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More than 2500 years ago one of the greatest healers of antiquity uttered very important and wise words: “Let your food become your medicine, and your medicine – your food.” The peculiarity of this phrase is not only in its deep semantic content, but also in the variety of interpretations. All of them can be found on forums, in signatures and discussions. Some say that he meant the need to eat only the healthiest foods. Others – moderation in food, without which it is impossible to talk about health. Still others are sure that he insisted on the importance of introducing special foods that have an antimicrobial effect into his diet. Some natural antibiotics, many of whom, although they are frequent guests of our cuisine, do not always take an active part in the preparation of the main dishes. Simply because they do not yet know about their miraculous power …
Antibiotics: history and modernity
Many remember that the history of antibiotics dates back to the 1920s, when penicillin was first discovered by Alexander Fleming. And what have people been doing up to this point, you ask? After all, infections have existed since antiquity. Moreover, many of them were responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
They were also treated. But they used other antibacterial agents. Science knows that the ancient Egyptians relied on moldy bread and other moldy foods. And they applied honey to the wounds for disinfection. The ancient Romans, in turn, used garlic extensively to treat infectious diseases. This tradition was successfully adopted by other peoples up to the moment of the discovery of penicillin.
It was with the advent of the latter that for some reason they forgot about natural antibiotics. And they began to remember literally several decades ago. Only when the public began to vigorously discuss the harmful effects of such medications on the human body. And look for ways to replace them. As it turned out, you don’t have to go far for them.
The advantages of natural antibiotics over synthetic
At first, natural antibiotics are harmless, in particular, for the intestinal microflora. Unlike synthetic ones, which are designed to destroy absolutely all bacteria in the human body, regardless of whether they benefit or harm it.
Secondly, they are effective. Meanwhile, it is most rational to use them for prophylaxis, at the initial stages of the disease or during treatment as an adjuvant. Since, according to doctors, they simply cannot cope with some advanced forms of infectious diseases on their own.
Thirdly, introducing them into your diet is very beneficial. After all, among other things, they increase immunity, and as a result, help the body not only fight one ailment, but also resist the appearance of others.
Fourthly, they eliminate the risk of developing fungal infections, in contrast to synthetic ones, which tend to provoke them.
Fifthly, natural antibiotics are much cheaper and more accessible than synthetic ones.
At sixth, the resistance of bacteria to natural antibiotics never decreases, unlike synthetic ones. This is explained by the fact that natural antibiotics, entering our body in different quantities and proportions, allow it to synthesize more and more new chemical compounds each time (in total there are about 200 of them). They allow you to effectively fight germs and bacteria.
Finally, natural antibiotics have no contraindications. Meanwhile, before using them, you should still consult with your doctor.
Top 17 antibiotic products
Garlic. Its antimicrobial properties are legendary. And all because at one time they were studied especially carefully. As a result, it was possible to prove the effectiveness of garlic in the fight against:
- candida (fungal organisms that cause candidiasis, or thrush);
- Helicobacter pylori microbes, which can cause ulcers and stomach cancer;
- campylobacter (the causative agent of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract);
- Escherichia coli, which causes food poisoning;
- dysentery amoeba, provoking amoebic colitis;
- intestinal lamblia, or the causative agents of giardiasis.
The uniqueness of garlic is that it can successfully fight not only bacteria, but also fungi and other protozoa that cause a number of serious diseases. This is explained by the content of a special substance in it – alliin. At the moment of grinding the garlic, the latter is converted into allicin under the influence of a special enzyme. And allicin, in turn, takes part in the formation of substances that can suppress enzymes that are necessary for the vital activity of microbes. This is the difference in the mechanism of action of natural and synthetic antibiotics. After all, the latter are designed to destroy exactly bacteria and microbes, which in this case may simply be resistant to them. Simply put, the microorganisms that garlic acts on can be compared to a person who is suddenly deprived of air. However, bacteria are unable to develop resistance to garlic. Garlic is best consumed raw, added to salads and dishes seasoned with olive or other vegetable oil.
Cranberry. It contains flavonoids and hippuric acid. They allow not only to prevent the development of diseases of the urinary system, but also successfully fight against E. coli, which provokes the development of acute intestinal diseases (coli infections).
Wasabi, or Japanese green horseradish. It inhibits the growth of E. coli, staphylococcus, Streptococcus mutans (causes the development of caries), V. Parahaemolyticus (causative agent of acute diarrhea), Bacillus cereus (bacteria that causes food poisoning).
Kinza. It is one of the most effective treatments for salmonellosis. It contains a special substance – dodecenal, which has powerful antimicrobial properties. You can use cilantro not only as part of salads, but also as part of meat dishes. Since it is meat that is most often the source of salmonellosis infection.
Honey. In ancient times, the Romans used honey extensively on the battlefield to heal wounds. And all thanks to the fact that it contains a special substance that promotes the production of hydrogen peroxide, or peroxide. This allows the body to effectively fight infection and prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Also, honey has a sedative property, helps to remove toxins from the body and improve liver function. By the way, using honey with cinnamon, you can not only cleanse your body, but also increase your immunity. Several years ago, the beneficial properties of honey were researched by Professor Liz Harry. Using three types of honey in their work – clover pollen honey, manuka honey and canuka honey, scientists tried to experimentally establish the most useful of them. As a result, it was proven that “Manuka honey is the most effective in stopping the growth of all types of bacteria. The latter, at the same time, always remain sensitive to it. ” Manuka honey is produced by bees in New Zealand in those places where the shrub of the same name grows, and is sold all over the world.
Cabbage. It contains sulfur compounds that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In addition, cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C. It activates the body’s defenses and effectively fights many diseases.
Bow. Like garlic, it contains many nutrients, including sulfur and flavonoids. They endow this product with a number of beneficial properties, including antimicrobial ones. Most often, onions are used to treat coughs and colds. Meanwhile, it can also be used as a disinfectant for insect or animal bites.
Ginger. It has been widely used in medicine for the past two millennia. It contains shoagols, zingeron and gingerols, which provide it with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Most commonly, ginger is used to treat colds, coughs, or flu. Along with this, it prevents the onset of cancer and is an excellent pain reliever.
Turmeric. It is a very effective antibiotic and antiseptic. It is most often used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or scabies. In addition, it is used to treat abrasions, wounds and cuts.
Citrus. They are rich in vitamin C, the uniqueness of which lies in its amazing ability to fight bacteria resistant to synthetic antibiotics. What’s more, it helps boost immunity, white blood cell production and natural skin cleansing. Citrus fruits are used not only to treat colds and flu, but also to treat diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and snakebites.
Green tea. According to research by scientists from Northwestern University, “polyphenolic compounds that appear in green tea with the addition of a pinch of salt, contribute to the production of non-toxic antibiotics.” The powerful antioxidant effect this drink has makes it an excellent immunity booster. In combination with synthetic antibiotics, green tea successfully fights E. coli and streptococci. Moreover, according to studies, it allows you to minimize the harm they cause.
Oregano oil. It has pronounced antimicrobial properties and improves immunity. Over the past three millennia, it has been used to treat insect bites, allergies, acne, sinusitis, gum disease, gastrointestinal tract diseases, sore throat, bronchitis and runny nose.
Horseradish. It contains a special substance, allyl, which gives it antimicrobial properties.
“Live” yoghurts. They contain probiotics, acidophilus bacteria and bifidobacteria, which help to increase the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing immunity. According to the data published in the book “Healing Foods” (Healing foods), “it is the bifidobacteria found in breast milk that protect the newborn from pathogens.”
Garnet. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and also contains a huge amount of vitamin C. Thus, pomegranate helps to increase immunity and successfully fights many infections, including urinary tract infections.
Carrot. Possesses antimicrobial properties. Most often it is used for food poisoning.
A pineapple. Another great antimicrobial agent. For centuries, pineapple juice has been used as a mouthwash in the treatment of diseases of the throat and mouth. Its effectiveness is due to the content of bromelain, a substance that successfully fights many infections.
How else can you fight harmful microorganisms and bacteria?
- Follow the rules of personal hygiene.
- Lead an active lifestyle and exercise. This will allow you to gain good immunity.
- Do not eat spoiled food.
- Use silver dishes whenever possible. Even in ancient times, it was believed that it has antimicrobial properties.