By: Dr. Weed
A Better Way Newsletter
In the July 12, 1997 issue of the BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL (BMJ
315(7100):98-102), a group of eight researchers from Britain, the
Netherlands and the United States reported the results of their
review of the scientific literature on the use of antimicrobial
drugs (antibiotics) for the treatment of otitis media (middle ear
infections.) The study was funded by the Agency for Health Care
Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
This important paper compared the limited use of antibiotics for
acute ear infections as practiced in the Netherlands and Iceland,
with the abundant use of antibiotics as routinely prescribed in
the U.S. and Britain. Otitis media is the most common reason for
outpatient antibiotic use in the U.S. with approximately 30
percent of children under age three receiving such treatment for
earache each year. The Netherlands, on the other hand, does not
include antibiotic use in their initial routine treatment of
otitis media.
The authors note that the policy of the Netherlands and Iceland
is associated with a "decreased emergence of resistance among
organisms commonly found in otitis media" among their children.
In other words, there are fewer antibiotic-resistant
microorganisms, or "super germs" as they are commonly called, in
these countries as compared to the U.S. and Britain. This
conclusion will not come as a surprise to scientists, but as the
paper continues, some findings are revealed that are even more
astonishing. The authors continue by addressing some very
important questions about antibiotic use for otitis media:
Does Antibiotic Treatment Improve Outcome for Otitis Media?
"[W]e conclude that the benefit of routine antimicrobial use for
otitis media, judged by either short or long-term outcomes, is
unproved."
Does Antibiotic Treatment Prevent Complications?
"Although preventing mastoiditis and meningitis is a rationale
for antimicrobial treatment, little evidence exists that routine
treatment is effective for this purpose."
Do Children at High Risk Benefit from Antibiotics?
"No study has addressed whether antimicrobial treatment decreases
the frequency of these in all or some of those known risk
factors."
What is the Optimal Type and Duration of Administration of the
drugs?
"In the nine country study, antimicrobials did not improve
outcome at two months, and no differences in rates of recovery
were found for either antimicrobial type or duration."
In conclusion, the authors state, "we conclude that existing
research offers no compelling evidence that children with acute
otitis media routinely given antimicrobials have a shorter
duration of symptoms, fewer recurrences, or better long-term
outcomes than those who do not receive them."
Wow! It's hard to believe that for decades these drugs have been
poured down our children without research to support their use!
But what harm, other than the obvious financial one, has this
indiscriminate use of antibiotics caused?
In the initial paragraph of the same paper, the authors quote an
article that appeared in SCIENCE (1992:257;1036-8) entitled, "The
crises of antibiotic resistance":
"Increasing worldwide resistance of bacteria to antimicrobial
drugs is causing a crises manifested by higher morbidity,
mortality and costs."
Considering the BMJ article reported above, and with the cold and
flu season just around the corner, I thought it appropriate to
devote the remainder of this newsletter to the Immune System.
After its discovery in the early part of the 20th century,
penicillin was hailed as a "miracle drug." Today, as a
consequence of its overuse and the resulting emergence of
antibiotic-resistant germs, penicillin is practically powerless
against germs. Medical scientists have therefore felt it
necessary to develop stronger and stronger antibiotics, which has
led to a "crisis" situation, as many concerned scientists are
calling it.
In our awe of "miracle drugs," many of us have forgotten about
the real miracles that take place in our bodies every day. These
include our "natural antibiotics," the white blood cells that
forge on each day--silently and tirelessly killing and consuming
viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells that have invaded our bodies.
Consistent with the new health care paradigm, which is emerging
today at the grass roots level, many people are taking another
look at traditional and natural ways of combating disease. Herbal
nutrition for the immune system is certainly gaining popularity
as a valid alternative.
Many nutritional and dietary factors, including antioxidants,
have been shown to improve the performance of the immune system--
naturally and without undesirable side-effects. Perhaps the next
time we "catch" a cold or flu, instead of running to our doctor
demanding antibiotics, (which are useless against viruses
anyway), or to our pharmacies for symptom-relieving drugs, (which
do nothing to decrease the duration of the illness); we should
consider nutritionally supporting our immune system. Our body's
natural defense will be better equipped to fight off the illness
like it is supposed to. Not only will we have fewer undesirable
side-effects from drugs, but our bodies will become stronger in
the long run, making it less likely that we will have a relapse.
A good diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is vital for the
optimal functioning the immune system. These supply important
vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which the immune system needs
to perform its job. In addition to these, many herbs have been
scientifically shown to help strengthen the immune system. Here
are just a few:
Garlic
The dietary virtues of garlic are well-known the world over.
Garlic has served man from the earliest times. The only problem
with getting garlic into the diet has always been the distinct
odor it leaves on the breath. Recent technological breakthroughs
have made it possible to manufacture "odorless garlic." The
question is, does it retain the potency of fresh garlic? Studies
have shown that odorless garlic does not have the same health
benefits as real garlic.
Nature's Sunshine Products (NSP) offers the most potent garlic on
the market today with a special coating that controls the
garlic's odor. When broken open, these tablets have a strong
garlic odor--unlike the odorless garlic products. Careful
preparation of each tablet gives NSP's high-potency garlic a
chlorophyll coating, which controls odor while assuring a long
shelf-life. Because the tablet's coating does not break down
until it reaches the small intestine where absorption takes
place, you receive the full nutritional value of garlic without
the undesirable taste. Moreover, comparing total allicin
potential (TAP), Nature's Sunshine's garlic is far more potent
than any of the top-selling brands.
Echinacea
For years echinacea has been one of the most scientifically
studied herbs, especially in Europe. A study that appeared in the
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CHEMISTRY showed that an echinacea extract
inhibited tumor growth in rats. Echinacea has also been used to
help restore normal immune function in patients receiving
chemotherapy. It has been shown to increase white blood cell
activity--important for immune response. Herbalists have used
echinacea for years to support the immune system, especially
during the cold and flu season. There are several species of
echinacea, all of which have benefit for the immune system. Many
herbalists believe that the best supplements contain a
combination of two or more species.
Golden Seal Root
Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a native North American
herb that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding
areas. The Cherokee Indians valued the root for health purposes
and also for the yellow dye it produced. Once widely available in
the wild, the plant has been over-harvested for years and is now
mostly available through commercial cultivation. Its properties
are mostly due to its alkaloids, which include berberine,
hydrastine and canadine. Because demand for the herb is high and
supplies are low, golden seal is one of the most expensive herbs
on the market, and also one of the most counterfeited. Many herb
suppliers are tempted to adulterate supplies of golden seal with
other herbs of similar chemical composition, such as Oregon
grape. However, only golden seal contains the important alkaloid
hydrastine. It is important to buy golden seal root from a
reputable company that has the technology and expertise needed to
test it for hydrastine content--thus ensuring a pure,
unadulterated herb.
For Children
The above three herbs are usually sold in encapsulated or
tableted form. For children who can not yet swallow capsules or
tablets, a liquid herbal extract in a glycerin, as opposed to
alcohol, base is often the most beneficial way to supplement.
Echinacea/Golden Seal Liquid Herb by NSP is a product that
includes two species of echinacea--Echinacea purpurea and
Echinacea angustifolia. In addition, NSP uses only the roots of
these botanicals. The roots contain greater amounts of the
beneficial components. Each 5 ml serving provides 125 mg of the
echinacea combination and 125 mg of golden seal root--a powerful
combination to support the immune system and to help the body
maintain health. This comes in a glycerin base and is appropriate
for use by both adults and children.
Conclusion
Antibiotics certainly have a place in today's medical
armamentarium. When an infection has overcome the body's ability
to fight back, they can even save a life. But by using them only
when necessary, we can help insure that they will work for us
when we really need them. When we have a cold, flu or some other
self-limiting illness, it makes much more sense to support our
immune system letting the body's natural defenses take care of
the illness like nature intended.
Please send E-mail to: drweed@a-better-way.com if you have any questions to check out Dr. Weed's website at http://a-better-way.com. For other questions, send e-mail to Joyful Living Services at joyful@best.com
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