Date:   8/22/2004 9:02:12 PM ( 20 y ago)
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BEYOND Antibiotics

Beyond Antibiotics is the title of a recent book by two medical doctors, Keith Sehnert and Lendon Smith, and a nutrition consultant, Michael Schmidt. These gutsy authors challenge one of the most sacred cows of conventional medicine, the widespread use of Antibiotics . I have drawn information from the book to write this article.
Doctors prescribe antibiotics at what can only be termed an incredible rate. According to several studies, obstetricians and gynecologists write 2,645,000 Antibiotic prescriptions every week. Internists prescribe 1,416,000 per week. This works out to 211,172,000 prescriptions annually, just for the two specialties! Pediatricians prescribe over $500 million worth of antibiotics annually just for one condition, ear infections.
The intent of this article is not to suggest that antibiotics should not be used. They obviously can be life-saving. However, many health authorities are beginning to admit that antibiotics are overprescribed, creating problems that are worse than the original condition. Let us examine antibiotics more carefully in light of recent findings.


MYTHS ABOUT ANTIBIOTICS

Among the prevalent myths about antibiotics are the following three:

Myth #1. Antibiotics are responsible for the decline in infectious disease. Sorry, but it just isn't so. In Beyond Antibiotics, the authors use graphs to trace the incidence of the major infectious diseases from 1900 to 1973. The diseases include measles, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, pneumonia, influenza, whooping cough, diphtheria and polio. All were in decline for several decades before the introduction of antibiotics or vaccines. After reviewing the data, researchers John McKinlay and Sonja McKinlay at Boston University concluded that ".. at most, 3.5% of the total decline in mortality since 1900 could be ascribed to medical measures introduced for the diseases considered here". Improved nutrition and improved sanitation and hygiene were far more important than the 'wonder drugs' or vaccines to reduce these diseases.

Myth 2. Antibiotics are useful against colds and flu. It should be common knowledge that antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. However, many physicians continue to prescribe them for viral conditions such as colds and flu. The rationale is to prevent secondary bacterial infection. This would be fine, except for myth #3 below, the dangers of antibiotics.
Given the dangers of antibiotics, it is prudent in most cases not to take antibiotics for colds and flus. They can worsen the situation and prolong recovery.

Myth #3. Antibiotics are harmless. This is the most insidious myth. It leads to overprescribing, and blinds physicians and the public to the dangers of antibiotics, described in the next section. Meanwhile, safer methods of avoiding and treating infections are ignored on the premise that the antibiotics will take care of everything.

The Physicians Desk Reference lists the adverse effects of antibiotics. Anyone who is taking an Antibiotic (or any other medication) should read about the adverse effects. This can help prevent nasty surprises. The interaction between antibiotics and other medications should also be noted. In addition to the side effects and cautions described in books, antibiotics present other problems that are described below.


PROBLEMS WITH ANTIBIOTICS

The list of problems with antibiotics is quite long. Some are common and well known. Others are subtle but no less important. I have divided the adverse effects into nine categories:

1) Allergic Reactions. I used to worry every time I prescribed penicillin as an medical intern. It had been explained that every once in a while a patient would have a fatal allergic reaction to it, and that if I practiced medicine long enough someone would die in my office after a shot of penicillin. While this is uncommon, other allergic reactions to antibiotics occur frequently. Not only can the drug cause a reaction, but most antibiotics contain chemical colors, Sugar and other additives that can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.

2. Destruction of normal bowel flora. Like pesticides, antibiotics kill good bugs along with the bad ones. Wide-spectrum antibiotics are notorious for this. The human intestine has a somewhat delicate ecology in which certain bugs help digest food, produce certain vitamins, and maintain a balance of organisms that prevents harmful bacteria and yeasts from multiplying.
Wide-spectrum antibiotics derange the normal ecology of the intestine. This can cause parasitic infection, vitamin deficiencies, loss of minerals through diarrhea, inflammation of the gut, malabsorption syndromes and development of food allergies due to defects in intestinal function.

3. Development of resistant bugs. An article in Science Magazine, August 1992, stated, "Doctors in hospitals and clinics around the world are losing the battle against an onslaught of new drug-resistant bacterial infections including staph, pneumonia, strep, tuberculosis, dysentery and other diseases that are costly and difficult, if not impossible, to treat".
Bacteria have a certain ability to mutate. Antibiotics kill bacteria that are susceptible to their action, but this leaves the field open for mutant strains to multiply even more. It is a case of survival of the fittest. The use of antibiotics actually encourages the development of the mutant, drug-resistant super-bacteria.

4. Immune Suppression. This may sound odd, as the purpose of antibiotics is presumably to help the immune system. However, evidence indicates that people treated with antibiotics have more repeat infections than those who are not treated. This is especially true of children whose ear infections are treated with antibiotics. Vitamin A and herbs are much more effective.
In fact, antibiotics do not aid the immune system. They replace one of its functions. Antibiotics act by inhibiting certain enzymatic processes of bacteria, and by changing mineral balances. Normal cells, however, are also affected. This may be one reason why antibiotics weaken the immune system. Other toxic effects of antibiotics, such as the effect upon the normal bowel flora, may also contribute to a weaker immune system.
The latest research on AIDS indicates that a risk factor for AIDS is an impaired immune system, which can be due to a history of repeated Antibiotic use. Oops!

5. Overgrowth of Candida Albicans. Normally, candida albicans, a common yeast, lives peacefully in our intestines and elsewhere, in harmony with other flora that keep the yeast in check. Take an antibiotic and all this changes. By suppressing the normal flora, candida takes over and problems begin. In its mild form the result is diarrhea or a yeast infection.
Far more serious is the growing problem of chronic muco-cutaneous yeast infection. This is described in books such as The Yeast Connection and The Yeast Syndrome. It is a major iatrogenic illness today, and a very debilitating and potentially fatal condition. One of the prime risk factors for chronic candida infection is repeated antibiotic use.

6. Chronic fatigue syndrome. This is another 'new' health plague. It is associated with chronic viral illness and a weakened immune system. While its exact origins are not clear, one of the major risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome is - you guessed it - repeated antibiotic use.

7. Nutrient Loss. Nutrient loss from antibiotics is due in part to diarrhea, which causes a loss of essential minerals. Destruction of friendly bacteria in the intestines can also impair the synthesis of certain vitamins in the intestines. While not a major cause of malnutrition, antibiotic usage may be another factor contributing to poor nutrition and thus a weakened body chemistry.

8. Treating an effect, not a cause. Antibiotics only address the end-stage result of a weakened body chemistry - bacterial invasion. The bacteria may only be there to "mop up" the biological debris that are present because the body is too weak to eliminate the poisons. Fever is one way the body burns up toxic substances. Providing it does not get out of hand, the infectious process can serve a useful purpose. Cutting short the process with antibiotics aborts the cleansing function of a fever and impairs long-term health.
Horse manure, you might say. No it is not. I know this because on tissue mineral tests, there are clear indicators of increased susceptibility to infections. The indicators are: 1) a low energy level, 2) a low sodium/potassium ratio, 3) toxic levels of mercury, copper, or cadmium, and 4) low zinc. In hundreds of cases, when these imbalances are corrected, the tendency for infections decreases drastically. In other words, healthy people do not get as many infections. Infections do not strike randomly. There is a logic to infections, and the underlying causes can be addressed.
This line of reasoning traces back to the famous debate between Pasteur and Beauchamp. Dr. Pasteur insisted that germs are the cause of disease. His colleague, Beauchamp, insisted that the health of the host was more important than the germs. On his death bed, Pasteur was said to have declared that Beauchamp was correct - "the host is everything, the germs are nothing". Orthodox medicine, however, embraced Pasteur's view, and ignored Beauchamp. It is time to focus more on the person, and less on the germs.

9. High cost. Millions of doctor visits and prescriptions for antibiotics add up to a major expense. While penicillin is not expensive, other newer antibiotics are quite costly. These newer antibiotics are used more frequently today due to the presence of penicillin-resistant strains of bacteria. We must also include in the cost of antibiotics the cost of allergic reactions, candida albicans infections, repeat infections, development of resistant organisms and immune suppression.
The cost is justified if life is at stake. However, if less toxic and less costly alternatives can be used, shouldn't these be tried first? Bringing health care costs under control is not just a matter of eliminating waste and inefficiency. We need methods of healing that build up the health of the people, not tear it down.


REDUCING THE NEED FOR ANTIBIOTICS

Steps to avoid the need for antibiotics can be divided into two areas: prevention of infection, and alternative treatment of infections.

Preventing Infections:
Preventing infections is a part of taking back control over your life and health. You can do a lot to prevent infections. Much of it involves common sense. Cleanliness matters. Wash your hands several times daily, wash wounds, dress properly in cold weather, and obtain adequate rest and sleep. Proper hygiene and sanitation are measures we often take for granted.
Reduce your exposure to toxic chemicals, both in food and in the environment. Drink pure water, and as much as possible breathe clean air. Definitely don't drink swamp water. Throw away your toxic cleaning agents and solvents, and look for less toxic alternatives. Avoid silver Amalgam dental fillings, and consider having your dental Amalgams changed to other materials. Mercury used in Amalgams is known to inhibit the immune system.
A healthful diet is critical. Adequate intake of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and zinc are important for the immune system. Fresh, natural, unsprayed foods contain much higher amounts of nutrients than the processed and artificial 'junk' foods so commonly eaten today. Do your best to find meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free. Healthful eating habits are as important as what you eat. Eat slowly in a relaxed manner, and chew thoroughly.
Adequate thyroid activity is important for the immune system. The Barnes temperature test is a much better indicator of thyroid activity than the standard blood tests for thyroid hormones. Upon awakening, if your body temperature reads low several mornings in a row, it is likely that your thyroid is underactive. This can be corrected through supplementation. If a trace mineral analysis reveals toxic metals, low zinc, a low sodium/potassium ratio or low energy, this indicates increased susceptibility to infection and can be corrected. Daily supplementation of your diet with vitamins A and C, zinc and selenium can be helpful.
Your thoughts and attitudes affect your immune system. Fears and worries tend to weaken the immune system, while positive, inspiring thoughts have a beneficial effect. Deep breathing, which helps oxygenate the blood, has a very beneficial effect upon the immune system. Saunas, steam baths, yoga, and other natural health practices also help prevent infections.

Alternatives for Treating Infections:
In case of an infection, don't ignore it! Even a simple cold, ear ache, or infected cut can turn into a serious problem. There is no reason to wait even a day to apply natural methods. Simple measures can be surprisingly effective.
If you are ill, reduce your food intake. When fever is present, fasting on water or liquids only is very helpful. To reduce fever, sponge the person with water or a mixture of water and alcohol. Don't use aspirin or Tylenol to reduce a fever. Sponging allows the fever reaction to proceed in a healthful manner. Tylenol or aspirin slows the fever reaction and can prolong the illness. It also introduces another toxic drug. Bed rest is very important! Children who are sick should not be sent to school. These simple measures are often forgotten in the belief that the 'wonder drugs' will take care of everything, and that rest is not important. This is a common cause of complications or slow recovery.
Many excellent natural remedies are available. For adults, Vitamin C in dosages of 3 to 6 grams per day is very safe. Vitamin A is often even better. 150,000 iu per day or more can be taken safely for a week. Beta carotene may be less effective than vitamin A. Bee propolis is another excellent remedy for infections of all kinds.
For children, dosages should be reduced according to their weight. Herbs such as garlic, echinacea, golden seal, lomatium, and astralagus are helpful. Citrus seed extract has antimicrobial properties and can be helpful. Essential plant oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, and thyme have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Herbs and vitamins should be started at the first sign of infection. Good-quality Colloidal Silver , an old remedy, is also excellent for many infections. I believe it is slightly toxic, however, so I recommend it only when other natural remedies do not work. Adequate dosages are important.
Saunas are fabulous for infections of all types. Heat or fever therapy is a natural mechanism to fight infections. For best results, use a sauna for15 minutes at a time, about 8 times a day during an infection.
Other natural therapies such as therapeutic massage, jin shin jyutsu, acupressure, foot reflexology, enemas, and colonic irrigation may also be very helpful. Deep breathing is excellent. Clay packs, mustard poultices and other simple remedies have also been used successfully for infections. These are described in natural healing books such as Back to Eden by Jethro Kloss. Drugless methods often work excellently. Many have been known for years, but were suppressed in America beginning around 1920. One caution regarding the techniques in the older natural healing books is that today some individuals are much sicker than patients at the turn of the century. As a result, certain methods may not be as effective. If one method is not working, try another.
Natural methods often work quickly, but may take longer to work than antibiotics. Patience and persistence is essential. Each person and each situation is different. Sinus infections, for example, I have found respond more slowly to natural methods than infections elsewhere. It is essential to aggressively use the natural remedies. I meet many people who do not want to take antibiotics, but who fail to apply the natural remedies or do so haphazardly. Then they wonder why their infections linger on and on. Many of us have weakened immune systems due to environmental stresses and toxins, even if we do our best to take care of ourselves. Therefore the use of appropriate remedies is very important. Consult a knowledgeable person if you are not sure what to do.


CONCLUSION

Antibiotics are an important class of medications that save many lives. However, antibiotics are often overprescribed and recommended when simple natural remedies would do. Antibiotics also have many side effects. A more balanced approach is to begin living so as to enhance and keep your immune system strong. If an infection occurs, apply harmless and simple natural measures immediately. Ask for help if you are not sure how to do this. Most often, the natural methods work very well. Reserve the antibiotics for when they are appropriate, which is usually only as a last resort.



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