antibiotic resistance Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Hidden Dangers of Antibiotic Use: Did Your Doctor Tell You This?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 05:48:38 +0000

Dena Schmidt via NaturalHealth365 – While antibiotics can help fight off unhealthy bacteria, they can also suppress the growth of the bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and a robust immune system. Not only are bacteria developing antibiotic resistance at an alarming rate, but research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has found that antibiotic use can also make the gut microbiome and the immune system more prone to dis-ease. The researchers believe that gut problems are due to the reduced levels of ‘good’ gut bacteria that help fight disease. While antibiotics can help fight off unhealthy bacteria, they can also suppress the growth of the bacteria that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and a robust immune system. Additionally, a 2023 study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that prior antibiotic use can negatively impact immune responses by diminishing gut microbiome diversity and altering systemic immune function. The study demonstrated that patients with advanced gastric cancer who had taken antibiotics experienced poorer outcomes when treated with PD-1 inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy. Immune system ‘first responder cells’ impaired by antibiotic use The researchers specifically found that neutrophils, an important immune system white blood cell, were dramatically suppressed. This weakened the intestinal barrier against invading bugs and made the entire immune system less effective at fighting off infections. Neutrophils are in a sense the immune system’s “first responders” against invading foreign pathogens. Antibiotics were found to disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome to the extent that natural microbes could not properly do their job. This in turn left the gut and the entire body more susceptible to infection. Researchers are still seeking more insights into the role of the gut microbiome in health. Although the microorganisms that live inside us are still somewhat mysterious, they undoubtedly play a key role in digestion and overall health. The entire gut microbiome and immune system are compromised by the overuse of antibiotics For the study, the University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers focused on amebic colitis, a deadly parasitic infection commonly found in developing countries. Antibiotic use is widespread in many third-world or developing countries. The researchers collected and analyzed stool samples from children living in the slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh. They found those with the most severe infections had far less gut microbiome diversity. This correlated with high antibiotic use in this area, where children often receive two dozen or more antibiotic treatments by the age of two. Use vitamin C, vitamin D, and a healthy diet to bolster the immune system naturally This research adds to the mounting evidence that antibiotics should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Not only does antibiotic overuse lead to multi-drug-resistant bacteria, but it also raises the risk of infection due to impaired immune system functioning. Let this serve as a reminder to avoid antibiotics whenever possible. Instead, strive to keep your immune system strong through a healthy diet, sufficient vitamin C, and adequate vitamin D intake through sunshine exposure and/or supplementation. We at NaturalHealth365 can only hope that government health officials – especially within developing countries – will read this article and take action to help save lives. Editor’s note: For the finest quality probiotics, vitamins C and D, I suggest you look at the LuvByNature brand. Sources for this article include: NIH.govNews-Medical.net To read the original article click here.

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Big Chickens Create Big Problems: Antibiotics Are Only One of Them

AHA Publisher — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 07:00:26 +0000

Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Chicken is the average person’s meat of choice, yet most people don’t think about how this commercially produced food makes its way to the dinner table. This tasty meat is beginning to pose some serious health concerns for reasons that will surprise some readers. In particular, medical professionals, nutritionists, and health experts are questioning whether the antibiotics provided to chickens might be harmful to human health. The question is whether the antibiotics and sustenance used to make chickens large and supposedly “healthy” are a net negative. The little-known truth is that antibiotics are only one of many potential health-related issues tied to industrial chicken processing operations. So let’s take a look at the truth about the meat industry. Antibiotics Pumped into Chickens Have Detrimental Effects Though the average person might not care that the massive chickens living at animal farms are loaded up with antibiotics, those who study human health and biology for a living are beginning to question whether the use of such antibiotics is prudent. Antibiotics are given to chickens at industrial facilities to ward off infection amidst overcrowded living conditions. Antibiotics also help fatten birds without spending on additional feed that would take a chunk out of the enterprise’s bottom line. As a result, chickens have ballooned from their average weight of a couple of pounds back in the 1920s to over half a dozen pounds. It merely takes two months for a chicken to reach six pounds, yet it took nearly twice as long for the chickens of “yesteryear” to hit 2.5 pounds on the scale. Though the industry’s leaders don’t like to admit it, the truth is an investigation conducted by Reuters in 2014 found the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) passed guidance that restricted antibiotics, yet companies ramped up the use of antibiotics all the more. Even one of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s suppliers, Koch Foods, was nabbed red-handed using antibiotics. Bigger Isn’t Always Better There is a good argument to be made that increasing the size of chickens is a positive as it generates more sustenance. Though today’s chickens are larger than those of a couple of decades ago, they need about 7% less food per pound for optimal growth. In addition, larger chickens tend to have more health problems, including leg issues, as they carry additional weight. However, farmers have started to breed chickens for optimal leg strength. The question is whether the industry’s leaders are succeeding in establishing the delicate balance between chickens living with a modicum of dignity and optimizing their value. The modern chicken farming industry is economically efficient, providing customers affordable meat without a lengthy wait. As a result, chicken has become the country’s most popular type of meat and also one of the country’s most economically efficient meals. Antibiotics Will Be Used for the Foreseeable Future If factory farmers were to eliminate antibiotics altogether, an additional 175,000 tons of feed would be required to support the country’s turkey population. Furthermore, if antibiotics were not included in animal feed, that sustenance would prove significantly less efficient, and animals wouldn’t make proper use of the available nutrients. As a result, it is safe to say antibiotics will likely continue playing a role in factory farming. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, find a local (organic) farmer to supply your food needs. These local farmers tend to avoid the use of toxic drugs, provide a healthier environment for their animals and do not feed their animals genetically manipulated food. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org To read the original article click here.

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Could Broccoli and Cabbage Fight Antibiotic Resistance?

AHA Publisher — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:23 +0000

Abigail Klein Leichman via Israel21c – A phytochemical derived from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, breaks down the biofilm that lets bacteria resist antibiotics, according to a study from Ben-Gurion University in Israel. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens are increasingly involved in preventing illness and wound healing, especially in hospitals. While more and more pathogens have developed biofilms that protect them from being eradicated by antibiotics, fewer classes of antibiotics are being developed. Members of Prof. Ariel Kushmaro’s biotechnology engineering lab at BGU led a study revealing that phytochemicals from plants may provide a better weapon against these biofilms. The paper, co-authored by researchers from Near East University and Girne American University in Cyprus, was published in the journal Pharmaceutics. The scientists found that phytochemical 3,3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) successfully broke down the biofilms protecting pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 65% and 70% of the time, respectively. Combined with antibiotics, that number jumped to 94%. When the team introduced DIM into an infected wound, it sped up the healing process significantly. “Our findings show promise for other avenues of research in addition to known classes of antibiotics,” said Kushmaro. The Israeli startup company LifeMatters is handling further development and commercialization of the technology. To read the original article click here.

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Can Antibiotics Wreak Havoc on Athletic Performance?

AHA Publisher — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 07:00:44 +0000

Leah Zerbe, MS, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES via Dr. Axe – “Antibiotics Wreak Havoc on Athletic Performance,” read the headline of a recent study. The study looked at the microbes of mice, but if it winds up being true for humans, too, we can chalk it up to yet another unintended side effect of antibiotics. To be clear, since mass production began in the 1940s, antibiotics have been credited with saving 200,000 lives a year and raising the average human life span by five to 10 years. But in the decades that followed, researchers started proving that this once-considered “miracle” drug does come with some unexpected risks and consequences. This includes the negative impact that these drugs can pose to the human microbiome. Study Findings: Antibiotics Wreak Havoc on Athletic Performance In a University of California, Riverside study published in 2022, scientists demonstrated that killing essential gut bacteria by using antibiotics actually demotivates an athlete’s motivation and harms endurance. There are other fields of research showing how exercising can improve the microbiome, but this study suggests that taking away key beneficial bacteria actually harms athletic performance and motivation. “We believed an animal’s collection of gut bacteria, its microbiome, would affect digestive processes and muscle function, as well as motivation for various behaviors, including exercise,” said Theodore Garland, UCR evolutionary physiologist in whose lab the research was conducted. “Our study reinforces this belief.” To come to this conclusion, researchers studied “athletic” mice bred for high-level running and used a control group without these athletic traits. After 10 days of antibiotics, fecal testing showed that microbiome damage occurred, wiping out most of the mice’s beneficial bacteria. Although neither group appeared to show signs of sickness due to the antibiotics, the athletic group’s running output dropped by 21 percent. Aside from that, they did not bump up to pre-antibiotic performance in the 12 days following treatment, either. “A casual exerciser with a minor injury wouldn’t be affected much. But on a world-class athlete, a small setback can be much more magnified,” explained Monica McNamara, an evolutionary biology doctoral student at UCR and the paper’s lead author. The researchers said taking antibiotics may be in line with suffering an injury in terms of impact on elite athletic performance. In a world where we’re increasingly under-exercising and overeating, demotivation to move could become another obesity risk factor. What It Means: Reasons to Avoid Antibiotics, What to Do Instead Before antibiotics were discovered, infectious diseases drove down average life expectancy rates, but with the birth of the antibiotic era came the overuse of these drugs, setting us up for trouble. We’re currently in a dry spell when it comes to discovered new classes of antibiotics, which could pose disastrous for the future. “The threat of antibiotic resistance is real. Therefore, all the stakeholders must employ strategies to prevent and control antibiotic resistance in order to prevent an imminent post-antibiotic era, a condition that may be worse than pre-antibiotic era.” Today, we know that antibiotics have been linked to: A rise in hard-to-kill, antibiotic-resistant infections Allergies Asthma Diarrhea Fatigue Swollen and/or black tongue Disrupted menstrual cycle Increased risk of tendon rupture Depression Hallucinations Brain fog Vomiting Sadly, antibiotics have even been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, making it even more important to avoid the drugs unless absolutely necessary. Because of the mounting list of side effects linked to various antibiotics, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges people to avoid requesting antibiotics for ailments that are generally viral in nature, including the common cold and flu and the majority of bronchitis cases. More antibiotics are used in raising livestock than consumed by humans, which is also fueling the rise in antibiotic resistance. Do your best to source ethically raised meat grown without the use of antibiotics, or ditch meat altogether! Here are some foods that possess natural antimicrobial properties: Tiger nuts Sage Rosemary Onions Garlic Ginger Cinnamon Clove Oregano Cabbage Honey Cauliflower Broccoli Brussels sprouts Horseradish Turmeric Kale Kohlrabi Mustard Turnips Rutabaga Grapeseed oil Conclusion A new study looking at bacteria in mice guts found antibiotics wipe out the microbiome and reduce athletic performance. Although antibiotics are credited with saving many lives since being discovered in 1928, they do come with side effects, including the drastic rise in antibiotic-resistant infections and deaths. We are still learning how antibiotics impact physical and mental health in humans. Avoid taking antibiotics unless you absolutely need them. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to improve your body’s microbiome. Add foods with natural antibiotic properties into your diet, and avoid eating excess sugar and alcohol. To read the original article click here.

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WARNING: Gene-Edited Meat Products Coming to Supermarkets Near You

AHA Publisher — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – Sure, we know that most conventionally produced meat isn’t the healthiest food. For instance, numerous studies linked the consumption of meat – loaded with toxic chemicals and synthetic antibiotics – to cancer and heart disease. Even “leaner” meats seem to be healthy only when eaten in moderation, because of the toxicity already mentioned. Moreover, the meat industry is pretty rough on the planet, contributing to ozone depletion, antibiotic resistance, and animal cruelty. Supposedly to fix some of those issues, innovators have pushed gene-edited burgers for years now. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has heard their requests and has just approved the first gene-edited cattle. Gene-Edited Meat: Is it a Good Thing? These cows have shorter, slicker coats. The thinking? Those coats will help them withstand heat better. That will lead to less stress and higher meat production – but is that a good thing? Like the fake meat revolution, gene-edited meat products aren’t necessarily a beneficial replacement for the natural version. On the contrary, the processed substitution strips out vital nutrients that help you successfully digest foods that were meant to be eaten whole. What else? They’re often grown in conditions that harm the environment, such as those that use pesticides. In addition, they lack the synergistic health qualities that natural, heritage, whole foods bring to the table. If that’s not enough, nothing is saying gene-edited cattle will be grown in more human conditions once their DNA is tweaked. The very point of the modification seems to be packing cows “comfortably” into close quarters. Synthetic Foods: Not All They’re Cracked Up to Be The new green light has also missed several critical steps in a safe approval process. These include: Streamlining the approval process and skipping normal review factors Failing to conduct long-term safety and toxicity studies Not adequately safeguarding our genetic stock for the future Gene-Editing Leads to Unintentional Consequences This decision also ignores information showing that changing DNA in one area is not necessarily contained to that area. Instead, it may lead to long-term changes in cattle DNA. Brazil, for instance, was working toward herds of genetically dehorned cows. They used the same CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology approved by the FDA to adjust their cows’ genes. Then they discovered unintended DNA errors cropping up. Also, as COVID-19 has shown us, when one organism’s DNA changes, it can significantly impact another organism – i.e., human health. We can’t afford simply to ignore this. Here Is a Better Way to Meat Like meat? Want to have less of an impact on the environment? There’s a better way. For one thing, study after study conducted by luminaries such as the Rodale Institute has shown that organic food can feed the world. The argument that we need conventional and genetically engineered foods to address the planet’s food crisis is overblown, if not outright false. For another, there is plenty of environment-friendly meat to be had. We don’t need to purchase meat loaded with toxins, pathogens, parasites, and antibiotics. We can say no to Big Meat by refusing to buy fast food and avoiding synthetic and/or conventional meats at the grocery store and deli. Instead, patronize Earth-friendly, human, regenerative farms – which offer 100% grass fed beef products, from locally sourced smaller farms. These raise meat healthy for humans, honor our genetic heritage, protect breeding stock for the future, and tread lightly on the planet. It’s not too late to vote with our dollars. So say yes to better beef today. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org Wired.com RodaleInstitute.org To read the original article click here.

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Natural Antibiotic Alternative

AHA Publisher — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:05 +0000

Al Sears, MD, CNS – When we had strep throat as kids, my brothers, sister, and I were given a spoonful of penicillin then sent to bed. We stayed home from school for a couple days until we felt better. Today this simple sore throat can be deadly… Here’s why. Decades of misuse and overuse of antibiotics have caused us to lose our power to fight infections. In fact, drug-resistant infections of all kinds are expected to kill 10 million people by 2050.1 But, the problem is even worse than we thought. For decades, doctors have been fighting antibiotic-resistant infections by increasing the dosage of drugs they prescribe. This worked for a little while… But ultimately, these mega doses created bacteria with “higher overall fitness,” according to a recent study from the University of Manchester’s School of Biological Sciences. In other words, they’re reproducing at record speeds – which could result in even more resistant bacteria. If nothing changes, diseases and deaths from minor occurrences like cuts, diarrhea, and urinary tract infections could soon become the norm. The germ that caused my strep throat infection is called Streptococcus. The CDC reports that from 2013 to 2019 – just six years – infections from this bug have quadrupled!2 It’s time to step back and re-examine the natural cures our ancestors used for thousands of years. Concerned these natural cures won’t protect you from an infection? A recent study found herbal antibiotic remedies are just as effective in treating bacterial overgrowth as chemical antibiotics.3 One of the herbs I’ve been researching is CBD. So, I was relieved to see that a study published just this week revealed CBD can effectively kill antibiotic-resistant superbugs – specifically gram-negative bacteria. These bacteria are one of the most significant public health problems in the world. Gram-negative bacteria are responsible for food poisoning, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, meningitis, sepsis, gonorrhea, and gastroenteritis. This type of bacteria has existed for centuries. Even the bubonic plague in the 14th century was caused by gram-negative bacteria, resulting in an epidemic that wiped out 50% of Europe’s population. The CBD study, published in the journal Communications Biology, is being hailed as a medical breakthrough around the world. This research could lead to the first new antibiotic treatment in more than 60 years. Gram-negative bacteria have a tough extra outer membrane that acts as an additional line of defense. And this makes it harder for traditional antibiotic drugs to penetrate it. But the cannabidiol in CBD kills bacteria by breaking through this outer cell membrane. The study comes on the heels of research published in 2020. In this Danish study, scientists found combining CBD with traditional antibiotics makes antibiotic medications much more effective at destroying gram-positive bacteria, like staph and strep. When researchers treated the bacteria with this combination, three things happened: The bacteria could no longer divide normally. There was less cell division. The bacterial membrane became unstable. This one-two combination punch means that less of the antibiotic drug is needed to achieve the same effect. This will lead to fewer drug-resistant bacteria in the long run. Use Nature’s Answer To Wipe Out Superbugs Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics revealed moldy bread was used to heal infected wounds. And a 1,000-year-old recipe using garlic and wine still works today to cure staphylococcus infections or sties in the eyes. Here are two supplements I recommend to my patients… Curcumin: A recent study found that curcumin’s antibiotic action killed 100% of MRSA within two hours. E. coli was wiped out by 80%.4 And a South Korean study found that curcumin not only killed bacteria on the skin, but also created a barrier that prevented further infection from entering a wound.5It also acts against the inflammation caused by the infection. Curcumin reduces inflammation by blocking two inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and LOX).6 When looking for a supplement, make sure you choose one with at least 90% of curcuminoids. Also, look for one that contains piperine, a black pepper extract that boosts absorption. I suggest taking between 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day. Echinacea: Before the introduction of Big Pharma’s antibiotics, echinacea was the preferred treatment for infections. It contains a complex mix of active substances with antimicrobial, antibiotic, and immune system boosting properties. A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology revealed echinacea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes — the bacteria behind strep throat, toxic shock syndrome, and the flesh-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.7 I recommend 500 mg twice a day. I prefer liquid echinacea extract, which can have a powerful antiviral effect on the mucous membranes of the back of the throat. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS References: 1. Solly M. Drug-Resistant Infections Could Kill 10 Million People Annually by 2050. Smithsonian Magazine. 2. More People in the United States Dying from Antibiotic-Resistant Infections than Previously Estimated. Centers for Disease Control. Published 2019. 3. Chedid V, et al. “Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.” Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 May; 3(3): 16-24. 4. Poonam T, et al. “Bactericidal activity of Curcumin is sssociated with damaging of bacterial membrane.” PLoS One. 2015;10(3): e0121313. 5. Mun SH, et al. “Synergistic antibacterial effect of curcumin against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus.” Phytomedicine. 2013 Jun 15;20(8-9):714-8 6. Rao CV. “Regulation of COX and LOX by curcumin.” Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:213-26. 7. Hudson JB. “Applications of the phytomedicine Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) in infectious diseases.” J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012;2012:769896. To read the original article click here.

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Protect Yourself From Antibiotic Resistance by Using Natural Antibiotics

AHA Publisher — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:00:57 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Most of us are aware that antibiotics are powerful drugs that fight bacteria-related infections with harmful side effects. Unfortunately, in today’s society of pill taking, we use too many antibiotics with the increasing danger of antibiotic resistance. The problem is further compounded with antibiotics found in factory foods like dairy and meat products. According to the CDDEP (The Center of Disease Dynamics, Economics, & Policy), the United States is one of the highest users of antibiotics – ranking fifth in the world. How the Wrong Diet Makes Antibiotics Useless Heavy prescription abuse and unintentional ingestion of antibiotic-based foods are the primary cause of resistance to antibiotics. Unfortunately, this is emerging as one of the most serious public health problems of our time. Although antibiotics can eliminate infectious conditions, their continuous use builds resistance to the antibiotic drug. The harmful bacteria in the body get accustomed to the therapeutic levels of antibiotic drugs and stop responding to the drug. In other words, an antibiotic drug, even at its highest potency, cannot stop bacterial growth and becomes incapable of treating an underlying infection. In fact, researchers suggest that almost every kind of bacterium has adapted itself to show resistance to antibiotic drug treatment. What Are the Potential Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance? Destroys healthy bacteria: The population of healthy bacteria in the gut is decreased to a smaller number creating an imbalance in the gut ecosystem resulting in frequent illness, indigestion, and poor nutrient absorption. Makes infections spread faster: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can spread like wildfire to others in the family or neighborhood, threatening an entire community with a new strain of infection. Complicates treatment: Because the strain is more virulent, the patient does not respond to heavy doses of drugs. As a result, the treatment becomes more difficult and expensive. Death due to infection: The underlying infection remains untreated, posing a severe threat to other organs and, in some cases, leads to death. What Actions Can We Take to Avoid Antibiotic Resistance? 1. Avoid the spread of infection in the first place by washing your hands thoroughly. 2. Consume organically grown produce, avoid consuming animal and animal-based products that are fed antibiotics. 3. Choose natural antibiotics like garlic, herbs, and vitamin C that have bactericidal properties. What Are Natural Antibiotics? Nature has an effective yet safe answer to bacterial infections through various phytochemicals from different plant parts. These have been used for many centuries in traditional medicine systems to treat a variety of conditions. Natural antibiotics act in a unique mechanism – in addition to their bactericidal action. They stimulate the immune system, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria, and scavenge them. What Are Some of My Options? Vitamin C: This water-soluble vitamin is a potent antioxidant and anti-infective agent. Abundant in all fresh fruits, especially the citrus variety, vitamin C can be consumed liberally in the diet in its natural state. If considering a vitamin C supplement, the recommended amount is 1-3 grams per day for healthy individuals. But, if you’re suffering from a troubling health issue – much more vitamin C may be required for a short period of time. Oregano oil: The oil of oregano leaves is a powerful anti-infective agent and natural antibiotic. It has been shown to be effective against harmful bacteria, yeast, and viruses. Most of the oregano oils in the market are usually a blend of other oils. The common recommendation is 2 – 3 drops 3 – 4 times daily. If consuming capsules, an amount of 100 – 150 mg per capsule per day is recommended. Olive leaves: Olive leaves are known for their anti-microbial properties and analgesic effects. The active ingredient oleuropein is responsible for its therapeutic effects. Olive leaves are low in toxicity, and the recommended safe amount for an adult is 25 mg per day twice daily for maintaining health. Ginger: The active components in ginger gingerols, zingerone, and shogaol are linked to its anti-bacterial effects. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine as a pain reliever. Thus, ginger is a fantastic therapeutic food that can be included in the daily diet as part of a menu. As little as 2 – 3” of ginger added to a shredded, crushed, or cooked dish will take care of daily needs. Turmeric: This is a culinary staple in Indian cuisine and can be consumed safely at 1 to 2 teaspoons per day added to a recipe. Turmeric is known for its remarkable bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and anti-carcinogenic effects. If considering a supplement, 500 grams consumed in a fat-soluble base facilitates its absorption. Garlic: There are plenty of studies that demonstrate the powerful antibacterial effect of garlic. One study showed that natural spices of garlic exhibited a potent antibacterial effect. According to the researchers of this study, garlic showed an effect on multi-drug pathogens and can be used for treating drug-resistant microbial diseases. Garlic needs to be crushed, exposed to air for a few minutes, and consumed raw for effective antibiotic effects. If using a supplement, consume garlic extract with at least 1.3% alliin at 600 – 1,200 mg per day. What’s the bottom line? With antibiotic resistance on the rise at an alarming rate, it seems wise to turn to natural and healthier alternatives to fight bacterial infections. It is also important to remember that we need to consume organic, natural, and antibiotic-free products for improving overall health and make a conscious effort to avoid unnecessary ingestion of antibiotics – which can damage our digestive system and immune function. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH. gov To read the original article click here.

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Molecular Tweezers Take on Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

AHA Publisher — Wed, 19 May 2021 07:00:56 +0000

Jon Schiller via Israel21c – Scientists from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beersheva, along with American and German colleagues, have developed “molecular tweezers” to destroy the biofilm that surrounds and protects antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the body. Antibiotic resistance occurs when germs like bacteria or fungi develop the ability to defeat medicines designed to kill them. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes even impossible, to treat. The molecular tweezers developed by Prof. Raz Jelinek, and his PhD student Ravit Malishev from BGU’s department of chemistry, change the structural and assembly properties of the biofilm surrounding antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This clears a path for the immune system to effectively combat infection. They tested two types of molecular tweezers on Staphylococcus Aureus (Staph) bacteria to either disrupt biofilm formation or break existing biofilms. The mortality rate from Staph infections in the US is over 25 percent. “Binding the tweezers to the biofilm disrupts its protective capabilities,” said Jelinek, who is also Ben-Gurion University’s Vice President of Research & Development and a member of the Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology. “In consequence, the bacterial pathogens become much less virulent to the human body, and more vulnerable to elimination by the immune system,” he added. “Our discovery prevents infection without building up antibiotic resistance. As such, it might even be preferable to construct treatments based on molecular tweezers rather than antibiotics.” Results of the successful study were recently published in Cell Chemical Biology. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Israel21c click here.

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THIS Sugar-Alternative May Lead the Charge Against Deadly Antibiotic Resistance

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:00:20 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Every year, at least 2.8 million Americans develop an antibiotic-resistant infection – and more than 35,000 of them lose their lives. Scientists warn that certain bacteria have become resistant to existing antimicrobial treatments, causing common infections to become difficult – or even impossible – to treat. This frightening situation has led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to label antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest public health challenges of our time – and has triggered a scramble among researchers to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies. Now, it appears that an ordinary nutrient and sweetener could hold the key. A 2020 review published in Antibiotics sheds new light on the antibacterial properties of honey and proposes it as an effective alternative therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Let’s take a look at how honey combats disease-causing microbes. Nature’s Intelligence in Action: Honey’s Constituents Work Together to Destroy Pathogens Researchers say that no single ingredient can account for the remarkable antibacterial properties of honey. Rather, dozens of compounds work synergistically, each increasing the power of the others. For example, honey contains over 30 organic acids, including acetic, butyric, and gluconic acids. The resultant acidity and low pH create an unfavorable environment for microbial growth right from the start. Various polyphenols and flavonoids also contribute to antimicrobial effects. In addition, honey’s high sugar and low water content create osmotic pressure and stress on microorganisms. Honey also produces hydrogen peroxide – a powerful antibacterial agent in its own right – and contains a compound known as methylglyoxal (MGO). The main antibacterial compound in Manuka honey, MGO is considered one of the most effective pathogen-destroying constituents of honey. Finally, honey contains an antimicrobial peptide known as bee defensin-1. Researchers think bee defensin works by creating pores within bacterial cell membranes, thereby causing cell death. While the purpose of defensin in bees is to fight devastating larval infections, this remarkable peptide also strongly inhibits a variety of pathogens, including B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The Potent Antibacterial Properties of Honey Extend to MRSA and Hard-to-Treat Biofilms According to the review’s authors, honey can inhibit a wide variety of pathogens, including E. coli, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Promisingly, honey even works against vancomycin-resistant S. aureus – currently, one of the foremost pathogens to infect chronic wounds. And, it wasn’t only in test tubes that honey displayed its powers. The team cited a case in which Manuka honey promoted effective wound healing against a leg ulcer colonized by MRSA. Honey has also been shown to act against biofilms, layered communities of bacteria that are notoriously difficult to dislodge and treat. “Honey is effective in disturbing the biofilm strengthening in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria,” the authors declared. In addition to helping prevent communities of bacterial species from forming in the first place, honey significantly inhibits the metabolic activity of existing biofilms. While the researchers advised using medical-grade Manuka honey, they noted that “common” honey samples – including Canadian sweet clover, blueberry, and buckwheat honey – also acted as antibacterial agents, with action against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA. By the way, research suggests that bacteria do not become resistant to honey. Honey’s hundreds of compounds, all working synergistically, make the development of “honey-resistance” difficult, if not impossible. Research Has Shown That Medicinal Honey Promotes Healing of Burns and Other Wounds In one 2011 review, the authors evaluated 26 different studies and concluded that for mild to moderate superficial and partial thickness burns, honey was more effective than conventional treatment for reducing microbial colonization and speeding healing. Now, a decade later, even more research on honey’s therapeutic effects has accumulated. Honey is currently acknowledged as an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (serious complications of diabetes that can lead to amputation). In fact, in one study published in International Wound Journal, Manuka honey-infused dressings healed an impressive 97 percent of patients’ diabetic ulcers – and accomplished this more speedily and effectively than conventional dressings! Some natural health experts advise using medical-grade honey on inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Naturally, you should consult your own integrative doctor before using topical honey to treat skin disorders or any other condition. Keep in mind that the review authors stressed that honey used for medical purposes must be free of pesticides, heavy metals, and spores – and guaranteed in its antibacterial efficacy and safety for patients. The Delicious Takeaway: Consuming Honey Pays Off in Sweet Health Dividends Of course, you can also obtain health benefits from honey merely by eating it. Studies have shown that honey has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. In fact, in two separate studies, buckwheat honey was found to significantly boost the body’s antioxidant capabilities. Honey may also lower blood pressure, reduce harmful LDL cholesterol and decrease fats in the blood while raising levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. Surprisingly, some studies show that honey can even play a role in promoting weight loss. When consumed in modest amounts, honey can be a part of a healthy diet, particularly when used as an alternative to white sugar. (If you have prediabetes or diabetes, you should seek guidance from your nutritionist or physician.) Many natural health experts advise Manuka honey as the most therapeutic, but other varieties have been shown to benefit health as well. Because of honey’s content of calories and sugars, daily amounts should not exceed two tablespoons for women and three for men. In general: the darker the honey, the more polyphenols it contains – and the higher the antioxidant value. As researchers work towards more effective ways of fighting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, there is little doubt that honey will play an important role. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov Sciencedaily.com ACS.org Wiley.com Healthline.com Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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