Friday 30 December 2016

FIGHTING SUPERBUGS THE NATURAL WAY


Tis this the season of rampant flu's and both viral and bacterial infections (especially those caused by over indulgences in the recent holiday seasonal culinary delights!) I therefore thought it best to start the year focusing on how to naturally heal yourself from these ailments simply by what we eat. It was Hippocrates (the father of Modern Medicine) that said “Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food!”

Due to the overuse of antibiotics (including the high levels of antibiotics in meat production), superbugs have been developed in humans which are more resistant than ever. They are evolving at a rate that scientists are simply unable to keep up with for synthetic antibiotics! The last report about 3 years ago indicated that 2 million American adults and children become infected each year with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and at least 23,000 of them die as a result of these infections. In the meanwhile, many others die from other complications from an antibiotic-resistant infection!

Let’s therefore look at 7 of the most natural antibiotics that you can find right in your kitchen and use every day to guard your bodies against infections and to heal your system:
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1. Garlic: This is one of the best natural antibiotic that you will ever find. Notwithstanding the very pungent smell of garlic it is one of the most flavourful or herbs! I love to use an entire head of garlic when cooking my meats. High heat however will destroy the active ingredient that allows it to heal so Its best consumed raw to be effective as an antibiotic. Chop, slice, crush or mince the garlic and let it sit for about 20 mins to activate the Allium Sativum ingredient which is effective at preventing and curing common colds among many other ailments. Add it to some honey (which is next on my list) and it becomes more palatable.
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2.  Raw Honey:  Is also considered one of the best natural antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antiseptics known to mankind. There are many types of honey however the Manuka Honey from New Zealand is known to have the highest levels of antioxidants and curative properties. An enzyme known as methylglyoxal actually releases hydrogen peroxide. This helps the body to fight infection and prevent the growth of bacteria. Honey also removes toxins from the blood and helps with the functioning of the liver. Raw organic honey is the best as honey that is pasteurized might have a reduced antioxidant effect. Add this to some Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (next on my list) as a daily natural supplement to remove toxins from your body.

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3. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): This helps to naturally alkalize your system (reduces the acidic levels so your body is in a better position to heal itself) and it has natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties. Raw ACV also helps with many other issues such as reducing Cholesterol levels and helps to lower blood sugar levels as well as helping to remove toxins from the body and reduce the risk of cancers. It can also be used topically as an astringent to sterilize and disinfect wounds.
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4. Coconut Oil (virgin): Growing up in the West Indies in the 80’s we were told that Coconut oil was bad for your health while people from the Philippines call the coconut tree “the tree of life”! Now whether that was a high level of conspiracy in order to push corn and other vegetable oils or whether they were just not enlightened as present I will let you be the judge of that, however Coconut has been found to have naturally occurring anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties and is packed with more antioxidants than one can find anywhere else in nature! It is also the oil that can best withstand very high heat without becoming toxic. I use it to cook every day and I absolutely love the flavor it gives to my dishes. Coconut oil can be used to boost the immune system, balance your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as your thyroid but even more impactful is the effect it has on the brain! Studies have now shown that it can even reverse the Alzheimer’s disease! Coconut is certainly one of the best gifts from Mother Nature!
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5. Cabbage: Researchers have now identified over 20 different flavonoids and 15 different phenols in cabbage all of them demonstrating antioxidant properties! One cup of cabbage provides 75% of your vitamin C requirements for the day! Several studies have now also linked it with anti-cancer fighters. Shred some in you salad today!
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6. Tumeric: This is the bright yellow spice that gives curries their rich colour and smoky flavor but it also has amazing healing properties! It is the compound called Circumin that is found in turmeric that has all these antibiotic effects by killing viruses and bacteria. Studies have even shown turmeric to be effective against the E-Coli bacteria which causes food poisoning. It acts as an antibacterial agent and can also be applied directly to the skin. A paste can be made of turmeric and Manduka Honey and applied directly to a skin infection.
Echinacea Tea
7. Echinacea: This is an amazing flowering herb which Native Indians in North America have been using for over 400 years to provide healing. It has antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and as such has many uses. It is best available as an OTC Supplement however and can be taken in tea form or as a liquid or capsule supplement.

With all these items hiding in your kitchen cupboard why take synthetic antibiotics when they might not even work? Beats me!

Be blessed and Stay Healthy~
sharbs