Antibiotic resistance

Bacterial infections are caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms that damage our body.  Bacteria are generally spread from an already infected person to another one. The most common are inhalation of airborne bacteria, ingestion from dirty hands / objects, contaminated food or water, direct contact with an infected area, contaminated blood, even by insect bite. We have three primary lines of defence: in our tears, our stomach and our skin. The fourth, our immune system, is involved only if the infective organism manages to invade the body. And in the end, if our immune system fails to work, antibiotics can be used.

Since their date of discovery in the 1940s, due to a constant abuse of antibiotics, they’ve lost their effectiveness against some bacteria. Mostly through the development of resistance genes. Another way they became antibiotic-resistant is through efflux pumps (when the bacteria recognizes invasion by an antibiotic, the efflux pumps it out of its cells). Another way is through the manufacture of enzymes that degrade or chemically alter the antibiotic.

How is this possible? Bacteria got those defence mechanisms from other bacteria, picking up genes in various ways, even from already dead bacteria. And time after time they learn from them how to select the right genes to defend themselves from future attacks. THIS is the reason why we shouldn’t abuse antibiotics. The more we use them, the less they become effective. Apparently this is a very “difficult” concept to understand by many doctors, as a consequence the problem of antibiotic resistance is becoming more and more global and difficult to counteract.

To combat the problem, pharmaceutical companies continue to develop new and stronger antibiotics as the last line of defence. And this is up to them, there’s nothing we can do about it. What’s left up to us? All natural alternatives.

Such as lactoferrin : a sub fraction of whey protein (another good reason to supplement with this kind of proteins) with antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial effects.

Oregano oil: its two active ingredients (carvacrol and thymol) kill microscopic bacteria.

Grapefruit Seed extract: is derived from the bioflavonoids found in the seed and pulp and has a growth-inhibiting effect on bacteria.

Sarsaparilla root: neutralizes microbial substances in the bloodstream.

Shark liver oil: contains alkylglycerols (AKGs) that stimulate the production of white blood cells. Do NOT take it for more than 30 days!

Enzymes: bromelain. It potentiates the effects of other antibiotics.

Amino acids: arginine. It stimulates our own antibacterial immune system.

Bee propolis: has a potent antibacterial effect by preventing cell division.

Raw garlic: has also potent antibacterial effect and boosts our own immune functions.

I have a final hint: colloidal silver, which is much more powerful than the above natural remedies and I have intention of dedicating to it an entire post apart in future.

Be very careful in taking antibiotics. Anyway do NOT consider natural alternatives as substitutes for them (when they are really needed, you must take antibiotics without abusing).

….Always humble,

Angiolino

Detoxification

First of all: what is detoxification? New growth, transformation and rejuvenation. The effort of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through all our organs, skin included, in order to obtain greater health, vitality and well being.

The first mistake is thinking that detoxification can begin in spring time, as the weather warms up, when the energy also rises. The second mistake, almost unavoidable, is to get intoxicated in first place. The third mistake is pondering how long the cleanse should last, if a few days, several weeks or even longer. My answer is: it should last 365 days a year!

Practically speaking, how can we detoxify? The good news is that our body is already doing it, every single day. But we must allow it to. By eating the right foods, which ideally should be only alkalizing foods. Bad news: a goal impossible to achieve if you eat meat. Sorry, the truth hurts.

Winter is the worst season because cold weather puts stress on our adrenal and thyroid glands which tends to make the blood more acidic, which can lead to joint pain and arthritis. That’s why usually spring is considered the season to start detoxification. Basic concept: avoid acidity, like hell! Remember it when you buy foods. Other main culprits of an acidic body are: poor digestion, lack of exercise, lower winter metabolic process and of course, as said, environmental pollution.

An increased process of detoxification allow us to achieve these goals: supporting the liver processes, eliminating  stored toxins, shedding excess weight, getting your circulation and energy moving better. So, we must eat organic first, no short cuts, because all the rest is heavily filled with pesticides. Plant-based proteins, no meat (eggs are allowed), plenty of fresh foods, plenty of fresh vegetables, plenty of pure water, herbal teas, green tea, possibly no animal fats. Needless to say no sugar, no alcohol, no processed foods, no cooked oils. It’s very difficult, I know. That’s the reason why we usually don’t follow these rules 365 days a year.

But we can simplify it. Laser-focus on “highly” alkaline foods: cucumber, kale, kelp, spinach, parsley, broccoli, sprouts, soy, sea veggies, all green drinks (my tip: try barley powder in a glass of water! Fantastic!). Do not forget “moderately” alkaline foods, anyway: avocado, peppers, collard greens, cabbage, celery, onion, radish, ginger, endive, garlic, arugula, tomato, butter beans, soybeans, green beans, beets, lettuce, lemon (YES, lemon), lime. More or less, all other vegetables have a “lower” alkalinity than previous ones, but all of them are alkaline anyway.

The more you eat highly alkaline, the more you can break (just a little bit) above rules.

How can you verify if the detoxification process has been successful? Nothing could be easier: improved mental clarity, emotional stability, balanced blood sugar, increased vital energy (do you have a partner?), greater strength, new warmth, flexibility, stamina. EVERYTHING: better!

Ideal timing: what are you waiting for, next spring?!   

….Always humble,

Angiolino