Inherent
Danger in the Safety of Antibiotic Treatment
Viruses and bacteria are mutating and becoming resistant
to antibiotics. Consider a recent report from the American Academy of Family
Physicians:
Drugs that once guaranteed eradication of bacterial diseases are suddenly
up
against strains that don’t respond as predictably. These bacteria have developed
resistance in part because of overuse and misuse of the drugs. . . As a result,
patients are getting sicker, and death rates for some communicable diseases .
. . are on the rise where such diseases had been under control.8
Further, the CDC notes, “New products are not being developed rapidly enough
to address increasing microbial resistance.”9 There
are emerging warnings against use of Cipro and other antibiotics as prophylaxis
against Anthrax because of the fear of resistance, but also due to side-effects
such as upset stomach, damage to bone marrow, fatigue, diarrhea, headache and
rashes.10
11
What
do we do?
Conventional western medicine utilizes a military mentality when a bacterial,
viral or other immune threat is detected and antibiotic weapons are brought in
to fight with the invaders. The antibiotic fights a battle against an invading
pathogen, sometimes winning, sometimes losing and sometimes ending in a stalemate.
The human body acts as the battlefield and, as is the case with many battlefields,
in the end the battlefield is left in ruins. The militaristic analogy of pathogens
versus antibiotic treatments is not comforting to be sure since too often the
immune system is forced to stand by and watch the battle take place and then
try its inexperienced best to fight when the next immune threat comes along.
There is a time and place for antibiotic use – as a last resort in order to help
the immune system similarly to reinforcements. Too often, antibiotics are used
as a first resort and the resistance and mutation of immune threats will continue
from the first antibiotic use on.
The body has an immune system capable of mounting its own attack against bacteria
and viruses. The innate immune system can recognize new threats to the body and
will act as quickly as possible to them, often it is so effective that people
never know they have been exposed.12 There
is also memory system, called the acquired immune system, which will act against
these threats based on any information gained from past immune experiences.13 When
antibiotics are used as a first defense then the immune system is weakened by
virtue of inexperience. Further, when antibiotics are used as a first defense,
the last defense has been already been squandered.
What Do We Do?
Support Immune Function Against Various Threats
Accepting the immune system’s ability to fight viruses and bacteria
of all kinds will provide for enduring health. In addition to the immune system
weakening with repeated, needless antibiotic use against pathogens, other factors
can weaken the efficiency and efficacy of the immune system. Excessive stress,
poor nutrition and environmental factors can cause the immune system to become
weakened and vulnerable against viruses and bacteria. With the added psychological
stress and worry relating to biological terror attacks it is imperative to provide
support to the immune system. Following are known natural ingredients available
that could prove beneficial, maybe critical, in the months and years to come.
Transfer Factors – Discovered in 1949 as a component
of the immune system, transfer factors can transfer immunity against various
immune threats from one individual to another. Since 1949 transfer factors
have been verified to be trans-species. An immune experience of livestock
(i.e. cow, goat, horse, etc.) could be shared with a human through transfer
factors. These tiny molecules can be extracted from two sources, blood and
colostrum (the first milk from a mother to her offspring). Blood preparations
are expensive and are difficult to derive while extraction from colostrum
is currently available as detailed under U.S. Patent #4,816,563. Transfer
factors are the most promising continual support for the immune system against
past, present and future viruses and bacteria.
Thymic Factors – Aging after adulthood involves a gradual, yet continual
shrinking of the thymus gland. The thymus is instrumental in supporting and
stimulating T-cell response.14 T-cells
are extremely important for the immune system to carry on a fight with any
invading pathogens.
Zinc – This mineral has been studied extensively and is known to improve
immune function.15 When
zinc is used with thymic factors the effects on immune response improve.16
Maitake and Shiitake Mushrooms – These mushrooms are a reliable source
of beta-glucan.17,
18 Beta-glucan can be extremely beneficial to the immune system for tumor
rejection and antibacterial strength. The Natural Killer cells of the immune
system work more efficiently when beta-glucan is available.19 Bacterial-caused
toxic death in animals has been prevented by using beta-glucan.20
Mannans – Obtained from the Aloe vera leaf, mannans are believed to
be the immunologically beneficial part of the plant. Increases in the ability
of two types of immune cells that kill invading pathogens have been noted
with the use of mannans.21,
22 Mannans have been shown to inhibit adherence of certain bacteria to
lung cells.23 Many
illnesses can become critical when the bacteria or virus reaches the lung
tissues (e.g. pneumonia).
Without going into great detail it should be noted that other natural ingredients
will also provide immune support. IP6 (phytic acid) is present in cereals, grains,
etc. and is used in regulation of cellular function at the same time possessing
anti-tumor properties.24 Cordyceps
are fungi used in Chinese medicine for many years to fight tumors and other immune
threats.25
Conclusion: Consider
that history is on the side of immune function. In the early 20th century
millions died of the Spanish Flu but millions more survived though exposed
to the same viruses as everyone else.26,27 During
the Middle Ages, in Europe and parts of Asia, the plague killed as much as
_ of the population in less than 20 years.28 Why
were there survivors? During epidemics or pandemics those who survive are
the ones who immune systems are strong and adaptable.
The future seems uncertain where Bioterrorism is concerned. The hope is that
nothing catastrophic will occur anytime in the future, but while the threat of
severe consequences exists it is prudent to provide information and education
about the immune threats in the world. Supporting the immune system empowers
individuals against the unknown or unavoidable threats which exist in life today.
Reference Page for the article on:
Timely
Information On Bio -Warfare http://www.wellnesswatch.net/refs/biowarfareref.html#one
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