Bacteria tend to develop resistance to industrial antibiotics sooner or later, but this isn’t the case with herbal antibiotics. Herbal antibiotics work in a way where bacteria resistance becomes unlikely, even futile. Medicinal plants, including herbal antibiotics, have been used in the management of infectious diseases since ancient times. In modern times, the effectiveness of many of … Continue reading Medicinal plants: What you need to know about herbal antibiotics
Prepper must-haves: 10 Survival uses of hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic made by combining water and an oxygen molecule. It is an excellent disinfectant, mold-killer and stain remover, thanks to this extra oxygen molecule. Experienced preppers recommend stocking up on bottles of hydrogen peroxide and including them in your’s bug-out bag because they can be used for a variety of things. Here … Continue reading Prepper must-haves: 10 Survival uses of hydrogen peroxide
EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Britain-based biotech company Oxitec has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes in the Florida Keys this spring. The firm claims that the technology is safe and effective at eradicating dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases in the area – a claim that scientists and residents dispute. Oxitec, which is U.S.-owned but U.K.-based, says … Continue reading EPA approves release of GMO mosquitoes in the Florida Keys despite safety concerns
Cleaning products linked to antibiotic resistance: Use plant-based non-toxic cleaners instead, urge experts
Millions of people around the globe use chemical disinfectants and other similar cleaning products to rid their homes of disease-causing bacteria. However, scientists find that the use of these cleaners can cause bacteria to develop resistance to chemicals meant to kill them. This is because chemical cleaners leave active residues that continue to kill bacteria — but not all … Continue reading Cleaning products linked to antibiotic resistance: Use plant-based non-toxic cleaners instead, urge experts
Study: Antibiotics found to affect gut microbes and increase the risk of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a challenging illness to treat because scientists lack a clear understanding of its precise causes. Although there is a genetic component, researchers have long been focusing on the environmental factors that lead to the disease, and one recent study found a connection between antibiotics and gut microbe changes that raise a person’s risk of … Continue reading Study: Antibiotics found to affect gut microbes and increase the risk of Parkinson’s
EPA approves use of toxic pesticide previously banned for use on citrus
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Jan. 12 that it approved the use of aldicarb, a toxic pesticide it had banned in 2010, and the antibiotic streptomycin on Florida’s citrus plants. The decision allows 100,000 acres of citrus groves to be treated with 2.5 million pounds of aldicarb, which has been banned in over 100 countries. It is also the only … Continue reading EPA approves use of toxic pesticide previously banned for use on citrus
Can common antibiotics harm your heart? Research links them to increased risk of heart conditions
It is becoming increasingly clear that pharmaceutical antibiotics are not the life-saving drugs their makers say they are. Prone to misuse, antibiotics have given rise to a new breed of drug-resistant bacteria called “superbugs,” creating one of the most dangerous public health crises of this time. On top of this, antibiotics have numerous side effects. They can cause changes to the … Continue reading Can common antibiotics harm your heart? Research links them to increased risk of heart conditions
Study: Taking common drugs linked to impaired microbiome health and increased risk of obesity and intestinal infections
Researchers from the University Medical Center Groningen and Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands have found that 18 common drug categories can negatively impact the gut microbiome, the total population of microbes present in the gut and their collective genetic material. Many of these drugs, such as the diabetes drug metformin and the antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can disrupt … Continue reading Study: Taking common drugs linked to impaired microbiome health and increased risk of obesity and intestinal infections
Listen to the experts: Antibiotics DAMAGE immune system function, warn researchers
Even with the greater attention that has been paid in recent years to the problem of antibiotic overuse and superbugs, these drugs continue to be prescribed heavily, with roughly 40 percent of adults and 70 percent of children being given antibiotics each year. While there is no question that there are some cases where they … Continue reading Listen to the experts: Antibiotics DAMAGE immune system function, warn researchers
Drugs can turn your gut microbiome against you – and even kill you
People respond differently to medical treatments. Certain medications may be effective for some, while others may find that they need large doses to see some improvements. But increasing the quantity of a certain drug you’re taking may lead to serious consequences, like in the case of the Parkinson’s drug, levodopa (L-dopa). Gut microbes and L-dopa L-dopa is a replacement … Continue reading Drugs can turn your gut microbiome against you – and even kill you
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 