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**This post has been entered in Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist!**
It’s been a rough winter. A lot of people have been sick. And truthfully, when people get sick, a lot of them call the doctor and get antibiotics.
This may or may not be in your best interests. Especially for minor illnesses (like ear infections), many will resolve on their own in just a few days — no antibiotics required. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contributes heavily to antibiotic resistant “super bacteria” which can cause serious illness, and which few, if any, current drugs can fight.
Antibiotic use statistics are pretty scary, too:
- 70% of all antibiotics sold are used in livestock (another reason to buy pastured, sustainable meat!)
- In 1954, only 2 million pounds of antibiotics were produced per year. In 2000, it was 54 million.
- From 1997 to 2005, the percent of antibiotics used for MRSA cases went from 7% to 28% (a four-fold increase!)
- Children have the highest antibiotic use. In fact, when parents expect antibiotics, they are prescribed 62% of the time, vs. only 7% when they are not expected.
- Most ear infections (the most common reason for antibiotic use in children) are viral, not bacterial, and antibiotics have no effect. Even bacterial ear infections don’t really require antibiotics.
- Up to 80% of the antibiotics prescribed for upper respiratory infection are unnecessary
We also need to worry about gut flora. Antibiotics, especially those most used by the public, are typically broad spectrum. That means they’re not at all specific about which bacteria they kill. They will kill any bacteria that is in your body, including the good bacteria in your gut. When this bacteria is killed, it reduces your immunity and opens you up to future infections. It also allows bad bacteria to grow uncontrolled and make you sick long-term, because the good bacteria isn’t there to keep the proper balance and battle it back. Scientists are still studying this issue, and many — even mainstream doctors — recommend that you take a probiotic supplement along with a course of antibiotics to try to minimize this effect. It is uncertain how effective these supplements are at this time.
Antibiotics also come with side effects, which can include:
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin rash
- Diaper rash (in children)
There are a number of other side effects, too, depending on the particular antibiotic prescribed.
Given all this data, it is important to understand that antibiotics are not to be taken lightly. They should be used in very careful situations when “waiting it out” or other treatment methods have failed. They should never be used for viral illnesses. Antibiotic use is very serious, and although many people take them because they “just want to feel better,” they are not always warranted, and serious problems can result.
But, this doesn’t mean you have to do nothing when you are feeling poorly. There are many excellent, natural alternatives to antibiotics that are safe, that bacteria will not become resistant to, and which have no side effects. These should be your first line of defense; you should call a doctor and consider a prescription only if these remedies fail.
- Garlic
- Coconut oil
- Oregano essential oil
- Grapefruit seed extract
- Collodial silver
- High dose vitamin D
- High dose vitamin C
- High dose vitamin A
- Homeopathy (various remedies, depending on constitution)
The first five remedies are all antibacterial, and antiviral too. They can help to clear up many different infections. The first two are the safest — garlic and coconut oil can be used on anyone, even babies. They can all be applied to the feet (anything applied to the feet is quickly absorbed into the body), taken orally (some under the direction of a naturopathic doctor), or applied topically. Remedies 3 – 5 may require a naturopathic doctor if you are uncertain.
*Fresh-crushed garlic may be mixed with coconut oil and applied to the feet. Put thick socks on and go to sleep.
*Put fresh-crushed garlic in a capsule and swallow it.
*Top food with fresh-crushed garlic and simply eat it.
*Cook in coconut oil, or add it to a smoothie. Make candy out of it to eat a large amount at once (without the ‘gross’ factor of eating it straight).
*Put 1 – 4 drops of oregano essential oil into a capsule and swallow it. This may knock an infection out overnight. Talk to a naturopathic doctor if uncertain about dosing.
*Mix oregano oil and coconut oil and apply to the feet.
*Mix grapefruit seed oil into water and drink (check package or ask a doctor for dosing amounts).
*Collodial silver can be taken internally, too. Check package or ask doctor for dosing.
The remaining remedies can be used to boost the immune system to help the body fight off whatever is wrong.
*Vitamin D can be taken up to 10,000 IU per day, or up to 50,000 IU per day for 3 days under the direction of a doctor.
*Vitamin C can be taken 1g per hour until “bowel tolerance” (loose stools). Since it is water soluble, overdose is not possible. Too much will cause minor stomach cramps and diarrhea which will resolve quickly.
*Cod liver oil is a great source of vit D and vit A, and extra doses can help get over illness.
In addition to these, it’s a good idea to give probiotics (especially from food), homemade stock, plenty of water, herbal tea, etc. Rest is great too.
Symptoms can be managed with various other things, like the neti pot, ginger tea, hot/cold compresses, and so on.
What are your favorite natural remedies?
Do you have any advice in avoiding antibiotics in babies? My 8 month old daughter recently developed an upper respiratory infection and was prescribed antibiotics. She had been miserable for almost 2 weeks, and I felt like taking her to the doctor was the last resort. I am not happy about giving them to her, but she is doing so much better already, and is actually sleeping. I wish I had read this article before I took her in, but I didn't know what else to do. I didn't want the infection to develop into something more serious since she is so young.
I love using On Guard (essential oil blend from doTerra): http://www.doterra.myvoffice.com/essentialoilsforwellness/index.html
And also Anti-Plague (adults) and Propolis Plus (kids) from: http://www.vsnatureworks.com/ are great! They all help in immunity and prevention and also knock things out fast if you do get sick. I wrote a post here: http://www.morethanmundane.com/?p=188 about using essential oils during cold and flu season. My kids have gotten small colds this winter once, but nothing compared to what all my friends have been dealing with this winter. Also…knock on wood…I have not yet gotten sick, even when my kids did.
Thanks for all of this info!
I've been thinking about antibiotic alternatives lately as well especially when I heard reports of the increase in resistant super bacteria. I wonder why doctors don't simply give natural antibiotics like tea tree oil and colloidal silver to combat common infections? If they would only use these then bacteria wouldn't be able to build resistance and especially in hospital areas. Heck, some natural antiobiotics have been shown to be affective even with serious infections like MRSA, AIDS, and Lyme Disease. If only the conventional medical establishment would actually give people real relief with non-toxic medicines.
Kelli: Because doctor’s paychecks are supported in part through the drug industry and they are dependent on these resources for their livelihood. In Allopathic Medical Schools they are indoctrinated with the belief that the fastest route wins without considering a cost-benefit analysis. It is our responsibility to first try and dispel disease by simple lifestyle changes, if that does not work resort to natural antibiotic therapies and if the dis-ease persists then go to a doctor for antibiotics.
ModernAMama: Why are you even on here? You’re opinion is irrelevant and uninformed.
Kelli — There is no money in these natural antibiotics, and doctors don't believe they work. They think it is "voodoo," not real medicine. They are, in many cases, too arrogant to admit anything but a 'real' drug would work.
Kate, this is such important info especially this time of year when folks are REALLY getting sick – at least in my neck of the woods. The oak pollen is THICK down here and folks are dropping like flies with really nasty sinus infections. When I feel something coming on, I temporarily go off all grains and this boosts my immunity most of the time to fight it off without going down hard. I don't eat many grains as it is and when I do, they are traditionally prepared, but going off them when I am in the throes of an immunity challenge seems to really help me. LOVE the idea of a 40 day grain free challenge. I hope you get tons of participating as folks really need to try this out to believe how wonderful the experience can be! Thanks for sharing at Monday Mania this week!
This is SUCH a fantastic post! I use coconut oil, garlic, colloidial silver, cod liver oil, and natural vitamins any time I get sick (and as preventative measures). A colloidial silver spray is great for a sore throat.
Another way to get some good Vitamin D intake is to spend some time in the sun. If it's too cold out, I like to use Garden of Life's Raw D3 as a supplement.
Thank you so much for this post! Due to my severe allergies, I get sinus infections 5-6 times a year. And each time, I wind up on antibiotics (sometimes more than one round!), and I experience the yucky side effects you mentioned (also, yeast infections!). Although I've started immunotherapy for my allergies, I'd still love to find an alternative to traditional antibiotics that works for me!
I follow you on Twitter Kate and love your entire blog! Thank you! I use almost all of these listed above…but going to try the garlic for sure!
I'm bookmarking this one for reference and going to see where I can get some of the things you mentioned in your list. My family has relied on fresh, crushed garlic for years. I am curious to try the oregano e/o and the coconut oil, especially as applied to the feet (never heard of that before.) I've been battling a recurrent sinus infection all winter, but I've been hesistant to go to my family doctor because I know she'll just blow me off and toss an Rx for antibiotics at me. The few times I've had to take antibiotics, I've been displeased with the side-effects and their overall ineffectiveness. I will try what you have suggested here first. Thanks!
I tried the garlic on the bottom of my feet…only I forgot the oil! Just fyi, don't ever do that! Lol! It was working really well for the first hour or so, I mean I noticed an improvement pretty much immediately, but then after a while my feet started to BURN! And it didn't stop for a while after I got the garlic off my feet. Well, lesson learned. I will definitely try it again- but with the oil!
I don't really suggest colloidal silver, it can accumulate in your body and is sometimes known to be toxic. Just thought I would let you know!!
Oregano oil is my go-to antibiotic. It has both anti-viral and antibiotic properties (coincidentally, I just blogged about this). Sometimes I use it internally. Most often, I use it topically and let it absorb into the skin. Oregano is considered a “hot” oil. If you have sensitive skin, it should be diluted in a carrier oil. Be extremely careful when using internally. The only brands that I would recommend using internally are doTERRA and North American Herb and Spice as both of these are FDA approved for internal use.
I have successfully used oregano oil in treating bronchitis, colds, flus, urinary tract infections and yeast infections. It is amazing stuff. I actually use everything on your list in some capacity or another but have found that oregano oil is often the easiest and most effective. I just wish it smelled better.
Thanks for the post. A great reminder to us all.
just wanted to throw this in to the mix – Echinacea and golden seal together works great to! we had strep throat in the house, me and the kids took this and were better in 2 days my fiance went to the doc and got antibiotics and didnt feel better for almost 2 weeks. also a shot glass of aloe vera juice everyday helps build up the immune system. for many years i have stayed sick from oct-march this year since drinking the aloe vera juice i have only been sick twice and never more then 3 days.