Maybe you thought, like I did, that as long as you personally didn’t overuse antibiotics, you were not at risk for developing an antibiotic-resistant strain of infection.
But apparently, we are all at risk when antibiotics are overused. A disturbing new study found a high prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in a remote rural village of Bolivia where there is very little contact with outsiders, and almost no access to antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is caused when some, but not all, of the bacteria is vanquished by an antibiotic. Then, the bacteria that remain adapt and grow stronger. When it spreads and multiplies, it no longer succumbs to the medication. Even Vancomycin, the strongest antibiotic currently available, is now unable to fight certain strains of bacteria.
But even if humans stop overusing antibiotics and causing this resistance we will still be facing another big antibiotic problem. Livestock. Seventy percent of all antibiotics manufactured are used in agricultural settings. That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider that most of it is used solely to spawn growth (and profits) — not to treat the animals therapeutically.
The World Health Organization knows this is a problem and has recommended a ban on the practice. The FDA also took this position back in 1972, but, as usual, they seem powerless in the face of the lobbying forces of big pharma. They’re vigorously trying to protect their products and keep them in use. And organizations that represent manufacturers of animal health care products are staunchly defending the practice, as well.
There’s a saying that describes the extent of people’s concern about political and environmental issues — “not in my backyard.” What seems to be clear when it comes to this issue is that the whole world is becoming our backyard. It is no longer enough to just watch out for your own health practices and food consumption. Every single one of us will be affected if we render antibiotics powerless in the next couple of decades.
But you don’t have to quit your day job and become a full-time activist around these issues to do your part. Just do what you can: Use natural remedies to boost your body’s natural immune system as much as possible. Do the same for your children and everyone in your family.
Then, take it one or two steps further. Enlighten other people you know about the secrets of natural health. Share your Nutrition & Healing newsletters with them; get them their own subscription for the holidays. When you entertain or go to a potluck dinner party, serve organic foods. And when your friends tell you how good your cooking is, tell them how it’s the ingredients that impart the extra flavor and explain why. When people notice that you are healthier, that your food tastes better, they will want to know your secret, and, hopefully, follow your lead.
While you may not single-handedly save antibiotics from becoming useless, your consistent actions could help increase awareness of this enormous looming issue and make a difference. If you want to learn more about efforts to curb the overuse of antibiotics, visit www.keepantibioticsworking.com.
When you have a magic bullet, it’s best to save it for when you really need it — not just use it because you can. Otherwise, before you know it, all the magic will be gone.
The virus that keeps going and going and going
Q: I have been suffering with shingles for 10 weeks now and am using conventional medicine without much luck. Can you help me find something natural that might bring a little relief?
JVW: Since your pain has been present for so many weeks, it is possible that you could be suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia, a continuing irritation of the nerves even after the active infection has subsided.
A study that came out last year suggests that topical geranium oil might be a good option for immediate relief. The more highly concentrated, the better, with study participants reporting pain relief in direct proportion to the percentage of geranium oil present in their topical mixture. Capsaicin cream has also been shown to provide some relief, although it was outdone by the geranium oil in this study.
Even if the infection from the herpes virus that causes shingles has subsided, taking general “infection-prevention” steps would still be a good way to support your system overall. I discussed these at some length in the April 2001 issue of Nutrition & Healing, but just to briefly recap, general recommendations include: eliminating sugar, refined carbohydrates, and allergies (if any). Also, incorporating at least 25,000 IU of vitamin A, 25 milligrams of zinc, and 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C, twice daily can boost the protection even more.
What is arginine?
Arginine is a nonessential amino acid that has multiple functions in the body. It stimulates immune function and promotes the secretion of the hormones glucagon, insulin and growth hormone. It also helps increase protein synthesis for cell building. Body builders, and those who have open wounds that are healing might also want to increase their intake of this amino acid.
However, people with any type of herpes virus, such as shingles, should pay close attention to their arginine levels, since it actually supports the virus’ growth. Increasing levels of another amino acid, lysine, can help combat this problem.
Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Managing Editor
Nutrition & Healing
Sources:
van den Bogaard AE, London N, et. al. “Antibiotic resistance of faecal Escherichia coli in poultry, poultry farmers and poultry slaughterers.” J Antimicrob Chemother 2001; 47: 763 -771.
White DG, Zhao S, Sudler R, et al. “The isolation of antibiotic-resistant salmonella from retail ground meats.” N Engl J Med 2001; 345: 1,147-1,154.
Witte W. “Medical consequences of antibiotic use in agriculture.” Science 1998; 279: 996-997
Brisson M, Gay NJ, et. al. “Exposure to varicella boosts immunity to herpes-zoster: implications for mass vaccination against chickenpox.” Vaccine 2002; 20(19-20): 2,500-2,007
Ayres S, Mihan R. “Post-herpes zoster neuralgia: response to Vitamin E therapy.” Arch Dermatol 1975; 111: 396
