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If you are in a position where you have to handle infection naturally, then this article is for you. Here are 12 simple ways that can help prevent and treat infection without the use of antibiotics or other harmful substances. These methods are all natural so they are great if you're trying to avoid more rounds of harsh antibiotics!
Drink lots of fluids to flush out bacteria and toxins
Drinking water is the easiest way to help your body fight infection. Make sure you drink a lot of water before, during and after an illness so that the bacteria does not take hold in your body. You can also try adding a few drops of lemon in your drink to increase its natural antibiotic properties! Adding honey will make it more soothing on an upset stomach.
Add garlic or ginger to your meals
Adding either garlic or ginger to dishes while they are being cooked can be extra beneficial for combating infections because these herbs have antibacterial properties. Turmeric has also been shown to suppress the growth of bacteria. Add some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Get plenty of rest and sleep
Staying well-rested is important in maintaining the health of your immune system. This will help to prevent infection, but it can also be helpful for fighting off an illness if you do happen to catch something. It's important not to go overboard though because too much sleep could interfere with your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
Take a probiotic supplement
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help promote the growth of good intestinal flora, which will be helpful in preventing infection. To reap these benefits, it's important to take a daily dose of probiotic supplements with at least five billion live cultures because they will not have any effect if they are taken sporadically.
Take an Epsom salt bath
Epsom salts are a great way to help soothe an infection. Add about two cups of Epsom salts into your bath and soak for at least 30 minutes!
Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, dark chocolate, and black raspberries
Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to get your daily dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants . Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals that cause inflammation and tissue damage. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
These foods help prevent infection by providing the body with good bacteria that will fight off any bad bacteria trying to take hold in your system. Try adding more fiber to your diet as well since this helps push out toxins from the colon. Fiber is also great for lowering cholesterol, which can reduce inflammation throughout the body
Practice yoga or meditation to reduce stress levels
Stress has been shown to increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to more illness. Yoga and meditation are perfect ways to reduce stress levels and help your body fight off infection.
Regular exercise can also reduce stress levels and subsequently decrease the risk for an inflammatory response. Research has shown that regular aerobic activity reduces C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in the body.
Take botanical supplements for their natural infection-fighting properties
Andrographis and Echinacea are both great for fighting off infection. You can also take a garlic supplement or add fresh cloves to your meals. Andrographis is an herb long used in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurveda and is a bitter-tasting herb rich in compounds known as andrographolides. These compounds are thought to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Ask a professional before using these supplements as an alternative to other medications.
Avoid caffeine or alcohol
While coffee and tea are both great antioxidant sources, they can also increase cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that has been shown to suppress immune function and slow down healing time for wounds. This means that those who drink caffeinated beverages regularly may be more susceptible to infection over time. Alcohol also has been shown to suppress immunity, so it is best avoided as well.
Conclusion
Overall, consult your doctor if you think you have any sort of infection. Practice a healthy lifestyle as much as possible to avoid a major infection from occurring. If you have questions about alternative treatment options in comparison to traditional antibiotics, call our office today at (830) 992-3042 to book an appointment with Dr. O'Leary.