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Bacterial Infections
Oregano Oil
Oil of oregano is a powerful antiseptic and considered one of the most potent antibacterials of all the essential oils (Marino et al. 2001). Carvacrol and thymol, the two active ingredients in oregano, are phenols--agents that kill microscopic bacteria. Oregano oil has been used for centuries in Far Eastern and Middle Eastern cultures to treat respiratory infections, chronic inflammation, urinary tract infections, dysentery, jaundice, and even to increase sexual excitability. Medicinal oregano grows wild in mountainous areas of Greece and Turkey and is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, and manganese, which adds to its therapeutic value. Oregano oil has become popular in recent years as an alternative to prescription antibiotics.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract is derived from the bioflavonoids found in the seed and pulp. Its antigermicide action has shown a growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses in several in vitro studies. The effectiveness of grapefruit seeds was discovered accidentally by a doctor who noticed that the seeds did not decompose in his compost pile. Further examination revealed that the grapefruit seeds killed any microorganism that tried to decompose it. Laboratory studies have shown it to be effective in inhibiting bacteria such as S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and M. tuberculosis. Grapefruit seed extract has been formulated by a number of manufacturers for various uses, including an internal bactericide, water disinfectant, skin cleanser, and first-aid spray. Grapefruit seed extract is also a treatment for house pets and livestock that may be susceptible to bacterial infections from a variety of sources.
Sarsaparilla Root
Sarsaparilla root (Smilax officinalis) attacks and neutralizes microbial substances in the bloodstream through its antibiotic activity. By acting as a diuretic and diaphoretic (promotes perspiration), sarsaparilla encourages excretion of toxins and waste materials and acts as an antidote for various poisons. Heavy metallic contaminants in the blood can be extracted from the system with the judicious use of sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla exerts strong power over fibers and tissues of the nervous system, which is an added benefit of its use.
Alkylglycerols
Alkylglycerols (AKGs) are a family of compounds that have been found to play a crucial role in the production and stimulation of white blood cells. They occur in freshwater fish and in cow, sheep, and mother's milk. AKGs help give nursing mammals, including breast-fed babies, protection against infection until their own immune systems can develop fully. Alkylglycerols are thought to act as immune boosters against infectious diseases. No side effects have been seen in patients taking 100 mg 3 times a day. Shark liver oil capsules containing a minimum of 200 mg of alkylglycerols a capsule, at a dose of 5 capsules a day, can have a direct antibiotic effect.
Caution: Do not take shark liver oil for more than 30 days, because it may cause overproduction of blood platelets.
Enzymes
Bromelain, a proteolytic digestive enzyme, can potentiate--augment or strengthen--the effects of conventional antibiotics, making them more effective in killing bacteria (Chandler et al. 1998). (Proteolytic substances contribute to the hydrolysis of proteins or peptides and help form simpler, soluble products.) Bromelain should be taken with meals. The suggested dose is 2000 mg a day of a highly concentrated bromelain.
Amino Acids
Arginine, a crystalline basic amino acid derived from guanidine, can stimulate antibacterial components of the immune system when taken in doses ranging from 6-20 grams a day. Arginine promotes the synthesis of nitric oxide that is believed to help protect against bacterial infections. The role of nitric oxide was studied in host defense against Klebsiella pneumoniae infection of the lung. The results suggested that nitric oxide plays a critical role in antibacterial host defense against K. pneumoniae, in part by regulating macrophage phagocytic and microbicidal activity (Wang et al. 1999).
Fruit Juice
Cranberry juice has proven to be an effective non-drug therapy against urinary tract infections (Fleet 1994; Kontiokari et al. 2001). The active ingredients of the juice keep bacteria from attaching to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract. Research concludes that cranberry juice also helps to prevent the formation of dental plaque that can eventually lead to tooth decay (Weiss et al. 1998). Because the recommended daily intake of this juice is so great, a dietary supplement has been developed called Cran-Max that provides the equivalent of sixteen 8-oz glasses of cranberry juice in just 1 capsule. One capsule a day provides the equivalent of the recommended amount of cranberry juice for proven results in fighting urinary tract infections.
Honey and Bee Propolis
Before the discovery of antibiotics, honey was known to have antibacterial properties. Research has confirmed those earlier findings (Tosi et al. 1996). In addition, electron microscope studies show that bee propolis has a potent antibacterial effect by preventing cell division and inhibiting protein synthesis (Takaisi-Kikuni et al. 1994).
Caution: Bee products should not be administered to children under the age of three.
Trace Elements
Zinc has been found to potentiate antiseptic agents (Zeelie et al. 1998). A South African study concluded that zinc is also critical in the maintenance of a healthy immune system.
Other Herbal Antimicrobials
Researchers around the world are taking another look at folk medicine, herbal remedies, and other alternatives to pharmacological drugs. Research has confirmed the antibacteriological value of herbal extracts from many parts of the world. Examples of useful herbal remedies abound. Goldenseal may be an effective natural antibiotic (Scazzocchio et al. 2001). Raw garlic has potent antibacterial effects (Kumar et al. 1998). Kyolic, an aged garlic product, does not kill bacteria directly, but does boost immune function, enabling the body to fight off some chronic bacterial infections.
Restoring Intestinal Flora
Antibiotics often destroy friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract that are needed to digest food and prohibit the growth of fungal infections and pathogenic bacteria. Fortunately, these beneficial bacteria can be restored by supplementing with a product such as Life Flora that helps to recolonize the natural floral balance that antibiotics can destroy.
Oxygenation Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygenation helps the body heal from conditions that have low oxygen in the tissues causing or complicating the outcome. Repetitive hyperbaric sessions can help many different conditions such as anemia, burns, and crush injuries. Compromised skin grafts often improve with hyperbaric oxygenation. The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has become more widespread in recent years for difficult-to-heal infections, since antibiotics often fail to clear resistant strains of pathogens. Treatable infections include actinomycosis, osteomyelitis, diabetic wounds, gangrene, and other deadly soft tissue infections.
HBO consists of a monoplace chamber, in which only one patient is entirely enclosed in a pressure chamber, breathing oxygen at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Each treatment lasts about 60 minutes. HBO is regarded as a therapeutic modality because significant physiological mechanisms are activated as a result. HBO delivers 10-15 times the oxygen to tissues as normal breathing. HBO is used in the formation of new capillaries around a wound area, and to treat anemia, ischemia, and some poisonings.
The flooding of the body with oxygen, as in hyperbaric therapy, tends to remove other gases, such as carbon monoxide and acute cyanide poisoning. HBO inhibits the growth of a number of anaerobic, as well as aerobic, organisms by enhancing phagocytic activity. This effect complements the improved action of host disease-fighting factors and is useful in disorders involving immunosuppression. Studies have demonstrated a prolonged postantibiotic effect when hyperbaric oxygen is combined with therapeutic dosages of antibiotics.
Conclusion
Ironically, the advent of the new "miracle drugs," the antibiotics developed in the 1940s and since, also set the stage for drug-resistant bacteria that do not respond to antibiotics. Avoiding or neutralizing bac-terial infections requires a strong, effective immune response. Research demonstrates preventive benefits from herbal and natural alternatives. Natural and herbal remedies can provide effective treatment when FDA-approved American antibiotics fail.
Summary
- With the arrival of drug-resistant bacteria, prevention becomes more important than ever. The body's immune system can be strengthened by vitamin and trace-element supplementation. Three Life Extension Mix tablets 3 times a day (at meal times) provide the essential vitamins and trace elements for basic immune-system health.
- Life Extension Herbal Mix incorporates 27 different herbs into a powder designed to make 1 daily drink. One tsp a day mixed in fruit juice supplies immune-enhancing nutrients.
- Lactoferrin, a powerful antimicrobial, is able to inhibit a wide range of pathogenic bacteria and other microbes. Its mechanism of action appears to lie with its ability to bind iron. Up to 900 mg daily (3 capsules) are recommended when fighting an infection. The maintenance dose of lactoferrin is one 300-mg capsule a day.
- Oregano oil contains potent phenols that kill microscopic bacteria. Thirty drops (1 mL) may be taken daily with water.
- Grapefruit seed extract has been shown to inhibit bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One-fourth tsp liquid extract diluted in water or juice can be taken up to 3 times a day.
- Sarsaparilla root (S. officinalis) attacks and neutralizes microbial substances in the bloodstream through its antibiotic activity. Thirty to 60 drops (1-2 mL) of tincture of sasaparilla may be taken daily.
- Shark liver oil contains alkylglycerols, a family of compounds proven to be beneficial to the production and stimulation of white blood cells; 1000 mg a day of shark liver oil capsules can have a direct antibiotic effect.
- Bromelain, a proteolytic digestive enzyme, augments conventional antibiotics and makes them more effective in killing bacteria. The suggested dose is 2000 mg a day with meals.
- Arginine, an amino acid, stimulates the immune system's antibacterial components when taken at the rate of 6-20 grams a day.
- The active ingredients of cranberry juice interfere with harmful bacteria that adhere to the walls of the urinary tract, preventing and actually helping to cure urinary tract infections. These ingredients have also been found to help prevent dental cavities. Cran-Max, a purified extract of cranberry juice, contains the equivalent of 16 glasses of juice in each capsule. The recommended dose is one 500-mg capsule a day.
- Both honey and bee propolis are known to have antibacterial properties. They work by preventing bacterial cell division and inhibiting protein synthesis.
Caution: Do not administer bee products to children under the age of three.
- Zinc potentiates antiseptic agents and is critical to the maintenance of a healthy immune system. When treating a bacterial infection, 90-120 mg a day of zinc is suggested.
- Life Flora will help to recolonize friendly intestinal flora that can be destroyed by antibiotics. Two capsules 3 times daily are recommended.
- A hyperbaric oxygen chamber kills both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, while improving immune function and displacing noxious gases.
Product availability
Life Extension Mix, Life Extension Herbal Mix, lactoferrin, oregano oil, Kyolic garlic, Norwegian shark liver oil, bromelain, echinacea, goldenseal, Optizinc, arginine, Cran-Max (cranberry juice concentrate), Life Flora, and bee propolis can be obtained by calling (800) 544-4440 or by ordering online. Ask for a listing of offshore companies that sell European antibiotics.
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