{"id":3536,"date":"2019-02-04T07:33:58","date_gmt":"2019-02-04T07:33:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=3536"},"modified":"2021-05-25T15:47:23","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T15:47:23","slug":"10-natural-antibiotics-foods-that-fight-infections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-natural-antibiotics-foods-that-fight-infections\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Natural Antibiotics Foods That Fight Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Antibiotics, like the ones you could be prescribed by your doctor, are used to treat specific bacterial infections. But, if your condition doesn\u2019t seem serious, and you\u2019re thinking you\u2019d like to try to kick whatever\u2019s bothering you on your own before heading into the pro\u2019s, you might want to check out this food list that may help with that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another reason you might want to consider these food options as opposed to the prescription strength is if you are pregnant, nursing, infant, elderly, or experience liver or kidney malfunction, as these populations are particularly sensitive to this class of medications. Finally, if you\u2019re already taking medications, adding an antibiotic can commonly cause negative drug interactions, depending on the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are some common bacterial infections? Bladder and urinary tract infections, strep throat, ear infections, and itchy skin infections. There are many kinds, but, again, if it doesn\u2019t seem serious, check out this list of foods for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Garlic <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Garlic <\/a>is one of the hands-down, world-wide favorites for preventative and curative care in food form. For centuries, historians and medicine men have noted its curative properties, just as is done today. Maybe that\u2019s where that vampire urban legend comes from! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because if it can keep vampires away\u2026 it can surely do anything. It is noted by medical professionals today to be especially good at warding off and treating Salmonella and E. coli. It\u2019s even considered for the treatment of tuberculosis, in the multi-drug resistant kind. It\u2019s noted for fighting yeast infections, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A compound contained within garlic, called allicin, is released upon chewing it. This compound is garlic\u2019s protective mechanism against outdoor pests while it grows\u2026 but it also works on pests in your body. If eating garlic straight solo is too much to bear, simply eat a lot in food (raw or cooked) or potentially try it in pill form.
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2. Honey <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been called \u201cnectar of the gods\u201d\u2026 and we can see why! Honey <\/a>is highly noted for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It can be placed on wounds to reduce or draw out infection, put in tea for an internal application (quite tasty, too), and even used as a face wash (to treat bacterial topical facial infections – also known as acne). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Burns, bedsores, topical ulcers, and chronic wounds have been shown to be well supported in their healing process by the medicinal, magical – honey. Live enzymes releasing hydrogen peroxide are contained naturally in honey, which helps explain its many healing abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies have noted 60 different kinds of bacteria to be inhibited by honey; even when it comes to methicillin-resistant Staph (MRSA)! As a side note, it\u2019s said to help provide relief for individuals with allergies, when local honey is consumed in small amounts daily.
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3. Goldenseal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Goldenseal is the least common name on this list, at least to my eyes. I did come across it, however, in the prior year or so, in a paring with Echinacea<\/a>. Apparently they work well together, kind of synergistically. Goldenseal\u2019s roots are attributed to the Native American population\u2026 centuries ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sore eyes, digestive disorders, and skin ailments are just a few of the long list of maladies said to be cured by this gem of a plant. It was even used as an insect repellant long ago. Today, it is still used by many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation fighting is another plus of this antibacterial aid. Most of the glory and success of this plant are attributed to the berberine contained within. In the lab, this element has been witnessed killing off a wide variety of pathogens, namely E. coli (a major digestive disruptor, including UTI\u2019s) and candida, or yeast, infections, Giardia, and more.
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4. Echinacea <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While people have used this plant to cure ailments near forever, researchers today are able to explain why. Extracts have been shown to kill Strep (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria. This particular bacteria can cause toxic shock syndrome, flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis<\/a>, and strep throat. Wow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also is thought to work by fighting inflammation related to infections to aid in its healing. This is surely one of the reasons we have bottled and packaged and kept this on our shelves at the stores for so long. Doses of this could be named a cure-all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can prevent the common cold when taken long-term (a month plus), and it can be taken for extended periods of time to ward off the huge variety of bacterias (and more maladies) we come across, daily. It\u2019s of the daisy flower family, also sometimes called coneflowers. It\u2019s a beautiful plant, with many beautiful benefits.
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5. Ginger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whenever I come down with an upper-respiratory (ear, nose, and throat) infection, ginger is my go-to. Apparently, the scientific community agrees. Many studies, even in the past year, show ginger\u2019s strong bacterial resistant properties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the other wonderful medicinal effects of ginger<\/a>, bacterial infection-fighting is at the top of the list. Ginger goes well in Asian dishes, although I recommend drinking it in a concentrated tea form if you\u2019re feeling especially under the weather. You can also simply cut it up and suck on pieces throughout the day. It also works when applied topically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ginger, the agricultural root of Asian origin, contains sesquiterpene (a chemical compound) that is known for killing rhinoviruses, the viruses that cause the common cold. It can be found at almost any grocery store, conveniently enough. Really, there can\u2019t be enough support for this natural remedy that has been used for centuries as reliably as it is used today.
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6. Clove<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Apparently, clove <\/a>historically has been used in the dental office quite a bit. If a person was needing work done in their oral capacities or naturally had some bacteria build-up in there, clove water extract, or any form of it, could be swished for relief. E. coli is also noted as a specific ailment well-treated with the wonderfully automatic clove Mediterranean spice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although, truly any bacterial infection will have a hard time surviving with this around in much strength. Luckily, clove is another one of these items that are found at practically any grocery store. Apparently people have picked up on its usefulness over time and are stocking the shelves with it, nearly no matter where you go. You might enjoy the process of finding your favorite version of it, be it edible oil, water extract, pill form, natural, or dry spice.
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7. Oregano <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Particularly in its oil form (Origanum heracleoticum L.), this spicy variety has been shown by many studies to be among the \u201cmore effective\u201d category of natural antibiotic foods. This plant gives a kick to the face of E. coli<\/a> and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also said to be anti-viral and anti-fungal. Anti-inflammatory properties are documented, as well as immune system support and antioxidant elements! I literally don\u2019t think there are any more categories to cover with this one. This spice has been studied in the labs, due to its wide array of beneficial elements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a feisty Italian flare and tons to do with it (culinarily speaking), these traits make this spice one for the top of the charts! If you\u2019re looking to kick those bacterial blues\u2026 try adding an extra helping to your pasta, pizza, or eggplant for support. Pepper and other spices, no holds barred!
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8. Turmeric <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric <\/a>is a yellow spice, typically seen in curry dishes. It is a root\u2026 and chocked full of antimicrobial and antibacterial elements. Curcumin is one of the elements in this root that make it so healing. Scientists have even isolated this element and put it in pill form and it\u2019s marketed for all kinds of things, from depression to anti-inflammation, diabetes, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you take enough of it, though, if you\u2019re wanting to get results of the medicinal kind. You\u2019ll have to take this in pill form (like most of the ones on this list) because using it as a platter garnish won\u2019t be enough. The listing on the bottle (if you purchase it from a grocery store or online) should give a somewhat accurate suggested dosage. It\u2019s a good idea to do a little extra research, though, if you have the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Vitamin C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin C<\/a> is not strictly an antibiotic in that it won\u2019t kill bacteria directly. However, we feel it deserves a place on this list seeing as it is one of the most effective ways to combat germs of all kinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is that vitamin C actually helps to boost the immune system, thereby letting your own body <\/em>do its job that much better in fending off the invaders. This, of course, makes it one of the most effective ways to be antibiotic and thus it\u2019s something that you should aim to get more of any time that you feel sick or unwell. It\u2019s become rather famous in this way in fact, with many people recommending that an apple a day will keep the doctor away, primarily due to the high vitamin C count!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you get too carried away though, do just keep in mind that vitamin C is actually second <\/em>when it comes to the most potent immunity boosters. Recent research tells us that vitamin D is actually significantly more effective!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Salt Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Saltwater <\/a>\u2013 sometimes referred to as a \u2018saline solution\u2019 \u2013 is another tool that you should keep to hand when it comes to combating infections. In fact, saltwater is so good that it is only really just behind drinking bleach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Except \u2013 much like bleach \u2013 you can\u2019t drink saltwater. Doing so will cause you to vomit almost immediately, thereby rendering the whole exercise rather pointless. Instead, you will use this combination either externally, or just on the inside of your mouth. \u2018Swilling\u2019 with salt water is a great way to eradicate germs and to thereby prevent everything from gum infections, to infected cuts and wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Activated Charcoal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Activated charcoal<\/a> is a rather interesting entry on this list too, seeing as it once again doesn\u2019t work by directly killing the bacteria. This time, activated charcoal instead works by trapping bacteria so that it can\u2019t do any harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This works thanks to the fact that activated charcoal is extremely porous. That is to say that it is full of lots of tiny little holes that are microscopic and that weave all around the inside. This means that it\u2019s actually possible to create miles and miles of surface area on a tiny piece of charcoal! That\u2019s math kids\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What that also means is that if bacteria should enter the activated charcoal \u2013 as often it does \u2013 then it will be lost in a huge labyrinth where it can no longer do you any harm. In fact, activated charcoal is so effective that it is often advised that we eat it straight after consuming anything that we suspect might be carrying bacteria!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Yogurt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yogurt <\/a>is interesting too because it contains live cultures of healthy bacteria. That means that when you swallow it, the bacteria will travel down to your stomach to live where it will contribute to a healthy \u2018gut biome\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mistake we often make is to assume that all bacteria are immediately bad for us. In truth, you have both good and bad bacteria \u2013 and the good kind is actually extremely beneficial. Among other things, healthy bacteria is responsible for breaking down food to aid with digestion and absorption, increasing the production of key neurotransmitters, and yes: helping to combat bad <\/em>bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think of it a little bit like a war: you have good guys and bad guys, and when you consume yogurt you effectively send in reinforcements for the good guys!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip is that if you have completed a course of antibiotics, then using yogurt is highly advisable as a smart way to restore and replenish the good bacteria that will also have taken a beating. Antibiotics like penicillin have something of a \u2018scorched earth\u2019 policy \u2013 to labor the metaphor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Onions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people focus on garlic when it comes to natural antibiotics, which leads people to do all kinds of things like crunch and swallow raw garlic. That burns and it ain\u2019t pretty!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that onion <\/a>is also does the job extremely well and is far easier to stomach. Onion bulbs contain substances like quercetin which play an important role in helping to keep bacteria at bay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, onion is so effective at combating bacteria that it is being considered as a way to help combat antibiotics resistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onion also has a host of other benefits for the body, including being an effective vasodilator (meaning it will widen blood vessels to encourage blood flow) and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Horseradish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, horseradish <\/a>is another potent antibiotic that you can almost feel <\/em>working as it burns your nostrils! Horseradish was used as a popular Medieval medicine, and it seems like they might have been on to something! It has been shown to be effective in combating colds, UTIs, and a number of other unpleasant ailments stemming from bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partly, this is possible because horseradish contains substances called isothiocyanates, including the likes of glucosinolates. These are broken down from a volatile oil called sinigrin, which has also been shown to be useful in combating some forms of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can enjoy horseradish as a sauce on top of beef, or even mixed in with a little mayonnaise on tuna fish. Either way, it will help to add some tangy flavor, while simultaneously providing a whole host of additional health benefits.
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