With the advent of the antibiotic penicillin, many lives which previously could not be saved using “modern medicine” were saved. It is said that in World War I more soldiers died of post-trauma infections than actually died from direct killing. As modern medicine has progressed, many new and stronger antibiotics have been invented and used on a wider array of diseases. Conventional medicine has increasingly used antibiotics as a universal remedy against all kinds of microbial attacks, even though they are ineffective against anything except bacterial infections. In my practice I have seen many patients being prescribed antibiotics for ear infections when there was so much wax blocking the ear canal that the doctor could not possibly have seen the ear drum to properly diagnose, and though no blood test was taken for analysis, antibiotics were prescribed. In cases of bronchial conditions, antibiotics were prescribed before blood or X-ray analyses were done. Most often these illnesses are viral in nature, and antibiotics will not kill a virus, so the meds were prescribed unnecessarily. It would be best to use antibiotics cautiously and selectively, and only when nothing else will do the job. Fortunately, there are many natural antimicrobials that will do the job, and do it quite well! Dissecting the word “antibiotic” – it means “opposed to life!”
The Rise of Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs
So it’s the abuse, not the proper appropriate use, of antibiotics that is the issue. The worst case scenario is what is now termed “superbugs,” which multiply out of control, sometimes with fatal consequences, even when treated with the strongest antibiotics that “used to work!” Even internationally, public health officials are alarmed and concerned about the dangers posed by these “superbugs.” You have probably heard of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), which are often transmitted between patients in hospitals, and also a multi-antibiotic-resistant form of tuberculosis. So when doctors, especially pediatricians, dispense antibiotic prescriptions for colds, ear infections, bronchial coughs and viruses, they are causing a cascade of future problems. The high incidence of intestinal disorders such as Crohn’s and colitis, and even colon cancer, is hypothesized to result from the repeated intake of antibiotics during the formative years.
The problem is compounded by the use of antibiotics in the livestock industry to enhance growth and production. Superbugs have been found in meat, poultry, and dairy products. Consuming these products causes an antibiotic resistance in our bodies, which can prove fatal.
Powerful Natural Antimicrobials
As mentioned, there are many natural substances that have been proven effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and other infectious microbial pathogens, all without harmful side effects. I have been using Kyolic aged garlic on my own children and on patients for over 30 years. It is a great, consistent antibiotic, and as with many of the natural agents it has also been effective against viruses and fungi (yeast). Especially with Kyolic, for the scientists reading this, there have been numerous studies proving its efficacy.
Stronger than garlic is olive leaf extract (oleuropein). A U.S. Department of Agriculture study published in the Journal of Food Science confirms that olive leaf extract is effective in fighting food-borne pathogens like salmonella and E. coli, as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. At the New York University School of Medicine, olive leaf extract was shown to reverse many HIV-related changes in the immune system. Dr. M. Walker wrote in his book, “it inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, fungus, yeast, and protozoan it was tested against… and is effective against a minimum of 56 disease-causing organisms.”
Another natural substance similar to olive leaf, and effective against fungus/yeast infections, maybe even more so, is oregano oil. Pure oregano oil from Morocco or other Mid-Eastern countries is very powerful and pungent against all “bugs” and comes either in liquid form or capsules. Placed topically on fungal skin conditions, it will eradicate the condition in sometimes a week or less. Even on fungal nails, most patients notice a difference within several weeks.
More Natural Immune Defenders
Bee propolis, a gluey substance produced by bees to protect their hives from infections, has been touted as “the single most powerful antimicrobial we have in the plant kingdom.” Studies from universities in England, Greece and Turkey showed that propolis killed both MRSA and VRE bacteria. Italy’s University of Milan studied propolis and found it effective against candida yeast infections as well as upper respiratory infections.
The newer, more powerful version of “colloidal” silver is called silver solution, and at 30 ppm is sometimes used when an infection is stubborn, due to factors such as a severely compromised immune system.
Other herbs, such as goldenseal, are bactericidal. Echinacea and astragalus are two herbs used successfully for generations to boost the immune system.
Last but not least, vitamin C is exceptional at killing “bugs,” especially viruses. In large doses given by IV, studies show vitamin C reverses HIV infections.
My own children were raised on a dairy-free and low-sugar diet. With the use of the above-mentioned natural substances, they never took an antibiotic their entire childhood. For my patients who may have bacterial pneumonia or some other severe bacterial infection, and who have not been overexposed to antibiotics, I do recommend they take the antibiotic prescribed. Of course, I recommend taking a probiotic with several strains of good bacteria, and also Saccharomyces, to re-establish the vital flora in the body.
So before ever taking an antibiotic, please call me. For any health issues, questions and advice, please call me, Dr. Bekermus, at 845 369 1310. Also, for the best supplements at great prices, and to be tested on supplements, call for an appointment. Thank you.