Antibiotics where initially developed in the 1940’s and their discovery was hailed as one of the bigger breakthroughs in medical history. It must be remembered that millions died commonly of simple infections before their discovery. But today the real value of antibiotics is in sharp decline due to the massive worldwide abuse of antibiotics.
Even during the early stages of antibiotic development it was clear that some bacteria could survive and multiply in the presence of antibiotics. These bacteria had acquired resistance to the effects of those antibiotics.
In the early 1980’s a number of hospitals in Melbourne were plagued with infections which were resistant to almost all known antibiotics. The bacteria were not just resistance to antibiotics, but also to antiseptics, making it virtually impossible to kill. Only one antibiotic worked against it, vancomycin. Today even this antibiotic has not killed this bacterium in certain hospitals. So, it is now clear that we are facing a potentially disastrous situation.
Why did this happen? We have used antibiotics in an irresponsible way. Overuse and using antibiotics in animal foods are major errors that need to be changed, antibiotics don’t kill viruses, but how often do we use them for viral infections?
A common sense approach is needed in treating common infections. Let the body fight the infection with the help of common herbs and rest, which allows the body to build up one’s natural resistance.
Up to 50% of all infections in children are respiratory by nature. Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu and snotty noses are viral so antibiotics have no part to play in their treatment. Even if the discharge from the nose is yellowish or greenish, swabs consistently show no bacterial growth. If in doubt, have a nasal swab done by your family doctor as this will show whether the infection is bacterial or viral.
Anti-viral treatments include Echinacea root tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43317/Echinacea-Tincture-215ml/, Plantain juicehttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40314/Salus-Plantain-Plant-Juice-200ml/ and Vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11240/Solgar-Ester-C-Plus-Tabs-1000mg-Vitamin-C-90-Tablets/and Zinc .http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44222/Sona-Zinc-60-Tablets/ Echinacea is best taken as a liquid extract or tincture. In liquid form, it is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream and it works better I find than either tablets or capsules. Echinacea is generally recognized as being one of the safest remedies. It is effective against a wide range of microbes, including many viruses, bacteria and fungi. It can be used to treat most types of infection. Echinacea can also be used externally to treat wounds that are infected.
If you or your children are getting lots of infections, then it may be necessary to build up the immune system. Herbs that will do this include Astragalus http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/which can be given to children on a long term basis if they are prone to infections.
Vitamin C is also anti-viral as well as anti-bacterial; it also enhances aspects of a person’s immunity. You can take up to ten grams of vitamin C (adult dose) during an infection. To enhance immunity take 2-3 grams of a timed released vitamin C each day. Take 1 gram each eight hours. Since the Vitamin C is not stored in the body, there is no concern about overloading the body with too much.
If you have to take an antibiotic then be sure to take acidophilus supplement during and after course of treatment to get the ‘‘good’’ bacteria in balance so the immune system gets back in shape.
Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zinc. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is on the rise. Many factors are involved in antibiotic resistance. Evolution plays a role, any organism, bacteria included, naturally includes variants with unusual traits – in this case, the ability to withstand an antibiotic attack on a microbe. When a person takes an antibiotic, the drug kills the defenseless bacteria, leaving behind those that resist it. These bacteria then multiply, increasing their numbers a million fold in a day, becoming the predominant micro-organism.
Though bacterial antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon, social factors also contribute to the problem. These factors include increased infection, coupled with inappropriate antibiotic use.
More people are contracting infections for example; sinusitis among adults is on the rise, as are ear infections in children.
Between 1985 and 1992 it was found that nearly double the amount of prescriptions were prescribed for both these conditions in the USA. This along with wide spread use of antibiotics in livestock leads to increased antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics were initially developed in the 1940’s and their discovery was hailed as one of the biggest breakthrough in medical history. It must be remembered that millions died commonly of simple infections before their discovery.
So what can we do? Increasing our immunity to infection must be the first step. Using herbs like Astragalushttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ , Reishi mushrooms http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/15361/Reishi-90-capsules/ or Cordyceps http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/search.aspwill help our body’s resist infection. Along with lifestyle changes like eating a whole food diet reducing sugar and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
A common sense approach is needed in treating common infections. Let the body fight the infection with the help of common herbs and rest, which allows the body to build up its natural resistance.
Up to 50% of all infections in children are respiratory by nature. Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu and snotty noses are viral so antibiotics have no part to play in their treatment. Even if the discharge from the nose is; yellowish or greenish, swabs consistently show no bacterial growth. Anti – viral treatments include Echinacea root tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43317/Echinacea-Tincture-215ml/, Plantain juice http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40314/Salus-Plantain-Plant-Juice-200ml/ and vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11207/Quest-Vitamin-C-1000mg-Timed-Release-60-Tablets/ and Zinc http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/38846/Lifeplan-Zinc-Gluconate-10mg-100-Tablets/. Echinacea is best taken as a liquid extract or tincture. In liquid form, it is more easy absorbed into the blood stream and it works better I find than either tablets or capsules. Echinacea is generally recognized as being one of the safest remedies. It is effective against a wide range of microbes including many viruses, bacteria and fungi. It can be used to treat most types of infection.
Plantain juice works like an antibiotic. It can be used to treat sinusitis, chest infections, ear infections and urinary tract infections. It also works to decongest nasal passages by helping the mucus membranes work better and therefore very useful in blocked sinuses. Plantain contains a chemical called Aucubin which acts like an antibiotic without any bacterial resistance occurring due to naturally occurring variation. Plantain has been used through out the world from China to Europe for the last 3,000 years at least. It is a very safe and gentle herb to use and can be taken by very young children for most infections, without side – effects. Combining Echinacea root tincture and Plantain juice is very effective treatment for most common infections.
Though bacterial antibiotic resistance is a natural phenomenon, social factors also contribute to the problem. These factors include increased infection, coupled with inappropriate antibiotic use.
More people are contracting infections for example; sinusitis among adults is on the rise, as are ear infections in children.
Between 1985 and 1992 it was found that nearly double the amount of prescriptions were prescribed for both these conditions in the USA. This along with wide spread use of antibiotics in livestock leads to increased antibiotic resistance.
Antibiotics were initially developed in the 1940’s and their discovery was hailed as one of the biggest breakthrough in medical history. It must be remembered that millions died commonly of simple infections before their discovery.
So what can we do? Increasing our immunity to infection must be the first step. Using herbs like Astragalushttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44624/Astragalus-Tincture-215ml/ , Reishi mushrooms http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/15361/Reishi-90-capsules/ or Cordyceps http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/search.aspwill help our body’s resist infection. Along with lifestyle changes like eating a whole food diet reducing sugar and eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
A common sense approach is needed in treating common infections. Let the body fight the infection with the help of common herbs and rest, which allows the body to build up its natural resistance.
Up to 50% of all infections in children are respiratory by nature. Upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu and snotty noses are viral so antibiotics have no part to play in their treatment. Even if the discharge from the nose is; yellowish or greenish, swabs consistently show no bacterial growth. Anti – viral treatments include Echinacea root tincture http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43317/Echinacea-Tincture-215ml/, Plantain juice http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/40314/Salus-Plantain-Plant-Juice-200ml/ and vitamin C http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11207/Quest-Vitamin-C-1000mg-Timed-Release-60-Tablets/ and Zinc http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/38846/Lifeplan-Zinc-Gluconate-10mg-100-Tablets/. Echinacea is best taken as a liquid extract or tincture. In liquid form, it is more easy absorbed into the blood stream and it works better I find than either tablets or capsules. Echinacea is generally recognized as being one of the safest remedies. It is effective against a wide range of microbes including many viruses, bacteria and fungi. It can be used to treat most types of infection.
Plantain juice works like an antibiotic. It can be used to treat sinusitis, chest infections, ear infections and urinary tract infections. It also works to decongest nasal passages by helping the mucus membranes work better and therefore very useful in blocked sinuses. Plantain contains a chemical called Aucubin which acts like an antibiotic without any bacterial resistance occurring due to naturally occurring variation. Plantain has been used through out the world from China to Europe for the last 3,000 years at least. It is a very safe and gentle herb to use and can be taken by very young children for most infections, without side – effects. Combining Echinacea root tincture and Plantain juice is very effective treatment for most common infections.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that manifests as a progressive deterioration of memory and mental function, a state of mind commonly referred to as dementia.
In most people, 20% of brain cells die over a lifetime. By the age of 70 most peoples brain have shrunk by 10%.With this, often comes a gradual loss of memory. However , declining mental function is not inevitable. Though this may come as a surprise to many , you can build new brain cells at any age. Research clearly shows that healthy, well educated, elderly people can show no decline in mental functions right up to death.
Not everyone over fifty with memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosis is difficult because the evidence lies in the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Genetic factors play a major role, with several genes being linked to AD. However, although genes probably play a significant role in determining who is going to develop AD, like most chronic degenerative diseases, environmental factors also play a significant role. Traumatic injury to the head, chronic exposure to Aluminium and/or silicon, exposure to toxins from environmental sources, and free – radical damage have all been implicated as causative factors.
Aluminium has been found in plaques in the brains of AD sufferers. While plenty of studies have shown this increased accumulation of Aluminium, what isn’t clear is whether this is a cause on consequence of the disease. Aluminium is known to accumulate with age and, in any event, it is the best to limit exposure. This means avoiding Aluminium fats and pans, not cooking foods on Aluminium foil, not using tooth past in Aluminium tubes or Antiacids with added Aluminium. To a certain extend zinc protects against Aluminium and other metal toxity so ensuring a good zinc intake is helpful.
Perhaps more important is the brain toxin homocysteine, produced within the body from protein – if you are deficient in vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid. For the point of view of prevention the simplest way to eradicate this risk is to supplement a high potency multivitaminhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/.
There is considerable evidence that oxidative damage from free – radicals, plays a major role in the development and progression of AD. Therefore taking antioxidants will help protect the brain against toxic substances and free – radicals which can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Eat a diet high in antioxidants, nutrients, lots of fruit and vegetable, also eat seeds and nuts to ensure high levels of antioxidants. A good multivitamin http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/ will also help. Ensure an optimal intake of brains fats ( the brain is mostly made up of these essential fatty acids ) especially Omega 3 fats from Fish and Flax seeds or fish oils and Phospholipids by taking a teaspoon of Fish Oil each dayhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45087/Eskimo-Brainsharp-Liquid-210ml/ .
Zinc defiency is one of the most common nutrients defiencies in the elderly and has been linked with the development of AD. Seeds and nuts are good sources of zinc esp http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11335/Solgar-Zinc-Citrate-30mg---100-Capsules/. Pumpkin seeds. Eat a handful each day.
Whether age – related memory loss nor AD are inevitable. What more the steps you need to take to prevent them are the same as those needed to maximise your memory and neutral alertness. So, whether you are 50 or 60 years old the time to act is now.
In most people, 20% of brain cells die over a lifetime. By the age of 70 most peoples brain have shrunk by 10%.With this, often comes a gradual loss of memory. However , declining mental function is not inevitable. Though this may come as a surprise to many , you can build new brain cells at any age. Research clearly shows that healthy, well educated, elderly people can show no decline in mental functions right up to death.
Not everyone over fifty with memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosis is difficult because the evidence lies in the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Genetic factors play a major role, with several genes being linked to AD. However, although genes probably play a significant role in determining who is going to develop AD, like most chronic degenerative diseases, environmental factors also play a significant role. Traumatic injury to the head, chronic exposure to Aluminium and/or silicon, exposure to toxins from environmental sources, and free – radical damage have all been implicated as causative factors.
Aluminium has been found in plaques in the brains of AD sufferers. While plenty of studies have shown this increased accumulation of Aluminium, what isn’t clear is whether this is a cause on consequence of the disease. Aluminium is known to accumulate with age and, in any event, it is the best to limit exposure. This means avoiding Aluminium fats and pans, not cooking foods on Aluminium foil, not using tooth past in Aluminium tubes or Antiacids with added Aluminium. To a certain extend zinc protects against Aluminium and other metal toxity so ensuring a good zinc intake is helpful.
Perhaps more important is the brain toxin homocysteine, produced within the body from protein – if you are deficient in vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid. For the point of view of prevention the simplest way to eradicate this risk is to supplement a high potency multivitaminhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/.
There is considerable evidence that oxidative damage from free – radicals, plays a major role in the development and progression of AD. Therefore taking antioxidants will help protect the brain against toxic substances and free – radicals which can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Eat a diet high in antioxidants, nutrients, lots of fruit and vegetable, also eat seeds and nuts to ensure high levels of antioxidants. A good multivitamin http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/44460/Sona-MultiPlus-Complete-Multivitamin-%26-Minerals-30-Capsules/ will also help. Ensure an optimal intake of brains fats ( the brain is mostly made up of these essential fatty acids ) especially Omega 3 fats from Fish and Flax seeds or fish oils and Phospholipids by taking a teaspoon of Fish Oil each dayhttp://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/45087/Eskimo-Brainsharp-Liquid-210ml/ .
Zinc defiency is one of the most common nutrients defiencies in the elderly and has been linked with the development of AD. Seeds and nuts are good sources of zinc esp http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11335/Solgar-Zinc-Citrate-30mg---100-Capsules/. Pumpkin seeds. Eat a handful each day.
Whether age – related memory loss nor AD are inevitable. What more the steps you need to take to prevent them are the same as those needed to maximise your memory and neutral alertness. So, whether you are 50 or 60 years old the time to act is now.
Acne
Acne can occur at any age but is more common during the “teens.” Mild cases of acne are characterized by red pimples and blackheads, but do not leave lasting impression on the skin. Severe cases can cause painful abscesses, widened pores and knots of scarred tissue. Scratching spreads the infection to other areas.
Those who appear to develop acne on the cheeks and nose at a later stage of life, probably suffer from acne rosacea, an adult skin condition that looks similar to acne, but does not develop until after thirty years of age.
Acne usually occurs at the most self-conscious time for boys and girls and always produces a crop of spots-just when they don’t want them!
This annoying skin problem is caused by over-production of sebum, an oily substance which helps protect the skin. A build-up of sebum blocks and infects pores, which produces pustules and blackheads. The black colour of blackheads is a result of their exposure to air at the skins surface. People with naturally oily skin are more susceptible to acne.
The underlying cause of increased sebum production lies internally. Hormonal disturbances usually cause acne in most adolescents. The hormonal imbalance is usually coupled with blood impurities caused by poor diet, included deep-fried food, saturated fats, sweets and junk food, chronic constipation, and an overburdened, sluggish liver, unable to detoxify the blood thoroughly since the skin in another means of detoxification, wastes that remain in the blood are eliminated through the skin. Nicotine and alcohol affect the skin, as do individual susceptibilities to certain foods and allergies.
Certain fats can be the best dietary weapon against acne. Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids which lower the body’s production of sebum, reducing the pore clogging which causes acne. A deficiency in the essential fatty acids will trigger increased production of sebum. Also flax seed oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43221/Flora-Flax-O-Mega-90-Capsules/ensures regular bowel movements, which encourage the elimination of toxins through the bowel, rather than the skin.
In some cases, acne is triggered by certain foods. Common culprits are chocolate, nuts, eggs and fatty foods. If a certain food is suspected of causing acne, it should first be eliminated from the diet for a few weeks, then reintroduced and the effect carefully observed.
One of the most successful herbs used in the treatment of both male and female acne is Vitex-Agnus-Castus http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43311/Agnus-Castus-Tincture/. Taken for three months, it will help the body to balance its hormonal swings.
Another important herb is Bogbean http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43315/Bogbean-Tincture-215ml/ which will help the body eliminate toxins from the blood- in fact 50% of patients with severe acne have increased blood toxins.
Minerals such as zinc have been found very helpful; 45mg of zinc Picolinate each day especially adolescents since their need for zinc in high.http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11212/Quest-Synergistic-Zinc-15mg-with-Copper-30-Tablets/
Externally use Tea-tree oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/41724/Atlantic-Aromatics-Tea-Tree-Oil-Organic-20ml/ to help keep the skin clear of harmful bacteria (which will make the acne worse). Dab one drop of Tea-tree oil on the head of the pimple twice daily. Using rose hip essential oil will help eliminate scarring if used early enough.
Do not squeeze pimples or whiteheads. This spreads infection and cause scarring.
Those who appear to develop acne on the cheeks and nose at a later stage of life, probably suffer from acne rosacea, an adult skin condition that looks similar to acne, but does not develop until after thirty years of age.
Acne usually occurs at the most self-conscious time for boys and girls and always produces a crop of spots-just when they don’t want them!
This annoying skin problem is caused by over-production of sebum, an oily substance which helps protect the skin. A build-up of sebum blocks and infects pores, which produces pustules and blackheads. The black colour of blackheads is a result of their exposure to air at the skins surface. People with naturally oily skin are more susceptible to acne.
The underlying cause of increased sebum production lies internally. Hormonal disturbances usually cause acne in most adolescents. The hormonal imbalance is usually coupled with blood impurities caused by poor diet, included deep-fried food, saturated fats, sweets and junk food, chronic constipation, and an overburdened, sluggish liver, unable to detoxify the blood thoroughly since the skin in another means of detoxification, wastes that remain in the blood are eliminated through the skin. Nicotine and alcohol affect the skin, as do individual susceptibilities to certain foods and allergies.
Certain fats can be the best dietary weapon against acne. Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids which lower the body’s production of sebum, reducing the pore clogging which causes acne. A deficiency in the essential fatty acids will trigger increased production of sebum. Also flax seed oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43221/Flora-Flax-O-Mega-90-Capsules/ensures regular bowel movements, which encourage the elimination of toxins through the bowel, rather than the skin.
In some cases, acne is triggered by certain foods. Common culprits are chocolate, nuts, eggs and fatty foods. If a certain food is suspected of causing acne, it should first be eliminated from the diet for a few weeks, then reintroduced and the effect carefully observed.
One of the most successful herbs used in the treatment of both male and female acne is Vitex-Agnus-Castus http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43311/Agnus-Castus-Tincture/. Taken for three months, it will help the body to balance its hormonal swings.
Another important herb is Bogbean http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/43315/Bogbean-Tincture-215ml/ which will help the body eliminate toxins from the blood- in fact 50% of patients with severe acne have increased blood toxins.
Minerals such as zinc have been found very helpful; 45mg of zinc Picolinate each day especially adolescents since their need for zinc in high.http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/11212/Quest-Synergistic-Zinc-15mg-with-Copper-30-Tablets/
Externally use Tea-tree oil http://www.thenaturalway.ie/store/product/41724/Atlantic-Aromatics-Tea-Tree-Oil-Organic-20ml/ to help keep the skin clear of harmful bacteria (which will make the acne worse). Dab one drop of Tea-tree oil on the head of the pimple twice daily. Using rose hip essential oil will help eliminate scarring if used early enough.
Do not squeeze pimples or whiteheads. This spreads infection and cause scarring.
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