Health Conditions from A to Z

Infections

Infection is a condition caused by the growth of disease-causing pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in the body. These infectious agents grow in colonies that are invasive and multiply, damaging cells by various means, including directly, through release of toxins, or through allergic reaction.

Symptoms of infection include redness, inflammation, pain, swelling, and pus formation (abscess) at the site of the infection. Fever, cough, sneezing, fatigue, and bowel dysfunction (diarrhea) can also arise due to infection.

What To Consider

Although antibiotics can be effective when used appropriately, especially for serious or life-threatening bacterial infections, their indiscriminate use is not advised. In addition, antibiotics do not protect against viral infection or inflammatory conditions, although they are often prescribed for such conditions. Moreover, antibiotics destroy both harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially causing digestive and gastrointestinal problems and systemic yeast (Candida albicans) overgrowth.

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has produced multiple-drug-resistant bacterial strains of "super bugs" and is in danger of rendering antibiotics ineffective against life-threatening infections.

If you suspect you have a bacterial infection, ask your Health Coach to take a culture of saliva or tissues or fluids from the infected area. If it is a bacterial infection, samples of different antibiotics can be placed in the growing bacteria to determine which will be the most effective in killing that specific bacteria; this is called a sensitivity test. If you do take antibiotics, be sure to supplement with acidophilus during and after the course of treatment.

Caution
If fever and painful joints occur, this may be a sign of an infectious disease that is spreading throughout the body. To be sure, seek immediate medical attention.

Self-Care Tips

Diet
Increase your intake garlic and unflavored yogurt, and add infection fighting foods, such as diluted and organic (no sugar added) orange juice, apples and apple juice, grapes and grape juice, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, peaches, plums, figs, cabbage, onion, kelp, and raw honey to your diet. Avoid sugar in any form, and drink plenty of filtered water.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutritional alternative to antibiotics is often effective in treating infection, particularly in the initial stages:

• vitamin A (400,000 IU daily for five days),
• liquid garlic extract (up to two 4-ounce bottles a day) or the equivalent in high-quality garlic in capsules or tablets,
• and vitamin C to bowel tolerance.

Aromatherapy
For fungicidal infections, cedarwood is effective, while for infected wounds, frankincense, tea tree, and/or patchouli can be useful.

Herbs
Herbs that act as anti-infectious agents include echinacea, goldenseal, garlic Oregon grape, barberry, and adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian ginseng. Grapefruit seed extract also has strong antibiotic-like properties and can be applied topically or taken orally. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful for a wide range of infections.

Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy of alternating hot and cold water applications one to two times a day can help boost the immune system.

Juice Therapy
Combining the juices of carrot, celery, beet, cantaloupe, and ginger can be helpful.

Caution

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