The use of antibiotics has saved thousands of lives, but the usage of them has become so prevalent making them overused and misused by countless individuals. Your immune system produces natural antibodies which recognize and destroy foreign bacteria. However, with the over-use of antibiotics, the immune system can become weak and resistant to antibiotics producing the “super strains” of germs now showing up around the place.

Antibiotics

The most common abuse of antibiotics is when they’re prescribed for the common cold or influenza, but they’re only effective against bacteria. The cold and flu bugs are viral diseases and there’s absolutely not any way antibiotics will accelerate the healing process or block the infection. Whenever your immune system overcomes a disease, you become more powerful by creating natural antibodies which makes you better equipped to deal with future assaults on your wellbeing. If you’re given antibiotics at the first sign of infection, your immune system becomes suppressed and fewer natural antibodies are made.

This is the reason minor infections happen over and over again, requiring a number of remedies. When bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, they start to mutate and become resistant to the medication’s impact. Thousands and thousands of hospital patients die each year from illnesses due to these drug-resistant bacteria.

Keep in mind

Antibiotics destroy the good bacteria that live in your intestinal tract that help form vitamins, enzymes, deactivate cancer-causing chemicals, regulate hormone and cholesterol levels and protect against the overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungi. This is why it’s essential to replenish that good bacteria by eating cultured foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut or by taking a probiotic supplement if you’re taking an antibiotic.

Take note

There are natural alternatives that may help your immune system stay strong and fight infections.

• Vitamin C – it’s important to get enough Vitamin C daily – particularly at the first indication of an illness, it may be taken every 2 hours and is effective in combating both viral and bacterial infections.
• Zinc – gluconate lozenges can decrease the duration of a cold and nasal congestion.
• Aloe Vera Juice – look for a whole leaf aloe vera juice product for ultimate recovery.
• Echinacea Tincture – is great to take at the first sign of a cold or influenza disease. The tinctures are much more potent than the capsule form and a dropperful may be added to a small juice and taken every four hours. Do not take it more than 5 days.

Conclusion

Other organic remedies include gargling with salt, saunas, chicken soup and naturally, rest with tons of fluids such as water or hot tea. There’s absolutely not any question that antibiotics can be lifesavers and are needed when your immune system can’t handle the issue or it becomes life threatening. If there’s a question, of course, visit your physician.