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Antibiotics: What You Need to Know
by Stacelynn Caughlan

Since the 1980's, sales of antibiotics in North America have doubled. Rather than seeing the elimination of pathogenic bacteria, we're seeing an alarming increase in more deadly ones. Scientists fear that if the overuse and abuse of antibiotics doesn't end, killer epidemics -which are completely resistant to drugs- may be on their way.

With every use of an antibiotic, the evolution of drug resistant bacteria accelerates. The more they're used, the faster resistance develops. New strains of tuberculosis, Staphylococcus, and E.coli are occurring at amazing rates and are resistant to all previously used treatments. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that 19,000 hospital patients die annually from antibiotic resistant infections and another 58,000 die from complications attributable to bacterial infection.

Our exposure to antibiotics usually begins with the treatment of ear infections as a chnt is in a weakened state infection may occur down the road. It is also common for doctors to prescribe antibiotics knowing that the placebo effect is a powerful one and their patient strongly believes the drug is the only thing that will work.

Once prescribed, the drugs are often misused. A common misconception is that once symptoms have disappeared, there's no need to continue the full course. Then when symptoms return later, the half empty bottle is used once again. The frightful outcome is what's getting scientists attention these days - super germs!

Bacteria has the ability to create a resistance to drugs which is reinforced by misuse. If a colony of bacteria is exposed to an antibiotic for long enough, the colony will die. However there are always stronger microbes that are the last to go. If the prescription isn't completed and these microbes remain, they are able - even small amounts - to colonize again as a stronger, more drug resistant strain. In one day, 1 microbe can yield 16 billion more antibiotic resistant bacteria! Scientists have also learned that bacteria has the ability to pass on it's immunity to other types of bacteria by exchanging clumps of DNA called plasmids. It's these plasmids that contain the genes for drug resistance.

Perpetuating the problem is the use of broad spectrum antibiotics which kill off literally billions of bacteria in our bodies, some of which is essential to us. Most of this "friendly" bacteria lives ults may be nutritional deficiencies, food allergies, chronic gastrointestinal disease and candida A pathogen that would have otherwise passed through the system now not only finds a hospitable environment with no competition, but it's host's immune system is in a weakened state. Infection occurs again, antibiotics are prescribed, and the cycle continues.
In addition to prescriptions, our food supply is often a large source of antibiotics. About one half of the antibiotics cribed antibiotics, but also of bacteria which has the capability of passing on it’s resistance to human bacteria.

Although countries such as Japan, Great Britain, Germany and the Netherlands have banned the use of antibiotics in their animals, North America continues its use. Chickens are routinely fed sub-therapeutic doses as a growth stimulant as well as the many they receive for infections, and the U.S. allows low levels of 8 different antibiotics in the country's milk supply.

Its obvious that something needs to be done to slow the progression of antibiotic abuse. Through patient education and consumer awareness, alternatives to prescriptions and a healthier meat supply will be demanded. We need to use antibiotics only in emergency situations and that target the specific bacteria for which they were designed. Choosing a plant-based diet or organic meats will also lighten our risks of antibiotic exposure. This prudence is much needed, for as the human population multiplies rapidly, so does the microscopic world around us.

NATURAL ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTICS
TREATMENT	HOW IT WORKS	SPECIFIC INFECTIONS
GARLIC	Made up of sulfur-containing substances, such as allicin, that exhibit strong antibiotic activity	Internal: bladder, respiratory, food poisoning, Candida, TB, diptheria, thyphoid, hepatitis
PROPOLIS	High in bioflavonoids which stimulate white blood cells and activate the thymus gland for enhanced immunity. Immobilizes foreign objects in the body	Internal: throat/gums, gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers External: cuts, boils
GOLDENSEAL	Contains alkaloids which help increase white blood cell activity and activate macrophages	Internal: throat/gums, sinusitis, Candida, acne, urinary tract, respi ratory External: wounds
ECHINACEA	Contains polysaccharides that increase immune function	Internal: respiratory, Candida, allergies External: inflammatory skin conditions, wounds

Stacelynn Caughlan is a Clinical Nutritionist and Certified Herbalist who specializes in Prenatal and Pediatric Health.

Echinacea Root Complex - Liquid, 1 oz	Liquid Echinacea - Strawberry, 2 oz
Sweet Echinacea - 4 oz	Insure Herbal for kids - Orange-Banana, 1 oz