Antibacterial
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that grow throughout the human body, mainly on the skin and in the digestive tract. The vast majority are either beneficial or are rendered harmless by the immune system. Bacteria in the arm pits or genital area can cause body odor. Most bacteria in the body live in the colon, where they help break down food and assimilate nutrients that the digestive system cannot manage alone. These beneficial bacteria also help fight off harmful bacteria.
Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat harmful bacterial infections. Most antibiotics do not discriminate between healthy bacteria and unhealthy bacteria, and as a consequence many people no longer have adequate levels of beneficial bacteria in their digestive tracts. Paradoxically, this increases the risk of further harmful bacterial infections.
It is best to avoid antibiotics for illnesses that the immune system can can handle on its own. If antibiotics are unavoidable, be sure to take probiotics as well, to replenish the beneficial bacteria that are lost. Probiotics are sold online and in natural food stores.
Beneficial Foods
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Kills harmful bacteria in the stomach, before it has a chance to get to the intestines. |
| Black Olives | Whole olives contain the anti-bacterial antioxidant, polyphenols. |
| Cranberries | Fight bacterial infections in the stomach and urinary tract. Prevent harmful bacteria from adhering to organ walls. |
| Garlic | Shown to be a powerful broad-spectrum antibiotic when eaten raw and crushed. Unlike some standard antibiotics, the body does not become resistant to these natural antibiotics over time. |
| Sea Salt | Helps resist bacterial infections. |
| Turmeric | Kills harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. |
Beneficial Nutrients
| Chlorophyll | Delivers oxygen to the intestines, promoting good aerobic bacteria and discouraging bad anaerobic bacteria. Fights bacterial infection in wounds. |