut flora, killing the friendly bacteria living in your GI tract. This increases your risk of infections, digestive disorders, mental diseases, weight gain, and impaired immune function. After all, the gut has been called “the second brain” for a reason. Any changes in the intestinal microbiota may affect brain function and cause neurological damage. In fact, research shows that taking antibiotics for one week could negatively impact gut flora for a whole year. These drugs also carry potential side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, indigestion, uncontrollable shaking, arrhythmia, acute kidney failure and retinal detachment. Amoxicillin, one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics, may cause jaundice, hives, seizures and colitis.
The biggest concern regarding antibiotics is the development of superbugs. These harmful microbes are resistant to medications, killing thousands of people each year. Some examples include the superbug MRSA, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Studies from around the world indicate a dramatic decline in antibiotic effectiveness.
Let’s not totally dismiss these drugs. After all, they have saved millions of lives and played a key role in achieving major advanced in surgery and medicine. The problem is that they are often misused. This can disrupt the body’s bacterial balance and impair immune function. Natural antibiotics are safer option and can be used on long term. Unlike conventional antibiotics, they don’t cause resistance to bacteria and germs.
Natural antibiotics
“Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food.” —Hippocrates
This centuries-old saying is still available today. Food is the most powerful cure on earth. No drug or supplement can replace good nutrition. Certain foods boast natural antioxidants, antimicrobial and antiviral properties, helping your body fight infections and kill pathogens. The best natural antibiotics are within your reach, and they may already be in your kitchen.
Garlic
Garlic has long been used in alternative medicine as a powerful remedy for common cold, flu and respiratory infections. Its antibacterial properties are confirmed by science. This spice contains allicin and organosulfur compounds that help prevent and treat bacterial infections, inflammation and chronic disorders. It also scavenges the free radicals in your body, protecting the immune system.
Eat about two cloves a day to fully reap the benefits.
Raw Honey
Remember when you were a child and your mom used to give you honey for sore throat and flu? She probably knew what she was doing. This superfood is one of the most powerful antimicrobial, antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents available. Ancient Romans used in on the battlefield to prevent infections and speed up wound healing.
Raw honey fights inflammation, relieves nasal congestion, and strengthens your immune system. The best option is Manuka honey, which contains methylglyoxal — a natural compound that can destroy the antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Onion
The mighty onion can enhance your body’s ability to fight bacteria, cancer and inflammation. Just like garlic, this vegetable contains allicin and flavonols with potent antioxidant effects. These natural compounds reduce mucus in the lungs and nasal passages, increase immune defense and have other healing properties.
Ginger
Ginger root is rich in polyphenols and gingerols that reduce inflammation and boost immunity. These antioxidants neutralize oxidative stress, protect against infections and keep your immune system strong. The sedative and analgesic properties of ginger shouldn’t be overlooked either. When used along with honey, its benefits are even greater. This combo has been shown to inhibit the growth of superbugs, such as E.Coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MRSA. The zinc, magnesium, and silicon in ginger support immune function and help prevent infections.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Curcumin, one of its active compounds, displays antiseptic and antibiotic properties, fighting off infections. It’s particularly effective against MRSA, Vibrio vulnificus infection, hepatitis C virus, and Human Papillomavirus. This spice also inhibits the expression of various pro-cancer proteins, keeps harmful bacteria from binding to host cells, and increases immunity.
Echinacea
This Native American herb has long been used in eastern medicine for its healing properties. Naturopathic doctors often recommend echinacea powder, tea, or liquid extract for bacterial infections and immune disorders. In ancient times, people used it as a blood purifier. The natural compounds in echinacea help remove germs from the bloodstream, boost immune function, and heal candida infections. For optimum results, mix it with golden seal. This plant helps relieve colds and flu as well as sinus infections, urinary tract disorders, eye irritation, and hay fever.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Nature’s most powerful antibiotic comes in a bottle. According to health experts, apple cider vinegar is a safe, effective treatment for most infections. This natural remedy has antiviral and antifungal properties, improves blood flow, and balances the body’s pH balance. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, used apple cider vinegar and honey to cure severe infections and circulation problems. Rich in probiotics, acetic acid, and malic acid, vinegar helps restore gut flora and kills harmful microorganisms. It’s also an excellent tonic, leading to faster recover from diseases.
There are many other foods and spices with proven healing benefits that may already be in your home—such as oregano oil, horseradish root, coconut oil, neem oil and cinnamon. With so many powerful natural remedies available, people should take antibiotics only as a last resort.
