James W. Forsythe, M.D., H.M.D.
Natural Alternatives to Antibiotics
The overuse of antibiotics is rampant, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Current estimates show that two million people acquire bacterial infections in US hospitals each year and 90,000 die as a result. With 110 million courses of antibiotics being prescribed each year, antibiotic-resistance has spread globally at an alarming rate and continues to increase. Some studies show that more than 70 percent of ailments for which antibiotics are prescribed are viral in nature; meaning an antibiotic treatment does little good.
The WHO has long warned that overuse of antibiotics is likely to breed superbugs that will then prove resistant to available medicines. Such overuse can also cause recurrent infections, and recent studies show that it’s detrimental to one’s overall health, given that the antibiotics destroy so-called good bacteria along with the bad. Recently, in the case of one new class of antibacterial, resistance was identified even before the drug received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.
Officials from the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control have reported that the overuse of antibiotics in medicine has created an epidemic of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Doctors fear that if antibiotic use is not curtailed, we may soon approach the day when untreatable infections are rampant.
While Dr. Forsythe concedes that antibiotics can save lives, he warns that both physicians and patients must be judicious in their use of antibiotics. If they are overused, they are more likely to become ineffective in treating bacteria. “At times, the taking of antibiotics can be necessary, even life saving. When we take them to kill off the infectious bacteria, we also destroy large amounts of the beneficial flora in our digestive tracts. When the level becomes disturbed, or when the bowel ecology becomes out of balance, health problems can, and usually always do develop over the longer term.”
Dr. Forsythe explains the significance of friendly bacteria, “It is important to replenish the friendly bacteria as soon as possible in order to maintain good health. Bad breath is usually a good indication that normal bacteria levels are low. When lactobacillus levels are low in the colon, partially digested food decays, produce foul gas and toxemia. The prevalence of cold sores (herpes simplex), constipation, diarrhea, acne, vaginitis, headache, symptoms of hypoglycemia, yeast infections and others are often signs of low flora levels.”
In December’s newsletter, Dr. Forsythe gives guidelines on how to build immunity, improve resistance to infections, and avoid antibiotics when possible. “Diet and lifestyle are key in preventing illness and improving your health.”
Without your consistent support, your immune system is unlikely to do its best work. To fortify immune function and resist disease, adopt a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, positive attitude, and consider taking high quality dietary supplements and herbal extracts. By taking these steps, you’re strengthening your immune function. The stronger it is, the healthier you will be.
The biggest factors influencing your immune defenses are the choices you make every day. The following steps can give your immune function a boost. When you take steps to bolster immune function, you dramatically increase your ability to fend off disease.
- Don’t smoke.
- Increase your intake of colorful, organic fruits and vegetables.
- Eat regular meals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Get enough sleep and relaxation time (individual needs vary).
- Exercise consistently.
- Adopt a diet that is high in fiber and low in saturated fat.
- Use nutritional supplements that support immune function.
VITAMIN A is a powerful immune booster. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended daily allowance for vitamin A is 900 mcg (2997 IU) for men, and 700 mcg (2640 IU) for nonpregnant women.**
(**Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid high doses of vitamin A. Some respiratory conditions require treatment with direct vitamin A, so you should consult your health care provider to determine the best source and dosage of vitamin A for you.)
CAROTENOIDS are the biologically active natural pigments found in red and yellow vegetables. The most well known is betacarotene. Carotenoids are associated with vitamin A because the body converts some betacarotene and other carotenoids into vitamin A. Other highly researched carotenoids include lycopene and lutein. The recommended supplemental dose is up to 25,000 IU of a mixed carotenoid complex per day.
ZINC is required for the development and activation of Tlymphocytes, a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection. Zinc supplementation can help enhance immunity. However, taking too much zinc can have adverse health effects. Zinc deficiency and impaired immunity are both common among the elderly. The recommended dietary allowance for zinc is 11 mg daily for men and 8 mg daily for women.
VITAMINS C and E promote resistance to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress releases a flood of free radicals—rogue molecules that destroy healthy cells. Free radicals are implicated in cancer, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, cataracts, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The recommended daily dose ranges from 500 mg to 1,000 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU to 800 IU of vitamin E.
COENZYME Q10 is used by cells to produce the energy required for the growth and maintenance of cells, and is used by the body as an antioxidant. CoQ10 occurs naturally in a variety of foods, most notably in oily seafood (sardines and mackerel). Although CoQ10 occurs naturally in our bodies, tissue levels begin to decline with age, making supplementation increasingly important.
FOLIC ACID, a B-complex vitamin, fuels immune function and may reduce the risk of some cancers. Folic acid, along with zinc, selenium, iron, copper, betacarotene, and vitamins A, C, and D, defend against infectious agents. Also, folic acid and other B vitamins help break down homocysteine in the body. Other evidence shows that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with a higher risk of fatal coronary heart disease and stroke. The recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 200 mcg for men and 180 mcg for women. For women of childbearing age, 400 mcg daily is recommended.
SELENIUM is an essential trace mineral in the body. An important part of antioxidant enzymes, this nutrient is essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland. Selenium stimulates antibody production and lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells. The recommended daily allowance for selenium in adults is 55 mcg.
Plant medicines can also help bolster resistance to illness. Just as certain nutrients can give your immune system a boost, so can herbal extracts. Appropriate doses are listed on bottle labels. If you want to strengthen your immune system, consider the following herbs.
ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea) strengthens the immune system by stimulating phagocytic activity. This enables the immune system to engulf bacterial or viral matter and kill it more efficiently.
ELDERBERRY (Sambucus nigra) contains two compounds that are especially active against the flu virus.
GOLDENSEAL (Hydrastis Canadensis) has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Used in tinctures and teas, goldenseal is commonly used to combat colds, flu, and bacterial infections, especially when there is mucus production.
GARLIC (Allium sativum) bolsters the immune system by increasing natural killer cells and the phagocytic activity of white blood cells.
ASTRAGALUS (Astragali radix) has shown to stimulate immune function by activating the human macrophage /monocyte cell line.
CAT’S CLAW (Uncaria tomentosa) disarms destructive free radicals and increases lymphocyte counts.
GREEN TEA (Camellia sinensis) is full of compounds called polyphenols, which are known have significant antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties
MUSHROOMS are herbal adaptogens that promote immune function and vitality. The polysaccharides and polysaccharopeptides found in Coriolus mushrooms, for example, are used to supplement treatment of cancer and various infectious diseases.
When it comes to dosage, each individual has different needs. Please call the Century Wellness Clinic during regular business hours 775-827-0707 or e-mail us questions at info@drforsythe.com regarding your specific needs.
The best forms of vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements are found in these brands: Nature’s Sunshine; Metagenics; and Phytopharma Company.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has issued easy-to-follow guidelines.
- When you call your doctor, let him or her off the hook. Don't demand a prescription and don't ask for a specific antibiotic by name. Ask instead for ideas about how to relieve symptoms and how to keep comfortable.
- Practice good hygiene; wash hands often and use antibacterial soap when exposed to germs.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette and wood smoke, which can weaken the lungs; and consider alternative treatments like homeopathy and natural cures like herbal medicine, but don't dole out these remedies without fully understanding their side effects.
- According to the CDC, antibiotics should not be given for a sore throat without a positive strep test (which can by diagnosed only by a specific swab test). Likewise, antibiotics should not be given for a common cold; thick, discolored mucus is normal unless it lasts more than 14 days.
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