“New” Bacteria?
The focus in the news lately of virulent strains of staphylococcal bacteria which resist treatment by antibiotics is alarming for many of us. A disease which was common only in hospitalized patients, is now being seen in the general public and becoming more and more difficult to treat.
Western medical doctors and researchers look at this situation from the point of view of the drugs that failed, believing that we need stronger, more effective drugs. However from an alternative, more holistic medical view, the problem lies not in the lack of effective treatments, but in our inability to fight these bacteria.
Bad Case of the Office Flu
Why does the bacteria affect some people who are exposed to it but not others? Anyone would say that has to do with their present state of health. Everyone knows the story of the bad flu that went around the office, and there are those who catch it and recover quickly, those who catch it and take 3 weeks to recover, and those who never show one symptom of the flu! Our response is related to our susceptibility rather than our exposure to the bacteria.
Sophisticated Defense Mechanism
The human body contains a very sophisticated defense mechanism commonly referred to as the immune system. This defense mechanism is always at work to protect us from disease and keep us healthy. Fevers, redness around a cut, even pus and nasal discharge are the body’s way of ridding us of unfriendly bacteria and viruses. When we consistently thwart this process with the use of powerfully suppressive medications like antibiotics, we are weakening our defense mechanism.
The defense mechanisms do not work as well when they are not being used. They need to “work out” so to speak, just like the rest of our bodies. If we never allow ourselves to be ill (to have symptoms) the body never gets a chance to fine tune its responses. Then when we are stressed, we won’t recover as easily.
What’s the Alternative?
By avoiding suppressive medications like antibiotics (any medicine that is prefaced with “anti†is suppressing a symptom), anti-inflammatories, anti-histamines, etc. we can enjoy better overall health, and build up our immune system to lessen our susceptibility to all bacteria and viruses.
So, the next time that cold comes around, and you want to reach for your favorite cold medication, instead try a home remedy, or a homeopathic remedy, or go see your Acupuncturist or herbalist. For that bronchitis you get every year, try to treat it differently this time, look for ways to avoid those drugs with hidden (and not so hidden) side effects. Your body will thank you by keeping you healthy and happy!