My Secret Revealed: How I've Managed To Live Without Antibiotics For 9 Years
Since I embarked on a natural diet about 9 years ago I have managed to avoid all antibiotics. In this special article I will divulge how I handle minor illnesses that come up in my life. You may be wondering Why I try to avoid antibiotics at all costs.
I've seen with my own eyes how antibiotics can cause severe digestive illnesses, allergies, and immune system disorders. The reason for this is simple. Antibiotics don't discriminate between good and pathogenic bacteria. One dose of antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria that reside in our intestines. Some of the pathogenic bacteria will be killed as well, but often certain strains will develop resistance to the antibiotics. This will result in a situation where there is not enough good bacteria left to stop the growth of the pathogenic strains. Yeast such as Candida and bacteria like salmonella will have free reign.
Have you ever had to take dose after dose of antibiotics with no let up of symptoms? Often symptoms worsen as your good microflora die under the continued onslaught. The amazing book the Kosher Gut Plan reveals a fact that most people aren't aware of: good bacteria in the intestines are responsible for training and guiding the immune system. Without adequate levels of probiotics in the intestines, the immune system has no one giving it orders. This can lead to the development of autoimmune disorders.
I grew up in a family where we took antibiotics for everything. In fact, I would be disappointed if I left the doctors office without a prescription for antibiotics. I went to the doctor for every ache and pain. I took Advils and over-the counter pain relief medications all the time. Now, things couldn't be any more different. In fact, Thank G-d, I hardly ever get sick. I entirely avoid advil, tylenol and fever reducing medications. These medications suppress symptoms and make it harder for the immune system to defend the body. A fever is the body's natural response to illness. A fever kills viruses. So in essence it's a blessing in disguise. G-d programmed the immune system to protect us. What we want to do is support and strengthen the body so that it can fight the pathogens on it's own.
For every minor illness, I take different herbs and supplements, depending on symptoms. But this is what I do as a general rule. In extreme cases, antibiotics may be necessary especially when people have low levels of good microflora. Personally, I have not had to resort to antibiotics in the last 9 years as overall my diet is pretty good and I try to avoid unhealthy foods.
Update: I still haven't resorted to taking antibiotics. However after recent events I have come to the conclusion that no matter how good you think your diet is there may be something amiss - a key nutrient you aren't consuming etc... which can lead to health issues. For this and other reasons I am trying to avoid diets that are too constrictive and limited. Unless we have a specific severe allergy, its a good idea to try to incorporate key food groups that we might have avoided for years such as dairy, meat/chicken, grains (stone ground kamut), eggs (organic free range) etc... Good dairy to incorporate ex: goat kefir or yogurt) Good meat/chicken to incorporate would be organic or grass fed cooked in water in moderation. Good grains to try would be stone ground kamut (buy here). Healthy eggs are organic free range hard boiled. A family member had severe leaky gut, eczema, and allergies for which reason I just didn't buy much dairy eggs and meat. We were basically vegan, except on Shabbos. Although most of her leaky gut issues and eczema symptoms resolved within a few months by that time I had gotten used to that diet and didn't bother testing the foods again to see if she could tolerate them. SO we adhered to the vegan diet for longer than we should have and of course nutrient deficiencies developed with their own set of symptoms. We are no longer vegan. Many extreme diets like Paleo, Keto, Atkins, low carb, even vegan diets are frought with health risks when followed long term. Short term they may have some clear benefits. For example, many people with diabetes heart disease etc... may do very well on a vegan diet to give their bodies time to heal and detoxify. The more severe the symptoms the longer you may need to be on the diet. But if you are healthy overall or have already resolved your health issue, it may be wise to test the situation again and see if you can reincorporate some of these foods into your diet. Note: meat and chicken should not be fried. The healthiest way to consume these foods is to cook them in water.
Proper bread made with stone ground ancient grain is absolutely vital for brain health. Wheat germ is one of the healthiest foods in the world and is necessary for pregnant women for the well being of the fetus. Although I was gluten free for years, today I can't imagine life without kamut bread. Although at first i had positive experiences going gluten free, with time I was concerned with the amount of nuts and brown rice I was consuming. Eventually, I developed an almond allergy and brown rice has altogether too much arsenic Now. I start off my day with Kamut bread and it gives me the energy I need for the whole day. It also improved my digestion and helped me to lose weight.
The Ancient Kamut grain has been shown in a research study from the University of Florence to lower blood sugar levels and ensure proper digestive health.
I have learned from my past experiences to constantly check and recheck my diet and vitamin status.
HOW I DEAL WITH FEVER, COLDS, COUGHS AND SORE THROAT
The Most Important Aspect of Becoming ill Is to Build a Connection to G-d. If you aren't already praying, now is definitely the time to Start. When a family member is sick, prayer is always the first thing I do. When a child is running a fever, and you're scared, who can help you? Who knows how the body works and exactly what we need to heal? Only G-d. But the Torah also tells us to watch over our bodies and to avoid bad foods (See Rambam Hilchot Deot Chapter 4). So everything I will reveal should be taken in the context that only G-d can heal us, we are just making a basic effort. Many Rabbis explain that bad diet is the cause of most illnesses. Current research also confirms this. So Minor illnesses like coughs, fevers, and colds are the perfect opportunity to rethink our diet, and make better food choices. Remember eating healthy foods is a basic commandment in the Torah. Make every bite count.
Day 1
At the very beginning of a cough, sore throat, or when I experience body aches I juice as much as I can for myself, to prevent it from getting worse. This is often enough to stop a cold or cough right in its tracks. Orange juice alone is not strong enough so I mix about one freshly squeezed orange with the juice of half a grapefruit or a lemon. I do this a few times per day. Green juicing is also great as greens provide lots of different nutrients. THE JUICE MUST BE SQUEEZED FRESH AT HOME, as all juices lose many of their nutrients within 15 minutes.
I continue to juice daily throughout the course of the illness. A good alternative to green juicing: 1 packet of CHOMEISU daily to alkalize the body and provide key nutrients. Chomeisu is an amazing Japanese herb that supports detoxification and promotes healthy blood sugar levels. I'm growing to love this special herb. (Buy here)
On Day 1 I start to take CBD Oil (about 1/4-1/2 dropper of CBD Oil Pain Fade twice per day and CBD Oil 1500mg 1/4 dropper. And about 2,000-4,000mg Vitamin C if necessary.
DAY 2
If I still have symptoms, body aches or sore throat on Day 2, I go into full gear. This is the method that has worked for me:
CBD OIL- I take about 1/2 dropperful of CBD Oil: Pain Fade three times per day. Pain Fade is a combination of CBD Oil and MCT Oil. I also take about 1/4 - 1/2 dropperful of CBD Oil 1500mg about 2-3 times daily. Studies have shown that CBD Oil has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, CBD effectively killed MRSA which is a strong bacteria that doesn't respond to traditional antibiotics. Scientists haven't figured out exactly why CBD is effective at killing bacteria and viruses. Cannabinoids in CBD Oil utilize a completely different mechanism than antibiotics, but the main point is that it works. Part of the reason why CBD Oil is so effective is that the human body already has cannabinoid receptors and an endocannabinoid system that processes cannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 are cannabinoid receptors. Plant cannabinoids such as those present in CBD Oil as well as our own natural endocannabinoids activate these receptors that help balance pain and reduce inflammation. CBD can even battle various types of cancer. (To buy CBD Oil click here)
Liquid Vitamin D3- I take about 5,000-7,500ug per day in split doses. For coughs and chest pains this is especially important.
Nascent Iodine- I buy nascent iodine, as it's small size is easier for the body to assimilate. Iodine can also be absorbed through the skin, so sometimes I rub it on my wrists instead of taking it orally. I take about 2,500mcg per day in divided doses (about 3-6 drops per day). Since Iodine is strong, start with one drop and build up to test your reaction.
Silver Water- I buy Sovereign Silver because its small particle size ensures better absorption. Its expensive, but its a good quality product. Hold a tsp. under your tongue for 30 seconds before swallowing. I do this up to 6 times daily. Silver is a good antibacterial. People have used it for centuries to prevent and combat infections. In fact, mothers who could afford it use to feed their babies with silver spoons because they knew the value of silver.
Black Elderberry- this is especially useful for children, as they love the taste and black elderberry is a potent herb. I buy the syrup sweetened with honey. Not for children under 1 year old.
Vitamin C- I take between 6,000-10,000 mg per day. I have 1000mg pills so I take about 2 pills 3X per day. I am currently looking for a more natural source of Vitamin C so I will update.
Digestive Enzymes & Probiotics- When taking natural antibacterials it's important to support the intestines, so I take JAPANESE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES made from fermented fruits daily. I also eat UMEBOSHI along with my meals, which is a natural source of probiotics. (click here to buy)
DIET IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE WHEN BATTLING ILLNESS
Remember bad diet is the cause of most illnesses. Minor illnesses like coughs, fevers, and colds are the perfect opportunity to rethink our diet.
REMOVE ALL SUGAR FROM THE DIET This is no longer relevant to me as I have not eaten any sugar in years. But it's vital to understand that sugar feeds bad bacteria and yeast. All processed sugars whether it's white sugar, brown sugar, beet sugar or cane sugar, rice syrup, agave, corn syrup, etc...... will directly feed the bacteria, and create acidity in the body. So if you haven't already removed sugar from your diet, now's the time to do so. Real Maple syrup and raw honey are ok.
VEGETABLES Pathogenic Bacteria cannot survive in an alkaline environment. Greens and veggies alkalize the body. So if you're hungry try to eat fresh veggie soups (no added trans fatty oils) and Green salads.
STONE GROUND BREAD Our bodies rely on carbs to function. Our muscle and brain cells are designed to run on carbohydrates. Stone Ground Bread is the perfect source of carbohydrates, full of B vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber. When you're ill, its not the time to overeat. But if you're hungry, there is no better option than stone ground bread made from ancient grains. White rice, white bread, pasta, and most sprouted breads (source of bacteria) should be strictly avoided at all times especially during times of illness. Modern Wheat in general is absolutely toxic, therefore, I only eat ancient grains. Although I enjoy brown rice, it's high arsenic and phytic acid levels are very concerning, so I am eating less and less. White potatoes are too starchy and should be avoided during times of illness. Really all that's left is bread: healthy bread. Our ancestors ate stone ground bread for thousands of years. For the sake of our health, it's time to return to our ancient traditions.
Visit Joseph's Organic Bakery to Find Out More about Stone Ground Bread.
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