The Flu and the need for natural health alternatives

The Problem with Antibiotics - Antibiotic Resistance!

1. With more and more people becoming resistant and allergic to conventional antibiotics, it is only natural that people including scientists are looking for natural health alternatives like Manuka Honey to help cure flu and the common cold.

2. Another reason is people's fear of the often strong and unpleasant side effects of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in general.

One of the biggest health problems today is the growing antibiotic resistance to various kinds of bacteria. The reasons may differ. Generally there are said to be 4 major reasons.

1.       For a long time people relied on antibiotics whenever they assumed they had a bacterial infection. Instead of trying natural health alternatives to begin with they were pushing their doctors to prescribe antibiotics even if it was not necessary. To please their patients many doctors did so. This had the effect that our bodies got used to certain antibiotics. Antibiotics cause certain bacteria to become stronger and after a while resistant to the antibiotic.

2.       The second reason for increased resistance to antibiotics, is that doctors very often do not really know what bacteria exactly caused the infection, so they prescribe a broad spectrum antibiotic that fights a wide range of bacteria. The disadvantage of using a broad spectrum antibiotic is, that the good bacteria are destroyed along with the harmful bacteria. Those good bacteria function as a barrier for the harmful bacteria that try to attack our immune system.

3.       The third reason for increased resistance to antibiotics, is the use of antibiotics in agriculture. 50% of all antibiotics are used when raising animals for human consumption to help fight bacterial infections in the animals. As we consume large amounts of meat from antibiotic treated animals, we too accumulate these antibiotics in our bodies over the years, which in turn cause bacteria to become resistant. Once resistant, bacteria are a lot stronger, and there are no effective antibiotics left to treat infection. A recent study showed that  people who had taken antibiotics to fight infection, would get re-infected easier with resistant bacteria than those who did not take antibiotics.

4.       The overuse of antibacterial products used to clean our homes, also destroy the harmless bacteria that usually create a barrier. Without this natural barrier, it is easier for pathogens (harmful bacteria) to invade and cause bacterial infections.

During flu season (between November and March), people who catch the flu often expect relief  rather from antibiotics than from natural health alternatives. Many people are not aware, that antibiotics do not work for the flu, since the flu is caused by a virus.

However, it is true that a virus weakens the immune system and therefore makes the body more prone to become infected also by bacteria. Still, it is not a good idea to take antibiotics for the flu just to prevent a bacterial infection. The antibiotics generally harm our bodies more than do any good. Also, keep in mind, if it is worth suffering the common side effects of antibiotics which can range anywhere from an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting to a headache.

The natural way to strengthen your immune system to help prevent the next common cold or flu are natural health alternatives like Manuka Honey:

By taking a teaspoon of Manuka Honey twice  daily, may help ward off the next bacterial infection. Manuka Honey also aids in soothing a sore throat.  If you already have a cold or flu symptoms, start taking a teaspoon of Manuka Honey 3-4 times a day. Take one teaspoon of Manuka Honey and let is melt in the mouth first, then swallow to also coat the throat with the natural antibacterial properties in Manuka Honey. Taking Manuka Honey when you are already experiencing cold/flu symptoms are shown over and over again that the honey helps to reduce the amount of sick days by days and weeks in some cases.

Manuka Honey has the advantage that it is cost effective, and has no known effects unlike antibiotics. Manuka Honey has often prevented a visit to the doctor, thus saving on overcharged health care expenses. However, if symptoms of the cold or flu persist, call your doctor and set up an appointment.