By Barbara Rotthaler
Editor’s note: The following article appeared in the Lake Chapala Review in two parts. We present both parts here for you
This first part deals with the problems of overuse of antibiotics and their side effects from a holistic point of view.
The second part addresses how Natural Medicine treats infections and what kinds of alternative medications and treatments exist.
Are antibiotics necessary?
The answer of course is YES. Nobody today wants to do without these drugs that not only relieve symptoms fast but also save lives. But the answer is not just a simple yes.
By now it has been established that as a result of using antibiotics frequently, more and more bacteria and germs are becoming resistant to these antibiotics. Laboratories are developing new types of antibiotics, but do we know if they will be the same potent bacteria killers for future infections?
In addition to the problem of becoming disease resistant, the use of antibiotics also poses a number of other questions: Are antibiotics harmful, if yes, why? Are there alternatives? What is the general approach of Natural, Holistic Medicine to infections?
Let me at first give you some short historical information:
In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin produced by a fungus. It was an accidental discovery and was the beginning of a new era in medicine. With the use of antibiotics it was possible to treat infections easily and very effectively, but, unfortunately, many other home remedies and methods of healing became "old fashioned" or were forgotten. Indeed, compared to the treatments used by natural medicine, it is so much easier just to take a few pills that give faster relief, and it allows people back to work more quickly. Natural remedies are not as fast acting and often require longer absences from work. Because of this, it is totally understandable that getting well with antibiotics became the cure of choice.
But, during the last 20 years more and more critical voices were heard, warning about the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and possible harmful side effects. Especially because of the increase of allergies and autoimmune diseases, researchers have been led to suspect a connection between these illnesses and the frequent use of antibiotics.
What do we know today about the dangers of antibiotics?
Let's take a look at two major critical areas:
1. The effect of antibiotics on the intestines
Every time somebody takes antibiotics it will affect the delicate balance of the beneficial friendly bacteria in the intestines by killing a lot of the friendly bacteria. Candida is a fungus, which, in small amounts, is a normal part of the intestinal microbes, but can grow into abnormally large colonies. These then dominate and create a condition called dysbiosis. This means, that as other intestinal bacteria die, yeast thrives, especially when their dietary needs are met (sugar and carbohydrates). Yeast can use its tendrils to literally poke holes through the lining of the intestinal wall. This can lead to a syndrome called leaky gut syndrome. (Steroidal and non-steroidal drugs, hormone therapy and long lasting stress situations can have similar effects). Overgrowth of yeast also leads to craving more sweets, because yeast likes this type of food and wants to have more.
It is important to know, that more than 60 % of our immune cells are located around the intestinal area. By altering the normal balance of the intestines, antibiotics make food allergies and intolerances more likely. And this again has some correlation to other illnesses, such as allergies, immune deficiencies, fibromyalgia, weight problems etc.
According to an article published in 2001 in a report on Allergy and Asthma, the first auto immune disease was identified in 1952. Today more than 95 immune syndromes have been identified with new conditions being added constantly. The report also indicates that increased use of antibiotics in children may be associated with the increased risk of developing allergies. A study published in 2006 by the University of British Columbia involving 12,082 children shows that children who received antibiotics during their first year of life had double the risk of developing asthma. We know all too well the effects that allergies and asthma present for millions of families today.
2. The effect of antibiotics on our defense mechanism
Let's take a short excursion into the basic laws of health and illness seen from a holistic point of view.
Modern concepts of medicine demonstrate a fundamental principle that applies to the human organism as well as to other systems.
"Any highly organized system reacts to stress always by producing the best possible response of which it is capable in the moment. In the human being this means that the defense mechanism makes the best possible (less harmful) response to the pathogen stimulus (Vithoulkas, The Science of Homeopathy).
That means, disturbances of the body are causing the defense mechanism to react, which results in symptoms. For example pain, runny nose, fever, diarrhea etc. are the reactions of the defense mechanism in its effort to bring back health. These are also warning signals that indicate there is something out of balance and the body is taking actions to correct the problem and again reach homeostasis or system balance. When we interfere with that response by not allowing these actions to happen (suppressive medicine), then we actually hinder the defense mechanism in its natural work.
Unfortunately, most of our allopathic drugs are based on that principle. Because of wanting fast relief, we quickly take medication to get rid of symptoms before allowing real healing to take place. For example: we take anti-inflammatory, anti -cholesterol, anti-fever, anti-diarrhea, anti-acids, and anti-depressant etc. Unfortunately, also antibiotics very often have suppressive characteristics and the more given, the weaker and more susceptible to infections and illnesses a person becomes.
Relief of symptoms is not always a sign of improvement in health. The level of illness often just moves into other organs and after a while manifests itself as a new problem, which the person does not connect with the previous problem.
Therefore, the most logical therapeutic approach would be one that enhances and strengthens the effectiveness of the organism's own healing process so that antibiotics only have to be used in cases when they are really needed.
A Holistic Approach to Infections
There is a basic controversy between the approach of conventional medicine on one side and the holistic medicine on the other side regarding infections.
The controversial question is:
Are the germs the cause of infections or is it the host and its unhealthy terrain (body)? Is getting an infection a matter of susceptibility, more than a matter of the germs? Why is it that only a few people develop an upper respiratory infection when they are exposed to a person who has a terrible cold and is spreading viruses? Why doesn’t everyone who is exposed get sick?
From a holistic or natural medicine point of view, an infection is usually a sign that the person is not healthy enough or the immune system is not strong enough to resist the invaders. Possibly it is because of stress, emotional imbalance, metabolic waste, acidity, toxins, an infected tooth, food intolerances, too many antibiotics, steroids, chemical drugs or other reasons.
When children experience the so-called childhood diseases it has a different meaning. The immature defense system of a newborn or a child has to learn how to fight against invaders and by dealing with these illnesses it is like a training process for the immune system. Through antibiotics, fever reducing medications, and other suppressive treatments, the chance for the system to learn is taken away. This is one reason why allergies, autoimmune diseases and behavioral problems (ADD) increase.
Before I explain how natural medicine deals with infections lets have a look at:
How Nature Heals
During each infection the “inner doctor” mobilizes the defense system. There is a whole bunch of reactions going on: specific immune factors and blood cells, the lymphatic system and chemical reactions within the connective tissue are highly activated. The whole system works together to destroy the invaders and to get rid of their remains.
The reactions we experience during this process might be tiredness, perspiration, coughing up phlegm, tears, heat, pus (old leucocytes), vomiting, diarrhea, fever etc.
Fever is the most powerful helper.
Why? During the fever the production of immune (killer) cells multiply, the pulse rate goes up, the circulation of blood increases which also causes oxygen and the “defense supply” to be carried more quickly to the location of the infection. Increased perspiration helps to get rid of waste substances and toxins. Not feeling hungry, not having an appetite and eating less also saves energy for the defense work
The Natural Medicine Approach
In natural medicine we support the body‘s own defense mechanisms. We work with the body and not against it!
So the first thing we recommend is cleansing the system. This is what the immune system tries to do anyway. The methods might be: juice fasting, enemas or other laxatives, skin brushing, deep breathing of fresh air, rest and sleep.
A lot of people underestimate their body’s healing abilities. We are so used to going immediately to a doctor when something is wrong. But take an objective look at yourself and your life-style. If you keep coming down with the same thing over and over again, do some thinking and research. How is your stress level? Do you drink a lot of coke or alcohol, do you smoke, do you treat each cold and flu with antibiotics and then do you have intestinal disorders or allergies? Do you have a sedentary life style or do you constantly overuse and overstrain your body? How is your spiritual life, your relationships? Maybe you just need a “time out” or want to avoid the next unpleasant visit of relatives? The point is, myriad factors could contribute to illness. When we take good care of ourselves, our bodies are amazingly resistant to infections.
Alternatives to Antibiotics
Other than general recommendations that I have mentioned above, what are other alternatives?
Some of them are medicinal herbs and plants like oregano, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary, garlic, onions etc. used as tinctures, teas, cataplasms, poultices or for inhaling.
Grapefruit seed extract, cloves, wormwood and a lot of Mexican herbs can be very helpful in cases of intestinal infections.
Homeopathic remedies have to be individually chosen according to the symptoms the person has developed. The more acute the illness is the faster they work. There are dozens of remedies for all kinds of infections available.
Propolis, echinacea, garlic and vitamin C can support the general resistance to infections. You also might consider taking an antioxidant and vitamin supplements. Medications with immune factors are recommended for prevention and in cases of long lasting or repetitive infections.
Hot or cold compresses, repeated rubbings of the whole body with a wet cold wash cloth, getting lots of fresh air and sleep will contribute to your healing. Trust your body in its self-healing capacity.
When we treat our common infections in that way, we become more stable and resistant, because our immune system (re-) learns how to cope with it.
As I said in my Part one of this article, there is nothing wrong with antibiotics and we are thankful that we have them. But they should be used carefully and with consideration.
One of the most common diagnoses at a doctor‘s office is the upper respiratory infection. It accounts for up to 70 percent of all of the antibiotics dispensed (Annals of Internal Medicine March, 2001). But most of these infections are not caused by bacteria, but by viruses and fungi. So, unless a secondary bacterial infection presents itself an antibiotic is not of any use and therefore is not recommended.
In one study, the children with ear infections who took antibiotics suffered double the rate of adverse effects and repetitive infections compared to children who took placebos. The difference in the course of the infection (outcome) was almost negligible.
Of course antibiotics save lives, but certainly, most people suffering from the common cold are not near death, so please think twice before taking antibiotics.
If you have to take antibiotics you must commit to the full course unless you experience significant side effects or an allergic reaction. After you finished the (antibiotic) treatment, replace the friendly good bacteria in your intestines with probiotics like acidophilus, bifidus etc. to reestablish a healthy intestinal flora. It will work as general prevention as well.
However the infection is treated, try to understand the message that your body sent to you by becoming sick. Try to enjoy the days of forced rest (rather than becoming angry about it) and visualize being healthy again. When we let the body do the job and just support it, we feel much better because the whole process worked as a cleansing procedure. But most importantly have confidence and trust in your body’s own healing capacity.
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Information or questions: Barbara Rotthaler, German licensed Naturopath,
Tel. 01- 376 766 1987, e-mail: b_rotthaler@hotmail.com, www.geocities.com/rotthaler.health/ Barbara’s office is in the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, in the city of San Antonio Tlayacapan near the city of Ajijic.
Please note that this is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Please seek the help of your medical practitioner before embarking on alternative complementary therapy. Obviously, this is not intended to be a scientific document.
Barbara Rotthaler has been one of Focus on Mexico's Expert Speakers and is originally from Bavaria, Germany. Barbara has lived in Mexico since 1997 and her practice is in San Antonio Tlayacapan, a village on the shores of Lake Chapala. She sees clients, offers health lectures and works in a clinic for Natural Medicine in Guadalajara. She is a Naturopath, Homeopath Massage therapist for deep tissue and trigger point massage, reflexology and lymphatic drainage.
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